So I know that this list has been done probably a thousand times, but I figured I would let you all know the items that were truly useful to me as a second time mom. I think that a lot of the lists out there are a little excessive and unnecessary. It’s easy to overthink it and over-pack your bag with things you won’t actually use or need. The hospital provides you with so many things that you may not even realize.
It’s definitely easier to be prepared, but when having a baby you just never know when they might decide to come. You don’t want to be trying to throw a million things in your suitcase while in labor. With my first baby there were quite a few things that I had wished that I packed and was sure to include them when heading to the hospital to have my daughter! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. If you decide to purchase any items I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
What you DON’T need:
- Diapers – The hospital will provide you with all the diapers you need while there. They’ll even let you take home the extras when you leave.
- Wipes– Again, they will provide these at the hospital for you.
- Huge selection of Baby Outfits– Honestly, I only brought two outfits. Not knowing how big either baby would be I brought a newborn sized outfit and a 0-3 month outfit. You really only need something for them to go home in. The hospital will give you a white onesie, a hat and swaddle blanket, which is what both of my babies stayed in the whole time we were there.
- Laptop– Trust me when I say that you will not be browsing the internet, watching movies or Netflix during your stay. Any down time that you get you will want to sleep! And there won’t be much of it 😉
- Breast Pump – Your milk won’t likely come in until after you leave the hospital so this one is pretty unnecessary. If by some chance you do need one, the hospital can provide you with one to use while there.
- A Ton of Makeup – I am usually the type of person to never leave the house without a little bit of makeup on. When you see how un-glamorous the whole birthing process and stay at the hospital really is, makeup is the last thing on your mind. I would only recommend bringing the basics – maybe some foundation or tinted moisturizer, concealer (for those dark circles after not sleeping for two days), and mascara. Contouring your face will be the last thing on your mind during your hospital stay.
What you DO need:
Boppy Pillow– If you plan on breastfeeding this is a must! It makes it so much easier and comfortable for both of you when trying to get in a good position in a hospital bed.
Travel Sized Shampoo & Conditioner – Don’t bother packing your full sized bottles. You will likely only take a shower or two while there. I used these travel sized bottles to put mine in and they worked great!
Blowdryer – Again if you plan on washing your hair you’ll definitely need to bring one of these. I bought a travel sized one so that it didn’t take up so much room.
Dry Shampoo– If you don’t want to wash your hair or just need to freshen up I would highly recommend this stuff. You will probably be a greasy mess after giving birth and this stuff is a god-send. Plus you’ll look great for pictures 😉
Toiletries – Toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, hair brush, makeup and any other daily items that you use. These can be easy to forget in the rush of things!
Flip-Flops – You will definitely want a pair of cheap flip-flops to wear in the shower and bathroom. The floors are cold and gross in there. These are cheap and comfortable!
Towel– This is one of the things that I did not bring with me for my first pregnancy and wish I had. The towels the hospital provides you with are tiny, scratchy and thin. You can literally barely wrap it around yourself! A large dark colored towel is ideal as there will still be a lot of fluids coming out of you. This one is great because it’s extra large.
Cozy Socks– My feet were freezing the entire time I was there. Not to mention, the hospital floors are cold and gross. You definitely want a pair of socks for laying in bed or even walking around your room.
Slippers– These were perfect for walking around the room or roaming the halls. The nurses will want you up and walking for a bit a day or two after giving birth so you will definitely want something on your feet.
Pillow– To me the hospital pillows were extremely uncomfortable and lumpy. When you are spending days in a hospital bed you want to be comfortable. This was another item that I did not bring with my first birth that I wish I had.
Underwear– You will want to have a couple pairs of regular dark-colored underwear to wear in the hospital and when you leave. I was not a fan of the large mesh underwear that they give you in the hospital so these were a must have for me. These were great and perfect for postpartum wear.
Pads– The hospital will provide you with these but they are extremely bulky and large. They were fine for when I was in bed, but I wanted something a little smaller for when we were leaving. You will need them for when you get home anyways so just throw a few in your bag.
Robe– By the second day in the hospital you will want to get out of the stiff and thin hospital gowns for something for comfy. I used this robe and loved it! It was great for breastfeeding as well. Would recommend sizing up as it runs a little small.
Nursing Bras – I used these bras under my robe and they were great. Really comfortable and perfect for breastfeeding.
Nipple Cream – Another item that I wished I had brought with my first pregnancy. My nipples got extremely sore and tender fast. When you are nursing every 2 hours or so they can blister and crack very quickly. This Motherlove Nipple Cream is the absolute best and works immediately. A must have!
Phone Charger – Be sure to include your phone charger. I purchased an extra long cord for my hospital stay because sometimes the plugs are in really inconvenient places. This one is 6ft long and for iPhones.
Comfortable Going Home Clothes – Do not, I repeat, Do NOT bring your pre-maternity clothes to go home in. Contrary to popular belief you don’t shrink back to your old size immediately after giving birth! You want something comfy and loose to wear when you leave the hospital. These sweatpants were what I wore home with my second pregnancy and I loved them. They are so comfy and have an adjustable waist. Still wear them to this day.
Going Home Outfit for Baby – Like I said earlier, this is really the only outfit you need to bring for baby. I brought two, one in newborn size and one that was 0-3 months. Etsy and Amazon have some great options for these.
Socks & Hat for Baby – You will definitely want to bring a few pairs of socks and a hat for your baby to leave in. We used these socks and love them. Super comfy and they have a tons of options for colors/styles.
Car Seat– This one is obvious but sometimes it’s the obvious things that we forget! We have the Graco SnugRide Click Connect. I absolutely love this car seat and it is very budget friendly. Super lightweight and easy to get in and out of the car.
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