What should be packed in my hospital bag?

Question

Hi fellow mommies!! My first is due in five weeks! YAY! And I'm trying to pack my bag for the hospital. Any suggestions for "must haves?"

Thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

A very long night gown that is comfy, slippers, feminine pads, (No tampons), a book , socks(long), hair ties, A few pair of underwear that you don't mind throwing, a robe, snacks, bottled water, baby new born diapers, baby powder, a bottle,baby receiving blanket,baby blnket, burp wrag, if breast feeding get a breast pump, baby clothes and wipes, and maybe some formula in case, oh bring something to squeeze during contractions.Shampoo conditioner ,body soap.Tooth brush tooth paste, mouth wash. deodorant.


A safe car seat, make sure it fits a new born and is correctly fit.

Answer 2

Bring your own clothes to labor in, and for after your baby is born- those hospital gowns and robes are so uncomfortable in labor. Also- buy several packs of cheap but comfy black underwear- no need to worry about stains or leakage that way. Have some lotion or oil that you like the smell of- nothing too strong though. I like the Johnson and Johnson's Lavender baby oil- it's mild, and I can use it on the baby too! Have socks in case your feet are cold, your own pillows if you're partial to them, cd's and dvd's if the hospital has the cd/dvd player. Take all your toiletries- I really wanted a shower after labor and delivery. I actually took one within an hour of having my daughter! Oh- and take a larger empty bag and fold it up inside your other bag for all the gifts people will be bringing you! That's something we forgot when I had my son- we had to make a bunch of trips to the car- really a pain in the butt!

Answer 3

what u need for the hospital room
Taking some time to make sure you'll have the right things with you during labor and after can help make your delivery and hospital stay more comfortable.
what u need for the labor/birthing room
A stopwatch or clock with a second hand for timing contractions.
A radio or CD player equipped with your favorite CDs, if music soothes and relaxes you.
A camera, tape recorder and/or video equipment, if you don't trust your memory to capture the moment (and if the hospital rules allow media coverage of births).
Powder, lotions, oils or anything else you'd like to be massaged with.


A small paper bag to breathe into in case you begin to hyperventilate during your breathing exercises.
A tennis ball or plastic rolling pin, for firm countermassage should lower backache be a problem.
Heavy socks or slipper socks, in case your feet become cold.
A hairbrush, if having someone brush your hair is comforting.


A washcloth for sponging down with, though the hospital may provide this (don't bring a white one, which might accidentally end up in the hospital laundry).
A sandwich or other snack for your coach (a coach who faints from hunger can't be very useful).
A bottle of champagne or bubbly cider labeled with your name, for celebrating (your coach can ask the nurse to put it in the fridge), though depending on the hour you deliver, you may be more in the mood for an orange juice and toast.
for the hospital room
A robe and/or nightgowns, if you'd rather wear your own than the hospital's. Be forewarned, however, that though pretty nightgowns can boost your spirits, they may get soiled and permanently stained. A good compromise might be a favorite bathrobe to wear over the hospital gown.
Perfume, powder or whatever else makes you feel fresh.
Toiletries, including shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion (your skin may be dry from a loss of fluids), a bar of soap in a carrying case, deodorant, hairbrush, hand mirror, makeup and any other essentials of beauty and hygiene.


Sanitary napkins, though pads are usually provided by the hospital.
Playing cards, books (including what-to-name-your-baby books, if you're leaving that decision for the last minute) and other distractions.
A list of friends' and relatives' phone numbers.
Packs of raisins, nuts, whole-wheat crackers, and other healthy snacks to keep you healthy and regular in spite of a hospital diet.
what u need for bringing baby home
A going-home outfit for you, such as elastic-waist pants or sweatpants and a large shirt.
A going-home outfit for baby—a onesie or stretch suit, T-shirt, booties, a receiving blanket and a heavy bunting or blanket if it's cold; diapers will probably be provided by the hospital, but take along an extra, just in case. Click to see a shopping list of all the things you'll need once you get your baby home.
An infant car seat to bring baby home that meets all federal standards.

Bringing a newborn home can be overwhelming. After all, no other job is as emotionally and physically challenging as being a mother. Here are a few tips to help you cope:

Remember, a little anxiety and uncertainty is perfectly natural.

Don't try to do it all yourself. If you aren't able to get help from a baby nurse, your husband, a grandma, a sister or other family members, churches or synagogues can be a good source of support. So are parent groups and senior citizen groups. (There are elderly people who would be delighted to fill the role of surrogate grandparents.)



Use time savers like nutritious frozen foods, take-out fresh salads and heat-and-eat main dishes, and paper plates, plastic flatware and disposable cups.
If you can, hire cleaning help to vacuum and dust, so you'll have more time for your newborn, your family and yourself.


