Hospital bag essentials

Oh man. Did I overpack for the hospital with Finn. I mean like an extra large suitcase. It makes me giggle looking back!

I brought an entire overnight bag filled with clothes, blankets, baby soap and lotion…plus a giant suitcase for me! With baby number 3 on the way, I’ve narrowed down the essentials you’ll need, items you won’t, and items that the hospital will provide for you.

WHEN TO PACK:

Pack your bag NO LATER than 34-35 weeks. You never know what could happen!

ESSENTIALS

FOR MOM

• Your pillow
  • The hospital ones aren’t…great.
• Robe
  • Great for nursing and sore boobs, c-section incisions.
  • This Barefoot Dreams Robe has been a staple before and after delivery for all of my kids. It’s a splurge, but the fabric DREAMY, so cozy, perfect for skin-to-skin and breastfeeding.
• Button up PJs
  • Easy access for breastfeeding if you choose to do so, also easy for c-section and uterus checks.
    • Roberta Roller Rabbit PJs are the BEST! a splurge, but nice to have something cute if you’re feeling up to it. Also adorable for pictures. Really good quality and wash well!
    • Love these in short sleeve and long sleeve!
      • Choose a dark color – you will be bleeding!
• Night gown 
  • I love Dwell and Slumber! Still wear mine to bed all the time.
• 1 Nursing bra
  • Larken bras (use code BUMBLEBABY10 for a discount)
  • The Dairy Fairy (use code BUMBLE for discount)
• 1 Nursing tank
  • Larken Duo (use code BUMBLEBABY10 for a discount)
• Slippers (size up for swollen feet! Love the pom poms!)
• Shower flip flops
• Socks with grippies 
  • Loved these so you don’t slip on the hospital floor and they keep you warm since the hospital sheets are thin and the floors are cold.
• Maternity leggings and top for going home 
  • You’ll still be in maternity clothes for a bit!
  • Blanqi leggings and tops are great!
• Toiletries 
  • toothbrush/toothpaste
  • shampoo/conditioner (you’ll probably want to wash your hair once while you’re there)
  • face lotion
  • glasses/contacts
  • body wash with a good scent
  • hair brush
  • hair tie for labor
  • makeup for newborn pictures (and to feel human)
  • dry shampoo
  • shower cap
  • chapstick/lip salve
• One nice outfit
  • For pictures!
  • Remember, you will still have a belly after birth. Pack maternity or stretch clothes!
• Water bottle with straw
  • I love this one because it’s perfect for drinking in between contractions and is also easy to use while breastfeeding!

FOR PARTNER/DAD:

• Dopp kit/Toiletries 
• Cozy clothes
  • It may be…awhile.
• Pillow
• Extra long phone charger
• Camera
• Snacks (we love these bars at our house and always have them on hand!)
• One nice outfit
  • For pictures!

FOR BABY:

• Car seat
  • Have your base installed at 34 weeks by a professional.
• 1-2 Onesies
  • Yes. This is ALL YOU NEED! Babies poop and pee everywhere, throw up, etc. Use the hospital onesies until you’re ready to go home.
    • You can also pack a cute “going home outfit“
• One cute blanket and hat
  • For pictures!
    • A professional photographer affiliated with the hospital will most likely come to your room a day after the baby is born to take photos of you and the baby.

THAT’S IT! THAT’S ALL YOU NEED!

WHAT YOU DON’T NEED:

• Underwear 
  • You may or may not know, but you will bleed from down there for about 6 weeks postpartum (similar to a period). You will wear these super sexy mesh undies with giant pads and ice packs. Even if you have a c-section!
• A nursing pillow
  • Use the hospital pillows, no need to lug that huge thing. I always preferred regular pillows anyway.

If you want to use one when you get home, I love this bbhugme nursing pillow because it’s entirely customizable to your body as well as your baby’s changing needs as they grow. You can adjust the firmness and it’s designed to ease strain on your neck and shoulders.

• A breast pump
  • The hospital will provide a pump for you if you need it.
• A haakaa
  • Wait until you get home to use this magical item.

WHAT THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES:FOR BABY:

See our favorite baby essential products here 

• Onesies
• Hat
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Pacifiers
• Formula
• Bottles and nipples
• Blankets/swaddles
• Baby soap

FOR MOM:

See our favorite postpartum mom essential products here

• Pads and mesh undies for postpartum bleeding
• Towels
• Blankets and sheets
• Pillows
• Medication
• Bathing supplies (but you will most likely want to bring your own)
• Hair dryer (most likely)
• Peri bottle
• Ice packs
• Hospital gown

Remember! 

You are paying for everything in the hospital room so USE what they provide (diapers, wipes, undies for you, etc.). You can take everything home with you too, so don’t be scared to pack the  swaddles, newborn hat, undies and icepacks for you when you leave the hospital!

Don’t forget! to play our Spotify Bumblebaby push playlists at the hospital!We made 3 different playlists for you to play during labor and delivery depending on your mood!

1. Push playlist – netflix and chill
2. Push playlist – get wild
3. Push playlist – we’re punny

Needing some help with your baby registry? Check out our first time baby registry blog post with all of our recommendations and favorite things to add to your registry!

**PLEASE NOTE** If you live outside of the US, these items may very. Please check with your hospital!

Checkout out these labor and delivery virtual classes to prepare:

Use code BUMBLEBABY for discount on all mommy labor nurse virtual classes!

• Birth it up: epidural series

• Birth it up: natural series

• Birth it up: planned c-section

Other helpful blog posts:

• Postpartum essentials for mom
• Postpartum essentials for baby 
• Tips for navigating a c-section
• First time baby registry
• Labor and delivery – everything you need to know

**This post is educational and not meant to take the place of your provider. Bumblebaby makes a small commission on some of the items listed above.