Eek! I can’t believe baby girl will be here any day now! I’m feeling much more relaxed this time around and happy for her to come whenever she decides. Things are certainly different the second time around and I left my hospital bag packing quite a bit more last minute than I did when I was pregnant with my first.
With my first pregnancy, we planned a home birth that turned to a hospital birth (read more about that with my first birth story). At roughly 37 weeks I prepared a home birth kit and an emergency minimalist hospital bag. With how crazy things got I’m so thankful I packed that emergency bag. It made things sooooo much easier amongst the craziness to get me to the hospital fast.
Even though my birth experience was pretty crazy I was still able to leave the hospital within 24 hours of giving birth. With this being the second time around and a planned hospital birth I’m hoping I’ll be able to leave the hospital within a few hours as long as everyone is healthy and happy 🙂 With that in mind I’ve created this minimalist hospital bag checklist for you that has everything you’ll need without any extra fluff, because if you’ve just pushed out a baby through your vag, are torn up and completely exhausted you’re likely not going to give af about doing your hair or putting on cute clothes while you’re at the hospital. You’re going to be soaking in all of the cute baby snuggles and will likely use most of what’s packed in your hospital bag right before you leave.
I’ve also teamed up with my good friend Tanya from Millenial Motherhood who will be sharing her hospital bag checklist with you guys too. We connected through Instagram when we were both pregnant with our first boys, and now she’s due with her second baby boy just 5 weeks after me <3 Make sure you check out her list for a different perspective and you’ll love following along with her blog and Instagram too!
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For Mom
Toiletries
Like I said before, chances are you’re not going to be taking the time to glam up while you’re at the hospital and likely won’t touch this stuff until it’s time to go. I chose to pack my absolute basic everyday toiletries for my hospital bag.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Brush
- Face Wash Stuff
- Deodorant
- Mascara
- Dry Shampoo
Clothing
Chances are you’re going to be living in a bra, panties and a robe the entire time you’re at the hospital. Originally I had packed a really cute pair of pj’s. Then at the hospital I was petrified of getting them covered in blood – gross! Learn from my mistake and pack comfy, who cares what they look like pj’s. For a going home outfit I chose this 24/7 House Dress I lived in for a few weeks after birth. It’s all about comfort!!!!
- Robe
- PJ’s
- Nursing Bra
- Undies
- Socks
- Slippers/Grip Socks
- Going Home Outfit
Comfort
This section has a little more items, but they were all essential for my last visit. The scrunchie, chapstick, facial mist, and nipple cream were all apart of the Bellies in Bloom Postpartum Box I got recently and are essential for during labour and after. IMO hospital pillows suck so I always like to bring my own, and you never know how far away your bed will be from an outlet which is why I like to bring an extension cord as well as my phone charger.
This time around I’m bringing a water cup with straw because I had trouble filling my water bottle in the dispenser last time and the straw makes it easier to drink while lying down and having your hands full. You’ll also want to bring a bunch of your own snacks so you aren’t stuck living off vending machine crap or waiting around for someone to bring you food. The reusable bags are to bring any extras home that may be brought to you at the hospital.
- Scrunchie
- Chaptstick
- Facial Mist
- Nipple Cream
- Pillow
- Phone Charger
- Extension Cord
- Water Cup with Straw
- Snacks
- Reusable Bags
For Baby
Clothing
The entire time we were at the hospital last time my first had a diaper on and a swaddle and hat that they provided. The only reason I’m including a swaddle and hat is so I can take a cute picture while we’re there. Then I’ve included a sleeper and separate going home outfit so I have options of what she’ll wear home. I like the idea of a cute outfit, but tbh she’ll probably end up coming home in the sleeper and hat.
- Swaddle
- Hat
- Sleeper
- Going Home Outfit
Other
Especially if you’re a FTM planning on breastfeeding I recommend bringing a nursing pillow. It’s awkward enough learning how to breastfeed, having the pillow will help make things easier and comfortable for you. The vaseline is to put on their little bum so the meconium poo is a lot easier to clean. The car seat and Over cover are for bringing baby home. The Over Cover may not be 100% essential for everyone, but I’m obsessed with mine and how it keeps the elements and random strangers hands away from my itty bitty baby.
- Vaseline
- Nursing Pillow
- Car Seat
- Over Cover
Tips
- Set your toiletries bag on your bathroom counter and use your daily items from there. That way when it’s go time you can easily grab it and add to your bag.
- Make a last minute list of what isn’t packed that you need to grab on your way out the door. Example: phone charger, pillow, toiletries
- Packing cubes will help keep everything organized and make packing and traveling so much easier.
Congrats on your new baby on the way! If this isn’t your first baby I’d love to hear what items were essential for you in your hospital bag. Please comment below and make sure to check out Tanya’s Hospital Bag Checklist too!
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