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Answer 4

these are links to hospital bag lists. the last one is other women telling what they put in there bags for the hospital. also check your local pharmacy like walgreens for maternity disposible panties. especially if your hopital dosn't provide them, they should. they are a strechy net material. i used these even after i got home from the hospital it saved my own panties from being ruined. as you probably know you will bleed for 4 - 6 weeks after childbirth. so that's why the maternity panties are great at home as well as at the hospital. especially if you have stitches from the birth you should ask your local pharmacy where to find witch hazel wipes. the hospital where i had my second son gave these when i left. they sooth any itching and burning from the stitches. after the baby is born when you change the pad put one or 2 witch hazel wipes on the pad and wear it like that. do this everytime you change your pad. you should check to make sure, but the hospital should provide diapers, wipes, 1 or 2 blankets for the baby, etc. check with your hospital to see what they provide so that you don't have to pack more than you need.

Answer 5

I over packed for the hospital with my first. The hospital gave me everything I needed. I would suggest however, sanitary napkins unless you want to wear what the hospital provides (not the most comfortable), soap, shampoo/conditioner, socks for your feet, a change of clothes to come home in (an outfit you wore at 4 mos). For baby pack an outfit to come home in, and a light weight blanket for coverage. Most hospitals will provide disposable diapers for your little one while in the hospital. If you are planning to nurse, I would suggest a lanolin based nipple cream to take with you, even if you don't use it right away, it can't hurt to be prepared.

Answer 6

slipper socks, clean undies, PJs
Some hospitals don't have pacifiers for baby so pack one take home outfit for you and baby If you have a favorite brand of pads, bring them. Hosp's are huge, like diapers. Room might have hospital stank, so something like oust with a light scent might be nice. Also I was shocked at how dirty the bathroom was- I complained, but it wasn't much better after they'd "cleaned" and this was a well reputed place! I'd bring some scrubbin bubbles just in case.

Answer 7

shampoo, conditioner, soap, brush, SLIPPERS!!!! (if you have a c-section it is way to hard to get socks on (dont know about reg delivery), ROBE!!!, what to expect while youre expecting book. Bring something that you have washed in dreft to take the baby home in, baby blanket. Bring just the basics when it comes to make up. Dont over pack cause it is just a pain to gather all the stuff up before you leave. Remember you will have a baby and a car seat and gifts to take back with you. Just take what you use on a daily basis. believe me when I tell you that you dont care what you look like and you wont feel like prettying yourself up. I wore a pair of maternity sweatpants and a maternity t-shirt home. It was comfy. Congrats!!!

Answer 8

Agree with all of the above. I would add that you make sure your car seat is properly installed, otherwise the hospital won't let you take the baby home. They are required by law to check to make sure it is properly installed...even if you are taking a cab.

You may also want to bring your favorite food so you can eat it afterwards. Also, I'm not positive, but you may be able to eat apple sauce while going through labor (it may be the only food you are allowed to have...but some doctors may not allow).

Congrats! It's so exciting.

Answer 9

Congrats!!! i'm watching for in September with #3 and for some amazing reason, packing the bag is one element i admire doing the main. I truthfully have had C-sections with the others so i comprehend that I stay one greater nighttime or 2 and the bag contents could make it greater handy. I commonly %. around 36 weeks, so because it fairly is real around the corner! indexed decrease than are the requirements (i visit checklist different issues you may choose after): digital camera/video recorder Nightgown slippers or slipper socks your maternity bras/nursing bras in case you're nursing Nursing pads (in case you intend to breastfeed) gentle cotton underclothes Lip balm examining components Going domicile outfit for you (snug shoes, dark pants, breathable cotton shirt for sore breasts) Going domicile outfit for infant (layers, blankets, socks) different issues you need to hold: Ipod or something to hearken to music Toiletries (that's the time the place i purchase something fairly gentle scented that makes me sense good) Hairbrush Toothbrush/paste - they supply you one yet they are actually not something like yours! handle e book to call people on the subject of the advent mag to jot down your innovations credit enjoying cards/additional money for purchases, present shops enjoying cards/Sodoku makeup!! (must be an significant) good success!!

Answer 10

Loose fitting pajamas with front buttons for after you give birth.
Loose fitting maternity clothes to wear home.
An outfit for your little one to wear home.
Reading material, in case you can't sleep and don't want to watch tv.
A camera.
Maybe a portable cd player with some music.
Some money, in case you want something to eat besides hospital food. (I recommend you leave that with someone you trust, such as your husband or boyfriend)
A comfortable pillow, if you want.
Little mini toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste)
Warm socks

That sounds about right. Good luck to you. It's such an exciting time for you. Congrats.