What's in your hospital bag?

[mrsrodgers]

ketchup's post in the check-in got me thinking about my hospital bag and what I need to pack. Thought it might be helpful to start a thread so we can see what everyone else is planning to pack so we don't forget anything (and can all be sure to overpack and take stuff we'll never touch).

Here's the list I have so far. What's on your list?

For me:
Nursing bra
Pillow
Comfy pants
Nursing tank
Flip flops
Fuzzy socks
Chap stick
Travel shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc
Brush
Hair ties and bobby pins
Nursing pads

For baby:
Going home outfit

For MH:
Comfy clothes for sleeping
Pillow
Blanket

General:
Insurance card
Pediatrician info
Phone charger

[muscari]

With all the scares we have had recently I am suddenly all like OMG I need to get my bags packed! So far I am still working on my list so def lurking here - once I am packed I will update with my list too😊

[ketchup]

Good idea, mrsrodgers !

I don't think I over packed last time (by much, at least), so I started with my old list and kinda just crossed off the unnecessary stuff--most of which was packed specifically for labor--since I'll be having a RCS. Keep in mind, we will be in the hospital for 3 days.

For Me:
3 Outfits (maternity leggings & nursing tanks) -- I wasn't a fan of wearing my gown past day 1. I wanted into "normal" clothes. I'd already been in it for 2 days for the induction, tho.
Slip proof socks -- hospital provides some, but I want my own
Robe -- wore this A LOT last time
Nursing bra
Bamboobies
Going Home Outfit (prob. loose sundress or some other maternity clothes w/ easy boob access)
Flip flops 
Belly binder -- I liked the one they put me in post-op last time, but just in case. 
Toiletries

• Shampoo/Cond.
• Straight fix brush & reg. hair brush
• Blow dryer
• Frizz ease
• Dry shampoo
• Body wash & mini poof
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Makeup
• Extra hair ties
• Hair band 
• Makeup remover/face wipes

For Baby:
Packed diaper bag, to include:

• Going home outfit
• Swaddle sack
• A+A swaddle blanket

Car Seat (left in car, obv)

For H:
No idea. He has done this once before, he can pack his own bag. From what I recall, it was gym shorts, tshirts, boxers, toiletries, and his cell charger.

Misc.
Refillable water bottle
Purse
Prenatals  -- Idk if they offer these or not, but I prefer my own.
Gift from baby to TT -- we are getting TT a Bitty Baby for the new baby to give her, so she will have her "own baby" to bring home from the hospital, too. She's in a hayuge baby doll phase.
Boppy -- I used the hell out of mine. This is personal preference. 
2 pillows from home  -- best. decision. ever. I got to feel/see the hospital pillows during our tour, and they were basically 2-ply. SO glad I brought my own. 

Cell charger w/ long cable cord
Fan --  I need this to sleep, in general.
Fire Stick --  this was great during my induction, but also for background noise and whatnot. 

[ketchup]

This might help, too. Here's a list of what the hospital provided, so I didn't/don't have to worry about it:

My blood pressure meds (and would have picked up any other RX I take regularly that they have on file)
Mesh undies (take ALL the undies!)
Monster pads (may bring a few of my own for day 3 or going home, because these are hayuge)
Diapers/wipes
Kimono shirt/hat/blanket for baby
Disposable nursing pads
Lanolin samples
Pump kit to hook up to Medela Symphony, if needed (I did not need)

...I may be missing stuff.

[aprilz81]

The biggest thing I needed was an extension cord. The outlets in our delivery room were too far for me to reach my phone while it was plugged in.

I way over packed and I had a long induction, but I couldn't concentrate on the entertainment I brought for the first 6 hours then I was too uncomfortable to care after that point.

I was discharged about 12 hours after delivery so I just stayed in my hospital gown, but I had also had little/no sleep for 2 1/2 days so I just wanted to sleep and didn't care what I was wearing. I wore leggings and a sweatshirt home.

I was glad to have my own pillow the hospital ones were super flimsy and gave no support at all...

[Deleted]

All mine are pretty much covered by PPs. Someone did suggest bringing an empty reusable bag to take home what the hospital gives to you. They'll just toss the stuff anyways.

Someone also suggested bringing your nursing pillow, but I'm on the fence about that one. I might keep it in the car and have MH grab it if needed.

[mrsrodgers]

Oh, good call on the robe, ketchup! I definitely do not want to be in the gown the whole time again so a robe will be nice to have.

@easilyunamused, an extra bag is a good idea! We were stuffing things into already over packed bags last time so an empty bag would definitely be useful for everything they send home with you.

[king26]

I have the baby's bag packed but not mine. DH is clueless about it but I told him he's on his own.

For me:
pajamas
robe
1 or 2 comfy outfits (not sure what these will be yet)
flip flops
comfy socks
nursing bras
toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, contact solution, etc)
glasses and contacts case
Phone
extension cord
hair bands
Snacks (I'm picky)
a book


For baby (we have over an hour drive home) but it's already packed in the diaper bag:
lightweight blanket
3 outfits (1 newborn and 2 that are 0-3 months: 2 are onesies and one is a shirt and pants combo)
pacifier
A travel pack of diapers and wipes (just in case)

[yellowcat]

I packed so much last time and all I used were my bathroom supplies, wine and two outfits. The hospital had everything and we had so many visitors I did not get to open my laptop. This time I have placed a visiting limit.