Packing Your Hospital Bag
- Elise McNamara
- Mar 22, 2023
- 3 min read
Packing for the hospital as a first time parents can be difficult to navigate, especially because hospitals tend of supply different things depending on where you live. It also depends on your personality type and the type of labor and birth you have and how long your and/or your baby stay for afterwards. After working in private childcare as a nanny for nine years prior to working overnights as a newborn care specialist, I still love baby products just as much as when I first started.
If you’re not familiar with my story, I have three boys who are between the ages of three and six years old and we’re all born at the same hospital in Newport Beach, CA. I somehow managed to get the bag packing right on my first try, and have kept it nearly the same ever since. These are the items I take with me to have at the hospital while having a baby...
For Person Giving Birth —
While in labor I’m a nudey booty with the exception of whatever bra I’m wearing. If that’s not you, you can wear the hospital’s gown or support a small business like Lila Laborwear and purchase one from them. They offer multiple different styles depending on your modesty preference.
Comfortable Bras
Going Home Outfit
Toiletries
2x Depends (for Ride Home)
Pillow From Home
For Baby —
We choose to dress our babies once we’re settled into our postpartum room. I know this does not work for everybody but it’s become one of my favorite parts of welcoming a new baby. However, we save the footed pajamas for our journey home. Something else about me that you should know is that I loathe those cotton hospital swaddles and ditch them as soon as possible.
Going Home Outfit
1x Muslin Swaddle (Car Seat Blanket)
For Your Partner —
3x Sweatpants
3x T-Shirts
3x Undergarments
1x Hoodie
Pillow From Home
Toiletries
Slippers
Electronics —
We like to take our own photos with a DSLR the day after baby is born (as shown above), this allows us to share high quality photos with family and friends once we're ready to do so. If that's not your vibe, omit these items from your packing list.
iPad w/ Charger
Bags We Love —
We love washable bags for things like the hospital, so that once we're back home we can just toss it in the wash to get the yucky hospital germs off of as many of our items as possible. The Boss Backpack is not washable but has a non-porous base, so can be wiped down easily. I stand firm in my feelings that it's THE best diaper bag you'll ever use. I was previously a chronic diaper bag buyer but have been using my Boss Backpack since 2019.
Et Cetera —
I have food allergies, so being stuck somewhere with limited access to food is difficult especially since all three of my babies have been born after the cafeteria closes. I will bring some snacks the next time I give birth so we’re not scrambling to find me food at 11:30p knowing I can’t have most fast food restaurants.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a small percentage because you chose to click then purchase through the link I provided. This is done at no additional cost to you.
Happy Birthing!
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