Getting ready to pack your hospital bag? Take a minute to do a little happy dance because this means you're so close to meeting your little one (or ones – hey there moms of multiples!). Assuming this is your first pregnancy, it can be overwhelming sorting through the essentials you'll need throughout labor and after baby arrives. It can be tempting to pack five suitcases with everything under the sun because it's better to be safe than sorry, right? Well, it's better to be prepared with the right essentials and not overpack. Lugging all of that stuff back home with baby in tow will be a major challenge!
To help you with your hospital bag prep, we've curated a list of must-have items and "maybe" items. Of the must-haves are a few fantastic products from fellow mom and baby brands. Trust us, you don't want to overlook these essentials!
Be sure to head over to our Instagram page for a giveaway with all the goodies mentioned here!
Bitty Bundle of Joy by FridaBaby
This giftable fuss-buster tool kit equips you for just about every fussy baby scenario and includes a genius little product called the MomWasher. The MomWasher is a smartly designed peri bottle that makes postpartum cleaning much easier. If you only pamper one body part after giving birth, make it your hoo-ha.
Also included in the Bitty Bundle of Joy kit:
- NoseFrida SnotSucker – a million times better than that bulb nasal aspirator
- NailFrida – innovative baby nail clippers and file
-
Windi – the holy grail if your baby has painful gas
- NoseFrida Hygiene Filters – because you'll use your NoseFrida that much! Love!
Not only is the FridaBaby kit filled with postpartum and new baby necessities, it's filled with necessities you'll actually use for years. 5 year olds still need their nails trimmed and the SnotSucker will become your most loved tool throughout every cold season.
Stop everything and buy this nipple cream NOW if you plan to breastfeed. Motherlove's cream is an all natural herbal salve that quickly relieves the discomfort of sore, cracked nursing nipples. All ingredients are safe for ingestion, so it does not need to be washed off prior to breastfeeding baby. It's also USDA certified organic! We have personally tested this cream and can attest to its wonders. Apply it after every nursing session to prevent dry nipples and help soothe any soreness.
Cupcake Reusable Nursing Pads + Liners
Whether or not you plan to breastfeed, your milk is coming in and your breasts will leak. The best way to avoid a soaking wet t-shirt is to use nursing pads inside your bra. We adore the Cupcake Reusable Nursing Pads by Cake Maternity. They are super soft and made from organic cotton and other natural fibers. Though thin (actually that's a perk!) they are very absorbent. If you feel like you need a little extra absorbency they sell liners that can be added to your pads. So cool!
Along with nursing pads you'll want to pack a nursing bra for comfort and easy access to the girls. Cake Maternity designs gorgeous nursing bras in a large variety of styles and sizes. We particularly like one of their new styles, the Lotus Yoga and Pumping Bra. The style of this bra makes it extremely comfortable while the accessibility allows for easy nursing or pumping during your hospital stay.
A Little Something For Mama by Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics
This pamper-perfect kit includes essentials you'll want to use during labor and after baby arrives. The Happy Mama Body Wash is the perfect toxin-free wash to use during your first postpartum shower. The Morning Wellness Spray will give your senses a boost during labor (also great for combating morning sickness!). Hospitals are notoriously dry so you'll be glad you packed your Earth Mama Body Butter for a little extra moisturization. The natural stretch oil will be your best friend throughout your pregnancy, keeping your belly well oiled. The oil helps with itching, stretch marks and even discomfort due to your growing baby. Lastly, the Organic Morning Wellness Tea is your key fix when morning sickness hits. Drink it in the hospital after baby arrives as a comforting treat!
A Little Something For Mama-To-Be Kit Includes:
- Happy Mama Body Wash 1.67 fl. oz.
- Morning Wellness Spray 1 fl. oz.
- Earth Mama Body Butter 2 fl. oz.
- Natural Stretch Oil 1 fl. oz.
- Organic Morning Wellness Tea (2 bags)
aden + anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets
These silky soft swaddles are the perfect blanket to wrap around your little bundle of love. We love how aden + anais offers a variety of prints and colors sure to please everyone. The blankets are soft as can be, breathable, and a large size. They can even double as a nursing cover, stroller cover or burp cloth!
We suggest packing a swaddle blanket (or 2!) of your own to take to the hospital. They will add a touch of warmth to your hospital room and offer a gorgeous look to your newborn photos. Even if your partner is just snapping a few pics from their phone, you'll love the personal touch your aden + anais blanket adds to the photo.
Hospital Bag Packing List
Must-Haves:
• Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (pack these inside ToteSavvy's flat pocket!)
• 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)
• Easy to slip on shoes
• A warm robe or sweater. Anything easy to take on and off is perfect!
• 2 maternity nursing bras — and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection). We love Cake Maternity bras and reusable nursing pads!
• Mother Love nipple cream – do not forget this if you plan to breastfeed!
• Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)
• Toiletries and personal items — hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends). Some people pack shampoo and condition but not everyone will actually wash their hair at the hospital. Pack dry shampoo just in case you'd rather go that route!
• Body pampering essentials like the "A Little Something For Mama-To-Be" gift set by Earth Mama Angel Baby.
• Fridet the Mom Washer (another must-have and total lifesaver)
• Eyeglasses (if you wear them)
• Headband and/or hair ties
• Non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)
• Cell phone and charger
• A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner
Take it or leave it:
• Camera (though your phone likely takes great photos and can get you through your hospital stay)
• Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
• Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)
• Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)
• Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)
• A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)
• Breast pump, if you plan to use one
• Nursing pillow (even if you're not planning on nursing it's nice to have!)
• Makeup (in case you have the energy to make yourself up or are planning a photo session in your hospital room)
What to Bring For Baby:
• Approved car seat
• A coming-home outfit
• Swaddle blanket(s). We love the gauze swaddle blankets by aden + anais. They are perfect for any newborn photography you have taken at the hospital!
• Pacifiers (if you plan to offer something other than what your hospital provides)
• Special headband or hat (for newborn photos)
Packing list adapted from Checklist: Packing A Hospital Bag by The Bump.