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What’s In My Hospital Bag

June 10, 2018 by Rachel 17 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links

Nothing. No seriously. Up until a few days ago, I had zero packed. Not for me, not for the new baby, not for my other two kids (who will, undoubtedly, need a change of clothes and diapers when a friend watches them).

But I finally stopped slacking. I packed my bag with everything but the last minute items. I’ve learned a LOT from two previous hospital deliveries — on what’s totally unnecessary and the things that I truly wish I had the first time around. So here’s what I’m packing in my hospital bag for baby number 3 — and what I wish I would have had for my first labor and delivery!

Peppermint Essential Oil.

I do not handle nausea well. I know this will be my downfall if I can’t keep it under control. So the first thing I put in my hospital bag is doterra peppermint essential oils.

I put a few drops in my hand when I’m feeling nauseated and sniff the inside of my hands. It truly was a lifesaver last time.

Nursing Bras.

Essential, but honestly one of my least favorite purchases. I’m still looking for that ‘perfect’ nursing bra, but I found a few with decent reviews to bring with me in the meantime.

In the hospital, it’s all about comfort. I expect my milk to come in quickly, just like last time. And underwires are not my friend — at least not until the gals start to regulate themselves, milk-wise. So something comfortable is key!

Comfortable pajamas.

All of my pajamas from the last two kids are destroyed, so this time I purchased a few different sets of pajamas and loungewear from Cuddl Duds. I’d heard that they’re incredibly comfortable, so I ordered a few online and tried them on — big mistake because I don’t want to wait until labor and delivery to wear them!

I also got a nice long cardigan to cover up with. Those hospital rooms can be a tad bit chilly and it’s nice to be able to take off layers as needed.

Ollie World Swaddle.

I wish I had known about these Ollie World Swaddles for the first baby, but having them for number 2 was a LIFESAVER. If you’ve ever had an infant, you know that the startle reflex is real — and something that all babies struggle with. And on one wants a baby to struggle to sleep, am I right?!

The stretchy fabric is perfect for use for babies of all sizes — and it’s super soft! Bonus? It opens easily at the bottom for easy diaper changes!

Hospital Outfits for Baby. 

I don’t allow many visitors at home those first couple of weeks, but I do allow for visitors at the hospital. So a couple of cute hospital outfits for the baby are a necessity. A couple is the bare minimum because it’s basically a guarantee that the baby will blow out of at least one outfit in the hospital.

I got several comfy outfits for this baby girl to lounge around in while we spend our 24-48 hours in the Mommy-Baby ward!

Portable Noise Machine.

Everyone in my family uses a noise machine to help us sleep, and what better way to emulate the noises in the womb for a newborn!? So I’ll be bringing along a portable, battery-powered, white noise machine for the hospital stay, that way I can ensure a semi-smooth transition to naps and nighttime sleep!

I grabbed this one from Target — it’s small enough that I can keep it in a diaper bag and even keep it next to her in the car.

Nursing Pillow.

If you plan on breastfeeding, set yourself up for as much immediate success as possible by bringing a nursing pillow with you to the hospital. Some of my best experiences, postpartum, have been with the help of the lactation consultants in the hospital.

The Milk Boss nursing pillow from Itzy Ritzy is amazing! It’s different from traditional nursing pillows because you don’t have to worry about it falling off of your lap — you loop your arm right through it! How cool is that!?

Other necessities.

Phone charger. Camera. Toiletries (Toothbrush, makeup, hair products, etc). Contacts/solution. Identification/insurance information.

As important as all of this is, here’s what is NOT important to bring in your hospital bag: 

Lots of real underwear. You won’t wear it — just stick to the mesh stuff they give you. Just bring one pair to go home in.

Pads. They will have THE best pads in the hospital. In fact? Take some with you.

Diapers/wipes. Again, they will be provided for you.

A water bottle. One of my favorite ‘things’ to bring home from the hospital, aside from my baby of course, is the mega water bottle — oh and the hospital ice! So yes, leave your straw cups and water bottles at home. Take full advantage of the giant cups they give you instead!


Tell me:

 

What’s on your must-bring list for the hospital?

 

Disclosure: I received the Ollie World Swaddle and the Milk Boss infant feeding pillow in exchange for an honest review. As always, all thoughts herein are solely my own.

Filed Under: #MomLife, babies, breastfeeding, children, labor and delivery, lists, maternity leave, mommyhood, Oh baby!, parenthood, postpartum, pregnancy, review, sponsor, tips + tricks Tagged With: #MomLife, babies, breastfeeding, children, labor and delivery, love list, maternity leave, mommyhood, oh baby, parenthood, postpartum, pregnancy, review, sponsor, tips + tricks

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. This Messy Season

    June 10, 2018 at 10:11 am

    Girl this is an incredible round up! Such great products.

    Reply
  2. Kim S

    June 10, 2018 at 11:23 am

    YES to so many of these! Now I’ll remember to bring my peppermint essential oil!

    Reply
  3. Jenny

    June 10, 2018 at 3:52 pm

    I love everything on this list…I wish they made pillows like that when I had my babies. What a clever shape!

    Reply
  4. Courtney Spena

    June 10, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    I have that Milk Boss pillow- it’s great!

    Reply
  5. Kate BK

    June 10, 2018 at 5:22 pm

    This seems like such a good roundup. I’m sending it to my pregnant best friend!

    Reply
  6. Nicole Banuelos

    June 10, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    I didn’t know that peppermint helps with nausea, thats good to know!

    Reply
  7. Patricia

    June 11, 2018 at 6:53 am

    This list is great! I still have to pack my bag!!

    Reply
  8. Brit Strawbridge

    June 11, 2018 at 8:24 am

    You definitely have some good essentials in here! I have never seen a nursing pillow like that, how neat!!

    Reply
  9. jessica

    June 11, 2018 at 9:08 am

    a sound machine is such a good idea! I only ever pack it for my kids places, but i notice that when i don’t have one on, I can’t sleep as well!

    Reply
  10. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    June 11, 2018 at 11:58 am

    Great behind the scenes look for other mom-to-be!

    Reply
  11. Amanda Martin

    June 11, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    I don’t have kids but a noise machine and comfy PJs go with me every time I travel!

    Reply
  12. Eryka

    June 11, 2018 at 2:53 pm

    OMG YES to it all! But those bras, yes a thousand times!

    Reply
  13. Linda

    June 12, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    The pajama pants look so comfy!

    Reply
  14. Marissa

    June 12, 2018 at 11:56 pm

    This is really helpful! I didn’t think about bringing pajamas so you’d be comfy after.

    Reply
  15. Rachel

    June 13, 2018 at 12:25 am

    Nursing bras are a must! Those hospital gowns can chafe the heck out of your poor nipples.

    Reply
  16. Kate Andrews

    June 13, 2018 at 8:29 am

    Wow! I had no idea there was so much involved with this. Congratulations on your impending addition! Three kids – you are so blessed!

    Reply
  17. Jessica

    June 14, 2018 at 5:22 pm

    Great round-up! I would have never thought to bring all this along with me! (Will be bookmarking this for the future!)

    Reply

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