Here we go sister! Let’s get that hospital bag packed and ready for the BEST experience ever!

If you search “Hospital Bag” on my blog you’ll see my previous post from when I had Kennedy. This one will look similar yet very different! I will create this list now, prior to having baby, and then I will update it after having baby with items I actually used. 

Back Story: Hospital Experience with Kennedy 

I will keep this super short because everyone has a different experience and every mom has a different experience with each baby. PLEASE keep that in mind when reading this. 

I was induced at 40 weeks and 3 days. 3 days past my due date and I was SO excited and ready to meet my sweet Kennedy. While my time in the hospital wasn’t the best it was 110% the best experience of my life. It’s so true what they say, you forget all the pain almost instantly when you’re handed your baby. It was the sweetest moment and one that I will NEVER forget. 

I think because my body wasn’t necessarily ready to have a baby, at the time, and I was being induced…the pain I experienced was immense. Or at least that’s what people have told me. So, prior to having the epidural I was in, what I would describe as, extreme pain. The nurses gave me some medication that should have “taken the edge off” which it did for maybe 15ish minutes. After that I got the epidural and it was smooth sailing through labor. 

TMI, but I tore both up and down – which made postpartum uncomfortable and truthfully very painful. I wasn’t healed or even comfortable for about 3-4 weeks after bringing Kennedy home. I will say,  because of my experience, I will be much better prepared in this area than I was with Kennedy! I will be getting ALL the postpartum care! haha

My hospital experience was less than great. Y’all, I don’t think I ever changed out of the gown I gave birth in until we left the hospital. EW! With all that being said, I say it because I literally used NOTHING I packed. Every experience is different, every mama want’s/needs something different, etc! 

However, I thought then and still think now – better to have it than not have it and need/want it! SO in true overpacker fashion…below is what I’m bringing this time around to the hospital… 

What I’m Packing
For Baby:
  1. Swaddle – definite must have, IMO. The hospital will provide you with one but it’t not super soft. 
  2. Binky – Kennedy didn’t use her binki until she was a few months old. I’m not opposed to giving baby one earlier. 
  3. Nightgown / PJ’s  (NB & 0-3 mth) – Kennedy was mostly naked and swaddled. I would pack as a just in case item. Could also double as a going home outfit. 
  4. Baby Book – if you’d like to fill out pages while at the hospital, like footprints. 
  5. Going Home Outfit
  6. Newborn Blanket
  7. Socks
  8. Bow/Hat – hospital will provide a hat but again, not super soft. 
  9. Name Sign
For Mom:
  1. Delivery Robe – hospital will provide you with one, however I got the FridaMom Delivery Robe and SO excited to wear it. It’s SO SOFT!
  2. PJ’s Dress – pack some comfy PJ’s for you. I’m packing a night gown and thing that is the easiest to wear while in the hospital & when you get home. 
  3. Slippers / Non – Skid Socks – hospital will provide but I wanted to bring my own comfy socks this time
  4. Nipple Cream  
  5. Going Home Outfit [sweats & sweatshirt] – Something comfortable & loose 
  6. Nursing Bra – I didn’t wear one with Kennedy but would rather have it than not 
  7. Blanket from Home – I didn’t have this with Kennedy and hope it makes me feel more comfortable this time around
For Dad:
  1. Change of clothes 
  2. Sweater/Jacket
  3. iPad/Computer/Books
  4. Phone Charger 
  5. Snacks
  6. Pillow & Blanket
Miscellaneous Items: 
  1. Shower Items [travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc]
  2. Dry Shampoo 
  3. Toothbrush / Toothpaste 
  4. Chapstick 
  5. Contacts / Solution / Glasses
  6. Face Wipes
  7. Nipple Pads (didn’t use with Kennedy but would rather have than not)
  8. Hair Brush
  9. Hair Ties
  10. Deodorant 
  11. Lotion
  12. Boppy Pillow – Took this with Kennedy and SO happy I did. 100% will take this again 
  13. 10ft Phone Charger or Portable Charger
  14. Insurance Card & ID 
  15. Vava Night Light – New item to pack, highly recommended 
  16. Stroller Fan – New item to pack, highly recommended 
  17. Nursing Snacks – I packed two baskets for the nurses and they were so thankful! One for AM/PM nursing staff – also felt good giving them something! 

Shop some of the items above by clicking the photo below…Not all items are linkable!