I’ll admit it, I overpacked! If you missed it, this post shares what I packed for my hospital bag. Now that I lived through it, I figured I should share what I ended up using!
A couple of things to note– Since I went in for an induction, I did my makeup before leaving. Even though I didn’t deliver until almost 24 hours later, I didn’t bother with touching up my makeup or even applying anything after Kaiyen was born. It just didn’t seem important to be honest! I’m going to copy/paste what I listed out and write notes on each item so you know what I used and what I didn’t bother with!
For Mom:
- Delivery Gown + Nursing-friendly PJs/Gown – YES. I changed into my own delivery gown on the last day at the hospital, it ended up just being my going home outfit lol. I actually forgot I had packed this and just wore what the hospital provided.
- Going Home Outfit – NO. didn’t use, just wore the delivery gown.
- Long Comfy Robe – NO. didn’t use.
- Breast Pump (Elvie code NEXTWITHNITA15) – NO. didn’t use, no milk yet!
- Nipple balm / shield – NO. didn’t use, no milk yet!
- Towel + Blanket – YES. I did shower once at the hospital and I’m glad I brought my own towel. I was also frequently cold and it was comforting to have my own thick blanket.
- Pillow + Pillowcases – YES.
- Grip Socks – YES. The hospital sucks were crap.
- Granny Panties + Diapers – YES!
- Nursing Bras / Tanks – I wore the bras, didn’t bother with the tanks.
- Fridababy Postpartum Kit – YES! I was at the hospital from Thurs-Sat given the tough delivery I had, this definitely came in handy. I used a mix of what the hospital provided + my stuff.
- Shower Slippers + Slides – YES! 100% came in handy!
- Sweatpants – NO! I lived the no pants life.
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash) – YES!
- Skincare (face wipes, cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream, chapstick, hand lotion) – chapstick and hand lotion yes, no to everything else.
- Hair Things (hairbrush, scrunchies, dry shampoo) – scrunchie yes, no to everything else.
- Water Bottle – YES.
- Stroller Fan – NO.
- License + Insurance Card – YES.
- Make up + mirror (but this mirror + this one looks better tbh!) – NO.
- Mask + Hand Sanitizer – YES!
For Dad:
- Camera Equipment to document it all + tripod – YES.
- Airpods – YES.
- Portable Charger, Extension Cord, Long Phone Charger Cord – YES.
- Towel – YES.
- Snacks – YES.
- Mask + Hand Sanitizer – YES.
- Pillow + + Pillowcase + Blanket + Small Bed Sheet – YES. this really came in handy for Ajeet! He slept on the couch but used an old bed sheet of ours to make it a little more sanitary/ comfortable. The hospital pillows sucked so he was glad we brought our own!
- Spare clothes (sweatpants, shirts, boxers, socks) – NO. He actually was able to go home, shower and come back.
- Laptop + Charger – YES.
- Water Bottles – YES.
- Shower Slippers – YES.
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant) – YES.
- Pen – YES.
For Baby:
- Beanie – YES.
- Swaddle – YES.
- 1 Onsie – YES.
- Mittens – NO.
- Socks – NO.
- Car Seat – YES.
- VAVA Night Light – NO.
- Baby Shusher – YES.
What I wish I packed:
- Prenatals – my hospital did not provide them.
- Pacifier for baby
- Lactation treats – to help my milk supply get going quicker!
Hope this was helpful! Chat soon, xo!
