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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 beautiful 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.
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: We filmed the labor on the GoPro. 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. I later had it brought 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.