Hospital Bag Recommendations

Natasha - posted on 02/07/2011

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to all you wonderful women. I have compiled a list of everything that I want in my bag, and it includes a lot of your suggestions. There were so many suggestions that I won't be using all of them, but will definately feel prepared if I end up staying a few more days than originally thought. I was in the hospital for 3 days with my first son, and had forgotten all the things that I had wanted with me at the time.

And I feel like when I send my son to our friends he will have everything he needs as well, which is actually something that I had completely forgotten about.

So once again, thank you for all your help. I can't wait for the next 9 weeks to go by so we can meet our new bundle of joy :)

Deanna - posted on 02/05/2011

I took a couple of really cute outfits in case my baby weighed more or less than the outfit I wanted her in. I donated the one or two preemie outfits to the nurses station in case someone came in that needed it. (which does happen apparently) I also took 2 books, though I never read more than half of one. I took my own tylenol and lied when they asked. (sorry I can do that I am a nurse. lol ) I took 2 extra burp clothes for when I put her in her car seat I didn't like her head moving so much so I would put extra padding around the head bumpers. I took 3 different pacifiers as it is easier to break those than the thumb. Oh, and I took my own pads. When I say pads I don't mean normal pads. I mean the big old almost like diapers types of pads. You could even do the adult diapers too. They absorb about the same and I hated the risk of getting blood and such on my underwear and clothes. Oh, and socks. I always take my old socks because the ones you wear will probably be ruined. I pack a new package of new socks for the day I leave.

Sara - posted on 02/05/2011

I brought most of the things already listed.
Something I thought was cool that I did for all three of my kids... I brought some small-ish gender appropriate card stock to get foot prints on for scrapbook, etc. They did it for me when they did the official foot prints. You could just buy an inkpad and do it when you get home, but I never would have done it if I didn't do it in the hospital.

Angie - posted on 02/05/2011

Warm fuzzy socks to keep your feet warm and lip balm to keep your lips moist through all the breathing. We also took a picture of the ultrasound so I knew what I was working for and soothing music. And finally, breath mints of your husband. His mouth will dry out helping you do your breathing and that leads to bad breath. Believe me, you don't want that in your face while you're in labor!

Steph - posted on 02/05/2011

lip balm, shampoo/conditioner, brush, toothbrush, deodorant, pads you would prefer, clothing, extra pillows, slippers, housecoat, ponytail, headband, snacks, baby outfit, carseat, baby blanket, credit card, change for parking and vending machine, birth plan, insurance cards, a pen and notebook, a deck of cards, cellphone and charger, blanket and pillow for the hubby, important phone numbers, music, birthing ball if they don't have, magazines/books, diapers if you have a preference, lotion, camera, extra batteries, video camera... ... ...

Amber - posted on 02/04/2011

One thing that I wish I would have thought to bring is an empty tote bag. We got tons of gifts and it would have been nice to have an empty bag to put them in, rather than just stacking them up and trying not to knock them over.

Also, I made Chad bring me my pillow from home. The hospital pillows were flat and uncomfortable and I was there for 5 days.

Firebird - posted on 02/04/2011

One more thing to add to the lists of suggestions... if you plan on giving a soother to the new baby, bring one along, not all hospitals provide them.

JOANNA - posted on 02/04/2011

HONESTLY MY HUSBAND AND I WENT CRAZY AND PACK A BUNCH OF STUFF I DIDNT EVEN NEED! LOL U SPEND THE WHOLE TIME IN A HOSPITAL GOWN AND THEY CHECK U CONSTATNLY SO JUST BRING THINGS U USE EVERYDAY, TOOTH BRUSH HAIR BRUSH A COMFY SPORTS BRA AND LOTS OF LOTION!! AND BRING AN OUTFIT MAYBE A COMFY SWEAT SUIT TO WEAR HOME WHEN YOU GET DISCHARGED!

Natasha - posted on 02/04/2011

Wow, thank you all so much. I am actually feeling like I might be prepared this time. And thank you for the suggestions for my son's stuff as well. I know that he will be ok where he is going, I used to watch thier kids, and they watch him when I have dr appts or need a little me time in my week.

Leslie, a suggestion from another mom was that I buy the little travel bottles for my toiletries so that they are packed ahead of time. I also have a travel set of toothpaste, toothbruh and floss that I keep in my purse. I don't handle quick packing well, so this is one thing that I have already dealt with. And the idea of bringing 2 outfits is really smart. My first son actually messed his outfit, and I had forgotten that until this very moment. And the book that I am taking with me isn't for afterwards, it's for while I am in labour... I find reading very theraputic and distracting. It worked with my son, and I am hoping that it will help with this one too.

