the no frills hospital packing list for mama and baby

        Currently rounding out the end of my 4th trimester and thought I’d share what I used in my hospital bag. As a certified over packer, packing for the hospital was a challenge. My baby was born near the beginning of quarantine when times were a bit strict. Thankfully my husband was allowed to be there but he was unable to leave the room at any time.  We had to make sure we didn’t forget anything, and be strategic with everything we brought with us since we had to carry it all up in one trip, car seat and all! So I got to work, doing my research and asking friends and family for advice. 

For mama

First things first, use a suitcase with wheels. My hubby was able to carry his bag, the car seat and everything else and all I had to do was roll my suitcase and have my backpack diaper bag on, so I didn’t have to actually carry anything. Also, I highly recommend using packing cubes. I was able to separate my things from the baby’s things, and I could easily find what I needed. It also saves space by compacting everything.

Alright let’s get to it…

• Chapstick – it gets dry in the hospital, and all the breathing through the contractions. I can’t even remember how many times I asked my husband to hand me my chapstick. 
•  Pony tail holder – or something to hold your hair out of your face.
• A change of clothes like this nightgown. It buttons down the front which makes it easy for nursing and skin to skin. Also its very practical because right after birth the nurses will continually check you and a gown is way more accessible than pants. You don’t want to pack too much, but if you have a c-section you’ll have a longer stay and you want to be prepared. For another change of clothes  these pajamas are great.  We were discharged 24 hours after birth so I only needed to change one time but I did bring a few options just incase.
•  Robe–  I brought this one for pictures, and because it was also easy access for nursing and skin to skin. After we were moved to the postpartum care unit, I took a shower and this robe was the first thing I changed into after the hospital gown. It’s amazing what a nice robe or pair of pajamas can do for your self esteem after going through birth. 
• A cardigan – Something warm and easy to take on and off.
• A going home outfit. Pack your favorite maternity leggings, or I lived in these H&M joggers during pregnancy and for a few weeks after. I wanted something comfy, we were going straight home to the couch. Or leave in a dress like the birthing queen you are if thats what you prefer. You do you girl, but bring some clothes because you can’t leave naked. Something to keep in mind is you will still have about a 6 month bump and a diaper on, so plan for that. 
• Socks or slippers
• Shower Shoes – A pair of old navy flip flops will work.
•  A nursing tank or nursing tank bra. I packed one of each. This nursing tank from target is affordable and comfortable and has been my go to. If you plan on not nursing pack a few tight sports bras. I didn’t end up wearing the bra, but I wore the tank home with my cardigan.
•  Toiletries – Now this will be different for everyone. But obviously should include things like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and maybe some makeup you may want to apply. I would recommend bringing makeup wipes and dry shampoo. They came in handy when I was stuck in bed and just wanted to “wash my face” in the morning but couldn’t get out of bed (contractions I tell ya, they are no party!). I did shower but washing my hair in the hospital was not a priority so dry shampoo for the win! I also packed my mini travel straightener and I did use it to freshen up, but obviously not necessary. Like I said, this category is very specific to each person. Just bring whatever you think will make you feel good and most like yourself. 
• Frida Mom foam –When it comes to after care the hospital should have everything you need. Let me tell you, I did my research! I did pack everything just incase and didn’t end up opening any of it. But what I wish I brought was this Frida mom foam, its so good! I have seen some people say to bring the Frida Mom peri bottle.  I bought this and used it when I got home, and it is way better than the one they give you. But if we’re going for minimalism you can live without it for a few days in the hospital. 
• Nipplecream – If you plan on nursing I’d start using Lanolin right away. It’s very soothing especially in the beginning of your nursing journey. 
• SNACKS – pack all of the snacks! Grab your favorites for you and whoever is joining you at the hospital. Because I gave birth during the height of the pandemic and we knew we wouldn’t be able to leave our room, we also brought water bottles so we didn’t have to keep bothering the nurses. We brought SO MANY SNACKS and i’m pretty sure we ate them all. With this being said I did pack some singles for the vending machine just incase we were able to get out of the room. We weren’t but I’d still definitely recommend brining some CASH.
• Water Bottle – I brought my yeti with a straw top, probably the most used thing I brought. Keeps the water cold and easier then having to lean over using a regular cup.
•  A portable charger – Bringing a phone charger is a no brainer, and some may say to bring a long power cord if you have one. I however chose to bring my power pack and could charge my phone a full 5x with it right on my hospital side table. I never had to ask anyone “can you get my phone” or get out of bed for it. 
• iPad – I was induced so we had some time to kill in the beginning. We streamed some TV because our hospital had limited channels. It was nice to have some sort of entertainment from home during the (minimal) down time.
• Pillow – I brought my pillow from home. I second guessed this decision because I thought how silly  to be bringing in my own pillow. I don’t know why, it was the best decision and i’m SO happy that I did.

for baby

You don’t need to bring much for the baby. The hospital has a lot of what you need. Actually, make sure you bring an empty bag to bring home all of the extra stuff from the hospital. We brought home extra diapers, wipes, and formula. Our hospital had some shirts that snapped in front not to bother his belly, swaddles, and a hat. 

• Car Seat – Have this installed in your car before hand and ready to go, you can’t leave the hospital without it!
• An outfit for pictures – This is a no brainer! Whether it’s a swaddle or a gown pack something picture worthy. You’ll be taking TONS of pictures of your new babe.
• Clothing – I brought 2 new born onesie pajamas and a 0-3 month pair just incase he didn’t fit newborn. A few pairs of socks, hats, and a pair of mittens. and a couple of these side snap tops with attached mittens. These were perfect to not bother his belly and easy to unsnap for skin to skin. Our hospital did provide these tops but they were a little too big for Maverick. Just think things to keep them cozy and warm. I didn’t use everything I brought, but I’m happy we did have a few options because he did spit up and we did change him a few times. The first two weeks we mainly kept him in the snap long sleeve shirts and a swaddle. 
• Swaddles – I packed a few different kinds of swaddles. Two muslin ones and a velcro one. We did use the velcro swaddle our first night in the hospital and i’m so glad we did. It was easier to get the hang of than a traditional one for us first time parents! We brought these swaddle me swaddles that have the velcro and these were the muslin swaddle blankets that we packed a couple of. 
• Baby blanket – To keep baby warm on the drive home.
• Nursing Pillow – I did bring my boppy. However due to Covid I was reluctant to take it out of the bag and use it, but if Covid wasn’t a fear I definitely would have used it. 

For dad

Dad’s don’t need too much. Your partner may be in the hospital with you for awhile and will need a few things during their stay.

• A Pillow – I was told from my husband that the beds are not comfortable, but having his own pillow from home made it a little more bearable. He was more comfortable than me so I didn’t feel that bad! 😝
• A change of clothes – and something to sleep in. Pretty sure my hubs just wore a few different pairs of lounge pants the whole time.
• Toiletries
• A phone charger – so you aren’t sharing one!
• Lastly, A good attitude 🙂 Labor is tough, which is why it’s called labor. You’ll have some tough moments and having a positive support person is so helpful during this amazing and challenging time.

This is a general list, but packing is all about personal preference. This is just what I brought and used. Ultimately bring whatever you think you will need and make you feel most comfortable having. Just keep in mind the more you bring, the more you have to carry. Happy packing, and congratulations mama!