What I Packed in My Hospital Bag – Girl Meets Bow - Golf Bag,Sports Bag,Outdoor Bag Manufacturer

“Gators Galore” St Charles Yacht Tote c/o Barrington Gifts // Customizable “Sweet Baby” onesie gifted from The Lovely Flamingo // Floral Packing Cubes // My Dress: Amazon

Hi friends! Our little family is home from the hospital and officially a trio instead of a duo! We are loving life with our precious Eliza Ann, and I cannot wait to share more of her sweet little self with y’all!

But today’s post is one that I have been SO excited to work on and I hope can be a resource or reference for any mama to be- what I packed in my hospital bag (and what I’d skip next time!) I feel like I spent weeks researching what I needed to bring to the hospital and I compiled quite an extensive list! When our induction date got moved up, it put us into hyperdrive & luckily we were already about 85% packed up and ready to go already. But now I have the unique perspective of being able to share what I packed, what I actually used, and what I’d skip next time!

So, let’s get to it! Here’s what I packed in our hospital bag, what I wish I’d packed, and what I’ll skip next time!

For Mom:

Depends– my #1 recommendation! I found these 10x more comfortable and secure than the mesh underwear & pads the hospital provides and for some reason they made me feel a little more put together.
Frieda Mom postpartum kit– the hospital provides similar supplies but I really liked the Peri bottle better in this kit than the squirt bottle they give you.
Nursing Bras (I ordered these from Amazon and they have been working well so far) – since your milk doesn’t come in for 2-5 days post-birth, you probably don’t need these unless you like them from a comfort factor!
My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow– I didn’t use this a ton in the hospital since their beds + pillows were pretty supportive for learning how to breastfeed, but I have used it a TON since we’ve been home!
Button-up PJ Shirtdress, Literally lived in these while I was postpartum and they were perfect for breast-feeding.
Toiletries (I brought my own just to have a little more comfort than the hospital grade ones that are provided!)
Make-Up
Blowdryer and Curling Wand (Yes I did wash and curl my hair-ha! It made me feel more human after being in labor for almost 24 hours!)
Fuzzy Socks w/ grippers- SKIP, I used the ones provided by the hospital and they worked just fine
Lounge Clothes (joggers, tee, etc)
Coming home dress- SKIP, I was so exhausted and ready to go home that I wore mine, but didn’t even really feel like taking pictures in it!
Breast Pump- SKIP! Since your milk isn’t in, there is no pumping that can be done, and the lactation consultant taught us how to put mine together but I don’t think I really needed to have it with me to learn that.

For Baby:

I’ll just say in general that I totally over estimated my energy level post-birth! I had plans to take all these adorable “mommy and me” outfit shots and truthfully I didn’t have the energy! Props to moms who do ? Plus you are hardly every alone in your room so there really wasn’t time to do all of that!

Coming Home Outfit
Misc warm onesies (hospital is cold)- SKIP, I never thought I would say it, but because there are so many people coming in and out of your room to examine baby you’d constantly be undressing her so we basically just kept her bundled up in the swaddles the hospital provides!
Swaddles, more than one type- SKIP, see above ?
Burb Clothes/receiving blankets- SKIP, didn’t use
Baby mittens, we did use these one or twice
Baby Socks, SKIP, didn’t use
Pacifiers- SKIP, we didn’t touch ours
Photo props

For Dad:

Comfortable/Lounge clothing- Rob packed, shorts, tees, hoodies, etc.
Toiletries
SNACKS! We loaded up on water bottles to bring to the hospital and it was a big win! We drank all but 2 of the ones we brought. Rob also brought his favorite snack items (chips, fruit snacks, granola bars, etc)
Computer/iPad

Misc:

Extra Long phone charger
Pillows & Blankets- we brought a set from home and they were so much more comfy than the ones at the hospital. It was a little bit of comfort for us ?
Bath Towels- same as above! The towels the hospital gives you are so thin, it was nice to have ours!

I hope this is helpful if you are in the midst of packing your own hospital bag! If you have any questions- let me know in the comments below!

“Gators Galore” St Charles Yacht Tote c/o Barrington Gifts // Customizable “Sweet Baby” onesie gifted from The Lovely Flamingo // Floral Packing Cubes // My Dress: Amazon