Leslie - posted on 02/04/2011

I am in the same boat as you, my bag has been packed for 3 weeks now! (I am 39 weeks and impatiently waiting for my (2nd) baby to arrive!) Nursing pj's or tops and nursing bra, if you will be breastfeeding. Couple changes of underwear, in case the pad doesn't hold up! Baby book for getting foot/hand prints and journaling your birth experience. I also packed a pair of flannel pj pants, tshirt, underwear, and socks for my hubby since he will be staying overnight with me, travel size toiletries, and makeup (If I'm getting my picture taken, I at least want to look halfway decent!). I also packed 2 baby outfits in case one gets soiled before we leave the hospital. Your favorite brand of maxi pads (the hospital issued ones are enormous!) Camera and camcorder and make sure they are fully charged and ready to go! I didn't bother packing magazines or books. When I had my first daughter I found I was so busy with caring for her, and not to mention the steady stream of visitors and hospital staff that were in and out of my room, that I didn't have time to read anything. Anything I couldn't pack now because I still use on a daily basis (like hair stuff and toiletries) I made a list of and stuck in my overnight bag. That way when it's time I don't have to think about what else I need to pack, I just grab the list and dump everything else in the bag! I did the same for my 3-year old, too, since she will be staying with a friend while I am in labor. Hope this helps!

Tyrae - posted on 02/04/2011

For some reason I packed everything I had needed except my toothbrush and hair brush. I made my hubby go back to the house after we had our daughter to go pick them up. I totally forgot because they were an every day use kind of thing and when labor finally hit I didn't think about putting those things in the bag.

Sherri - posted on 02/04/2011

Mary you do understand she is talking about for the birth of her child??? LOL!!!

Sarah - posted on 02/04/2011

What about and ipod with a docking station? Relaxing music whilst giving birth was good. Or some CD's if a CD player is provided.

Becca - posted on 02/03/2011

For me it was imparative(SP?) to have shampoo,conditioner etc to take a shower.I also took a robe and slippers.

Mary - posted on 02/03/2011

Natasha- As for what you should pack for your son I would say the necessities toothbrush, toothpaste, clothes, hair brush, his favorite blanket, some of his favorite toys even if they have toys at their house its still comforting to have his own stuff. Pack your son some snacks, that way he knows mommy and daddy are thinking about him. You could even ask your son what he would like to bring with him to the neighbors when the baby comes. Some activities that he likes would be best such as books or coloring books because he more than likely will be too nervous or excited to sleep. Make sure to bring anything that he has a special attachment to because the last thing you want is be up at the hospital and thinking my baby boy is going to be lost without his doggie that he loves.

Kristin - posted on 02/03/2011

i didn't bring, but i wish i would have and will know for next time:
slippers, my own bath towel,portable dvd player and movies, cards, batteries for the camera, a robe

Laura - posted on 02/03/2011

A Boppy pillow is a breastfeeding pillow kind of in a half moon shape. It's also great for when the baby gets older to do tummy time and helping them sit up. I love my bobby, it's the greatest thing ever when breast feeding.

http://shopboppy.com/shop/index.php?main...

Natasha - posted on 02/03/2011

Thanks so much all, these are great suggestions. My list is both growing, and narrowing (if that makes sense).

Laura, what is a Boppy? I have never heard of one, and yes I will be breast feedng.

Julie - posted on 02/03/2011

Congrats! I found that a comfy but cute robe to go over the hospital gown as well as slippers were my favorite things that I brought, as well as my cell phone.
I was also really glad I brought some chapstick and scented lotion.
Shameless plug here, but we sell some wonderful lotions at Jordan Essentials. (www.myjestore.com/julie)
What I didn't bring but wish I had was a hairdryer! I had to have my hubby go home and get it for me.
Oh yes, and bring some socks and underwear. Other than that and a going home outfit for the baby, I really didn't use much else! :) Good luck!

Laura - posted on 02/03/2011

2 that I can't ever forget, Boppy(if your breast feeding) and chapstick. Also Slippers, a pair of cheap comfy pjs, robe, something to keep entertained, extra undies, toiletries, going home clothes, cell phone charger, nursing bra and nursing pads and I also bring my own feminine pads as the one's the hospital provides don't have wings and I love my wings. :) Congrats and good luck!!

Adrienne - posted on 02/03/2011

I completely over packed! I had a few comfotable outfits for myself and my husband...toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo/conditioner, soap, snacks for my husband(and me after she was born!) Clothes for our daughter, camera, cell phone and charger...our hospital has snacks, drinks and ice available in a little kitchen area in the maternity ward for mothers and theirs families and I ended up staying in the hospital gown and using those disposable undies the hospital gives you...I felt more comfortable that way I guess...I'm expecting again and this time I wll be packing much less and will probably be changing into my own clothes right away now that I kind of know the drill and I'm sure my parents will be bringing my daughter up asap and once the baby is born my husband and daughter will be there most of the day! ...but one thing I will always take with is my own pillow!!

