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Today is my due date, but Adelina is 2 and a half weeks old now! I still can’t believe it.
In honor of my due date, I am sharing what I packed in my hospital bag and what I actually used. I am also listing items I brought but ended up not needing or using for whatever reason. As I mentioned before, I almost didn’t have my hospital bag packed when my water broke and it was time to head to labor and delivery. I was in denial as I threw in whatever I could think of and headed out the door, not knowing I would spend FOUR days in the hospital.
What I packed in my hospital bag:
Pink nursing robe: I found this beautfil pink robe with lace trim on WikiBuy, a shopping website I tried last month that helps you find deals online. This robe is super soft and comfortable. I wore it in the hospital for photos with baby Adelina and Graham.
Newborn gown, sleeper and onesies: I ended up mostly keeping her in the hospital onesies because they were easier to deal with at the time and she kept being undressed to be examined. I had also packed a Little Sister sleeper to go home in, but she ended up not wearing it. I found a super cute sleeper gown on Wikibuy as well but it had to wait until she got home because she was a tiny newborn.
Baby headbands: Used for photos!
The rest:
- Newborn diapers: I didn’t use my own.
- Muslin swaddle and another blanket: I used these for photos and to take Addi home.
- Pads: I didn’t need these either because I used the large pads given at the hospital.
- Underwear: I only wore one pair that I brought; the rest of the time I used the mesh underwear at the hospital. I didn’t find it to be uncomfortable.
- Concealer, blending sponge, brow gel, brow pencil, liquid lipstick, blush, mascara, Mario Badescu facial spray, dry shampoo: I used this to get ready in five minutes for photos.
- Lip balm: I kept this at my side during the entire labor process and afterward. You need to pack this!
- Camera and GoPro: Graham filmed the labor on the GoPro and I hope to find the time to edit the video soon. We took some photos but were so tired that we ended up purchasing the photos offered in the hospital instead.
- Slippers: I wore these out of the hospital and during our stay.
- Flipflops: I wore these in my room at first but switched to non-slip socks later on.
- Non-slip socks.
- Going-home outfit: I wore a maternity jacket with non-maternity joggers. I also brought a nursing cami and nursing bra. I wore both.
- Prenatal vitamins.
- Headphones: I liked listening to music and videos during labor.
- Snacks. I was glad I had these when I moved to my recovery room late at night when there was no room service.
- Water bottle: I wanted to be eco-friendly and reuse the bottle but nurses often brought me water in new cups. I also was given a large bottle in the hospital and that one was much better. I still use it now.
- Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray: I am so glad I brought this because the nurse said they were out of Dermaplast, what hospitals typically use, when I arrived in my room. I liked this more natural option, and it smells nice!
- Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy gel nursing pads: I didn’t use these in the hospital.
- Boppy pillow: I used this for nursing at first but then I ended up using My Breast Friend, which the lactation consultant in the hospital seemed to think was better.
- Hair ties: Definitely used.
- Towel: I didn’t use my own; no idea why.
- Toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash: Definitely used.
- Contacts, glasses, contact solution, contact case: Definitely used.
- Face wipes: I cleaned my face with them a few times.
- Chargers: People say to get an extra long cord for your chargers and I completely agree.
What I forgot:
- Shampoo and conditioner: I regretted this when I took a shower. I had to use baby shampoo.
- Diaper bag: I didn’t really forget this, but it was delivered to our place the day Adelina was born. Graham later brought it to the hospital and we filled it with things the hospital sent home with us, like a HALO swaddle.
- Our own pillows and blankets: The hospital pillows are the worst. So uncomfortable. Bring your own in a non-white cover!
What did you pack or forget to pack if you have had a baby?
Related post:
Adelina’s Birth Story
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.