What you really need to pack in a hospital bag for baby! We’ve covered the essentials, and want to help YOU be prepared with everything you need. So get that bag ready – it’s time to pack that hospital bag for baby!
I posted before when I went into the hospital with Skylar, on what to pack in your diaper bag and hospital bag for baby (it’s been one of my most popular posts, and still a great list!)… and I was pretty seasoned then with baby number three.
Now with this next baby, I kind of waited until the last minute (since I feel she could come anytime) and quickly rounded up what I really need and use when I’m at the hospital. I thought I’d share a little of it with you; how to get that hospital bag for baby ready!
The great thing is that most hospitals provide just about everything you need and if you were to show up without a diaper bag, well, you’d still be all set!
The only thing you really HAVE to prepare for is the trip home as you can’t leave the hospital with your baby without a proper car seat. So, I guess if I’m being honest, this list would be pretty short.
It’s true, and yet I kid 😉 There are a few items that I like to have with me for baby and I’ll share why I pack each item in my hospital bag for baby below!
Ps. We’ve had twins, too and our Hospital Bag Essentials for Twins checklist is here!
Car Seat (12)
This is really the ONLY item that you absolutely have to have in order for baby to leave the hospital with you.
So, why not be prepared and have it ready-to-go ahead of time. If this is your first-time baby, you can stop in at most baby stores and have them show you how to properly install the car seat in your car, ask the hospital if there’s someone there to look at it for you, or find a car seat installing event near you (just google it, car seat safety is a big thing and there are events in just about every city).
It may sound daunting, but once you’ve got it down, it’s like riding a bike, and easy to do!
Save this post for later: Buckle Up! 5 Car Seat Safety Tips from Chicco that Every Parent Should Follow!
Diaper Bag (3)
Of course, if you are packing a few things then you’ll need something to carry it all in (and out) of the hospital with you! I love this bag because of the plethora of pockets, a removable insert with even more pockets, and the fact that it doubles as a backpack (making it hands free is a HUGE help!). I used it for a while with Skylar and it held everything I needed and was easy to carry without looking like a diaper sack.
My all-time recommendation would be a diaper bag that can be used as a backpack, in whatever style fits you. While I like to carry bags over the shoulder often, having the ability to ALSO carry hands-free as a backpack is a must.
Also check out: How to Use Blissful Essential Oils for Labor and Delivery
Nursing Cover (7)
A nursing poncho is great for keeping covered and warm during all of those round-the-clock feedings especially when you’ve got a swinging door of visitors (including the doctors and nurses that pop in at all hours!), plus something like this one also works as a car seat canopy, a shopping cart cover, highchair cover, and a scarf as well!
If you’re planning to breastfeed, bookmark this post: 5 Breastfeeding Tips and Lactation Smoothie Recipe
Nursing Pillow (11)
For my first two deliveries, a nursing pillow wasn’t something I wanted to drag to the hospital and carry around. I mean, there are always pillow at the hospital and I could totally manage… and I did!
With my last though, I decided to take it with me, and wow what a difference it made.
Having good support in those first days of nursing, when you need all the help you can get, is so important! Needless to say for this time around, our boppy pillow is right next to the diaper bag and ready to go!
Going Home Outfit
Everyone gets photos when you’re headed home with baby, so get ready! I never want to strap that newborn skin into a car seat without being covered up, so I like packing one piece bodysuits since they’re so cozy and comfy for baby. If it’s summertime, just get a lightweight version. Instead of using mittens and booties, you can also just get a romper that has it all included!
This is a book EVERY expecting mama can use!
First-Time Mom’s Pregnancy Activity Book: 100 Fun Games, Projects, and Prompts to Prepare for Baby
Mittens (2) or Nail Clippers (9)
Since baby pretty much lives in a hospital onesie that first day, I do like to have a pair of mittens on hand because those little nails can be sharp! We don’t want to look like we’ve been in a cat fight with our little one, and what’s crazy is they will even scratch up their sweet face if we don’t help a babe out.
Hat
Our hospitals always provided a hat for our wee babes, and sometimes they were even sweetly decorated. 🙂 I just like to bring one that I find totally adorable for photos and match the baby’s outfit for the ride home.
Swaddle
Swaddle blankets are something that most hospitals will provide for you, but I do like to have my own swaddle blanket as well because I like having a lightweight muslin swaddle in a larger size (the hospitals are typically smaller) on hand and I like bringing in my own for photos.
Diapers
Again, you really don’t need to bring any diapers and in fact, you’ll probably leave the hospital with a couple extra to take home with you.
But I do like to be prepared and never want a diaper bag without a diaper or two in it. I also want to be ready in case our sweet bundle’s skin doesn’t like the brand of diapers the hospital uses (our first born got a rash with all but two brands of diapers) and so I pack a couple just in case.
Pacifier
This one may get a lot of controversy. With my first, I was adamant that there would be no pacifiers; I was just too afraid she’d have a hard time nursing.
With my second, I was more open to it, but didn’t push either way.
With my third, I actually tried to get him to take a pacifier, and there were a few times he did… and a few times that I wished he would! Ha.
The controversy here is the argument that baby may have a harder time nursing or latching on if they take a pacifier. I’m still just going to be open minded about it all. We’ve never had problems with latch (thankfully!), and also have never had a “pacifier addiction,” and those are both great things.
We also have very vocal children, and I am open to using a pacifier to soothe our little one if helps. Again, your hospital should have these and will usually provide one if needed, especially depending on how long you stay, but if you want a specific kind or want to make certain it’s BPA free, then just bring your own.
The recommendation is to have a couple of different shaped pacifiers (as each baby takes to their own shape and how it feels in their mouth), and see which one your babe likes before purchasing more.
Essential Oils (8)
While I’m creating my own postpartum care blends and will share what I’m going to be using for uterus toning, perenial care, nipple cream, diffuser blends, and more in my own hospital bag post, this one is all about the baby.
Check out this post of Essential Oils for Postpartum Care You Didn’t Know You Needed!
Many oils should be avoided for newborns, but a couple have been used for centuries for protection and massage. I use a clean dropper bottle and just about fill it with organic fractionated coconut oil, then I add 10-15 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil and 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil.
Both of these essential oils will help to calm and relax after the trauma of labor, to build and boost immunity and protection and all three oils are loaded with various health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties… perfect for those baby massages.
I also really LOVE to bring an essential oil diffuser, it’s such a great help in setting the atmosphere and you can find an oil for whatever emotional support is needed as well. Plus – nurses have always said I had the best-smelling room and they loved to check in on me because of that.
I get my pure essential oils from Spark Naturals, and you can use code FRESHMOMMY for 10% off!
So, fellow mamas, what do you pack in your hospital bag for baby… or your own?!
Check this list of Hospital Bag Essentials, too!
dhivya says
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