Lisa - posted on 02/03/2011

My cell phone and laptop. Toiletries including lip balm and hairspray. Clean underwear, socks, and nursing bras. I wear sweats and a t-shirt to the hospital and just wore the same clothes home. Carseat, blanket, a set of clothes for the baby to wear home. I keep it simple because you end up taking home so much new stuff and I figured it I forgot something it's not as if someone wouldn't be coming to see me.

Heather - posted on 02/03/2011

I forgot my ipod charger. I also took with me change for snacks or drinks just in case you don't like the hospital food.

Good Luck!!!

Sherri - posted on 02/03/2011

Tylenol unless you want to wait forever for the nurse to bring you some all the time.

Camera
Clothes I only wore the gown thingy for birth then showered and put my regular clothes back on. Felt so much better that way.

Outfit and car seat for baby

Toiletries

Things to keep you busy

Karla - posted on 02/03/2011

I was SO THIRSTY after delivering my son. I had packed some powdered Gatorade and a big water bottle. It was such a yummy treat!!!

Natasha - posted on 02/03/2011

Thank you for the great suggestions so far. I have added a bunch of these to my list. I am notoriously bad for forgetting my camera, so having it listed will definately help.

We will be packing a gender neutral outfit, because we did not find out what we are having (I like the surprise :)) And we are lucky enough to have friends who live just down the block and have said that we can drop our son off with them no matter what time it is. But, I would like some suggestions for things to send with him, thanks for reminding me of that Nadia.

Mary - posted on 02/02/2011

I brought gum, chap stick, lotion, clothes, hair brush, tooth brush, robe, tooth paste, shampoo, soap. I forgot to bring a book with me but my husband or mom I don't remember which were nice enough to bring me a book to read. I would also remember to bring a camera I forgot mine. The outfit I pick was gender neutral just incase my son came out not a son. I brought a blanket with me for my husband not me though.

Holly - posted on 02/02/2011

Heated back pads (the ones that you activate and stick to your back). I had back labor with both of mine and those were a godsend for the next few days! :)

My phone. I took bunches of pictures on it and I was able to text my hubby quickly and esily if I needed something (he still had to work when I was in the hospital for the day after our babies were born).

A deck of cards to keep the boredom at bay :)

My travel sudoku book (and an extra one just in case along with a couple extra pencils and plenty of lead for the mechanical ones!).

You already mentioned a book, but I took several. I'm a fast reader and they kept me in the hospital for an extra day for my last one because she was born after 5pm (after discharge hours) and they wanted her there at least 24 hours after birth.

Warm fuzzy sockies :) LOVE THEM!

Congrats and enjoy your new baby when he/she arrives! :)

Stifler's - posted on 02/02/2011

Socks! Hospitals are so cold I gave birth in the middle of summer and forgot to take socks and wish I had have!

Samantha - posted on 02/02/2011

a laptop or something that can entertain you, like several books ect. My first pregnancy my water broke, I went in, and I waited there for 24 hours in semi labour with nothing to do but feel mildly miserable, then I had a C-section and had to stay in the hospital for another 3 days. So be prepared for a long stay just in case. Also pink AND blue clothes, I don't know how many people were expecting a girl, brought a pink outfit and a boy was delivered. Oh and a Camera! I forgot mine my second pregancy so we had to make do with Cell Phone camera quality, and maybe another good idea is a list of people to call. My husband forgot to call like 6 people and they were dissapointed to hear about the news 2nd and 3rd hand. Hmmm, what else... toiletries and make up! You will feel like crap after you deliver your baby, then you get a few hours to clean up and poeple are taking your picture ( with the camera mentioned above) and you look like you just got pushed through a vagina. I Felt lots better with a hair brushing and a little make up. Congrats on the pregnancy! Best of luck!

Nadia - posted on 02/02/2011

first of all, congrats on your upcoming bundle of joy! :) i would also pack some nice smelling massage oil or lotion, and don't forget the basics like shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, hairbrush, and hair elastics/clips. I also packed slippers cuz the hospital floor is so cold. Oh and i had a little activity kit packed for my older one, just in case she had to come to the hospital... it had colouring books, story books, pj's, a blanket, cuz you never know. I was so worried i was gonna go into labour in the middle of the night and not be able to get ahold of anyone to watch my oldest! lol as it turned out, i was induced, but better safe than sorry :)