What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Packing your hospital bag can be quite the process. You don’t want to take too much, too little, the wrong things or forget the right things. As I was unpacking my hospital bag after getting home from a 3 night stay, I realized “Damn, I actually used everything I took!” Here is my full list in hopes it helps you stay on track when packing yours!

Legal Things

*Car Seat– We had a specialist make a home visit to install our car seat when I was 34 weeks pregnant. We also got a full tutorial on all the different features and how to install with and without a base. You can google places near you to help you with this.

*Placenta Cooler– This would only be on your list if you have plans for your placenta after birth (pills, tincture, recipes, etc). We ended up encapsulating half and my husband ate the other half…literally cooked it in a frying pan….don’t ask me why. I’ve link the full video here if you’re interested.

*Cord Blood Collection Kit– If you plan on storing your cord blood, you will need to have the kit ready at the time of delivery. The cord blood company arranged for our kit to be picked up from the hospital less than 24 hours after giving birth. Make sure you have all the details ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling last minute.

Toiletries
  • Face Wash
  • Face Moisturizer
  • Deodorant
  • Bar Soap
  • Towel (2)*
  • Small Face Towel (4)
  • Sandals for Shower
  • Body Lotion
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Scope*
  • Wisps*

*Towels-I had every intention of showering at the hospital during our 3 night stay, but I was in so much pain I could barely stand. The towels and soap came in handy for my husband.

*Wisps/Scope– Wisps are disposable mini toothbrushes with a pre measured dollop of toothpaste in the centre that requires no water or rinsing. You can find them at your local drug store in the tooth paste aisle, usually beside the floss. Or I’ve linked them below. These were awesome throughout my stay when I needed to freshen up quickly without getting up (hello epidural!)

Scope was great in the same way. Just to be able to freshen up my breath quickly made me feel so much better.

 

Electronics
  • Laptop + Charger
  • Phone + Charger (6ft)
  • Extra Battery Pack
  • Disposable Camera*
  • Polaroid + Film*

*Disposable Camera/Polaroid– I looove the ancient art of not knowing how a picture is going to turn out. Having a disposable camera forces you to print your photos and get that album started! The polaroid cam was my absolute favorite. To have photos of these beautiful moments printed within minutes is absolutely priceless.

We still use a disposable and polaroid cam weekly!

Clothes
  • Nursing Bra
  • Going Home Outfit* (leggings, tank, cardigan, socks, slides)

*Going Home Outfit– I was originally planning on going home in the same clothes that I came in, but I’m glad I took a change of clothes. On the way to the hospital I was leaking fluid so my leggings were wet and I was sweating like no other.

I talk a lot about how incredibly comfy Storq leggings are and these are what I wore home. They are so, so soft and not constricting which is perfect for the recovering lady bits. For my favorite Storq pieces click here!

 

Cozy Things

*String Lights– Ask your nurse for some tape to secure the lights to the wall. It’s best if these are battery operated to keep everything simple. I love, love, loved the vibe. We kept all the lights off and this really set the mood. Even our OB/GYN was like, “Oh! I’ve never seen the room like this before!'” It was perfect.

*Blanket/Pillow– Best decision ever! I was so cozy in my hospital bed and Tim was more comfortable in his little chair. Of course you can ask your nurse for these things, but there’s nothing like having your favorite blanket and pillow to snuggle with.

Clear Liquids
  • Coconut Water
  • Liquid IV Packs
  • Snacks*

*Snacks– This was mainly for Tim because once I got an epidural there was no food allowed, but I did sip on clear fluids. And jello, lots and lots of jello.

For Baby
  • Coming Home Outfit (onesie and beanie)
  • 2 Swaddles
Equipment

*Rebozo– This was the only item that I packed and didn’t use. A rebozo is a large non-stretchy scarf or piece of fabric (like a flat bed sheet) that can be great for coping with labor. Our doula, Sarah Lavonne, taught us a bunch of great positions with the rebozo, but I was managing decently on my own. Until I wasn’t. Which was when my anesthesiologist angel walked in and gave me a sweet, sweet epidural.

*Birth Ball– We packed this, but ended up using the hospital’s peanut ball instead. One reason being Tim had to bring all our stuff from the car to the the delivery room in one trip (COVID-19 rules).  And two, after my epidural I was confined to the bed. So a lot of the positions I was in required a peanut ball instead of a birth ball.

*Labor Position Guide– This was absolute gold. These are optimal positions to help baby make her way down. Since we were virtual with our doula, we would give her updates and she would tell us what position to get into. My nurse was incredible at getting me into all the different positions and rotating me every 30-45 mins or so.

You can purchase the Labor and Position Guide by Bundle Birth here.

I hope this list helps you while you pack your hospital bag as you get ready to welcome your new babe! If you have other suggestions, leave a comment below =).

Happy packing, mama!