Can you believe it’s almost been 1 whole year already? This time last year I was frantically panicking because I didn’t have my hospital bags packed as early as most moms did. They say you should have a bag packed and ready around 35 to 37 weeks just in case. If you’re anything like me you like to over pack and prepare for whatever is to come.

I spent hours and hours reading different blog posts and looking at Pinterest pins on what you need to bring to the hospital when you’re going to give birth. It’s such a hectic yet exciting time packing for not only yourself but your new bundle of joy you’ll soon meet. Can’t forget to pack for your partner as well so today I am going to share what we needed and actually used in our hospital bags. For all 3 of us, mama, baby, and dad. I’m also going to include a funny story about dad but you’ll have to keep reading to find out!

Mom

General Items

• Wallet items like your ID, insurance cards, forms, and your birth plan if you have one. I talked about my birth plan with my doctor ahead of time.
• Do not forget your phone charger! Your phone, charger, and an extra power bank are a must. I would recommend getting one of those 10-foot chargers if you don’t have a power bank.
• A folder for the TONS of papers you’ll receive.
• A pen and a little notebook if you enjoy taking notes like me.
• A small reusable bag for all your papers, forms, and extras you get to take from the hospital.
• Comfortable headbands, hair ties, or pins to keep hair out of your face. I kept my headband on my whole stay.
• A camera or video camera. If I wasn’t in so much pain and discomfort I’m sure we would have captured more moments. Don’t forget your extra battery, charger, and make sure your memory card isn’t full.
• Glasses. You won’t want to be in contacts for this one.

Personal/Essential Items

*I got a small makeup like bag to add my small personal items. Think travel size everything. I then used this same pack as my small overnight to-go bag.

• Lip balm. This was such a lifesaver. Giving birth can really give you a dry mouth. Lip balm right after is so soothing.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouth wash.
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Face wash and moisturizer. Can’t give up on skincare!
• Makeup and makeup remover if you choose. I only used an eyebrow pencil.
• Shampoo and conditioner. I insisted on bringing these and I didn’t even wash my hair. I didn’t even have enough energy to do all that.

*My hospital supplied our room with a to-go bag of their own including a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash. All travel size items.

• Comfortable, breathable, and loose clothing. I packed 2 pairs of loose pajamas. Maternity leggings and t-shirts for when visitors came. For the outfit home I wore a long cardigan over my t-shirt and leggings. If it were up to me I’d have stayed in my pajamas the whole time.
• Large underwear for very large pads. I did end up using the provided mesh underwear. So there was no need to pack heavy on the undies.
• Pads. I wouldn’t bring too much because the hospital supplies you with extra special pads for the bleeding. I used the hospital supply rather than my own.
• No skid socks or socks with the grips at the bottom. I also highly recommend slippers. The hospital floor is cold. I also recommend shower shoes and a pair of flip flops or slides to leave in.
• 2 nursing bras if you choose to breastfeed.
• Nipple pads and nipple cream. The cream was such a lifesaver. Isaiah had a hard time latching.
• Nursing pillow. I really recommend bringing one for extra comfort. I love my Boppy!
• A bathrobe
• A bath towel. To save space I wish I had brought only 1 since the hospital provided us with plenty.

Baby

• A cute coming home outfit for pictures! We didn’t need any other clothes. The hospital provided us with plenty of newborn shirts and swaddles.
• Socks
• Lil’ mitts
• Hat
• Blanket

*The hospital will most likely provide you with more than enough diapers, wipes, and other essentials.

Partner

Funny story. My boyfriend didn’t have anything packed at all. Isaiah came 2 weeks early and he wasn’t ready. I called him at work when my water broke and he just left empty-handed. Poor guy had to get some clothes from the local Models. I kept asking him for this blog post what he packed and he kept saying nothing! I literally had NOTHING. Lol! Here is what he wished he would have packed.

• Extra sets of clothes
• Toiletries
• Blanket
• A blowup mattress because the seat/bed provided was way too uncomfortable
• Food because the hospitals don’t really feed the dads

Extras

• Snacks
• Candies; I chose a bag full of blow pops
• Water bottle
• Ipad, laptop, chargers, etc
• Books/magazines

*During labor I wasn’t allowed any snacks, food, etc. I begged for a cup of water but they could only provide me with ice chips.

*I personally didn’t use any electronics but my phone. I also didn’t read at all. I was too caught up in the moment. I’m glad I didn’t take up any extra space by bringing them.

DON’T FORGET AN INSTALLED CAR SEAT! We didn’t have one installed right away. My boyfriend had to go buy one during our stay. Avoid this mistake and have it installed correctly ahead of time. Your baby will not be released without it actually properly checked and installed.

---

As always, thanks so much for reading! Questions, comments, and feedback are always welcome. If you enjoyed this post, please comment, like, and share! Make sure to check out my Instagram; @tianiangela_ and my latest video on Youtube💋