Always be Prepared: Hospital Bag Checklist

Okay mammas to be! This one’s for you.

If you’re expecting, and especially if this is your first, you are probably being overloaded with information and shit you need to know. Save this and reference it when it’s time to pack your hospital bag so you don’t leave anything behind.

Let’s face it, being in labour is anything but enjoyable. So let’s try to make you as comfortable as possible. Post-delivery, you’re honestly not going to be feeling your absolute best. (SURPRISE!) But remember, just as much as this is about the baby, it’s also about you. YOU are the one giving birth, who needs to recover, and needs to be taken care of. It’s important to have everything you need to make you feel as “at home” as possible.

Let me explain some of these, shall I?

Your Hospital Bag

Skincare/hair care/ toiletries

Again, just to make you feel at home and feel your best. Also, hospitals can be very dry. So don’t feel like a diva for bringing your full skincare routine. Heck, pack a facemask even. Keep in mind too that you’re gonna want to take some photos. So bring whatever you feel like you may need/want to feel up for taking those pics.

Lip balm/hand cream/ body lotion

Hospitals are dry AF! Trust me when I tell you you’re going to want the richest of lotions, creams, butters… you name it! I brought the Laniege lip sleeping mask and it was a life saver. Oh, and a little tip: Nipple cream makes a great lip balm and hand lotion when you’re extra dry.

Clothing

Things to keep in mind here: Will you be having visitors? Will you be taking photos? You want to be comfy, but you also want to feel good if people are going to be stopping by or you’re doing photos. I suggest some comfy sweats (I linked my fave H&M joggers below!) and some leggings. A loose fitting top/tank is also key. If you’re going to be breast feeding, you’ll need some easy access!

Snacks

Hospitals typically provide meals, but it may not always be the most nutritious (funny, right?). Aaaand maybe not as frequent as you would like. Pack some bars (I love Rx bars!), cauliflower crisps, or anything that you may like to snack on. And if someone offers to bring you anything, take them up on it. Ask for some fresh fruits or veggies because you mamma, are gonna need all the nutrients you can get.

For the Baby

Again, as for clothing, the baby probably won’t need much. It’s super important to do skin to skin, so the little one will most likely be in a diaper the whole time. Bring a sleeper for just incase, and a going home outfit. Hospitals will usually provide you with diapers and wipes, but of course, bring your own if you have a preference of brand of diapers, and also, just in case your room supply runs low. They’ll provide you with swaddling blankets too but I like to bring my own muslin ones. (I linked some of my faves below. Little Unicorn has the BEST prints!)

For Siblings

We weren’t sure how everything was going to go when I went into labour. Would Lily be in school? Would it be the middle of the night and too late to call anyone? Would my mom be in town? We had no idea! So we made sure to have a bag packed. (always be prepared, right!?)

Any mamma’s out there have any must-haves for the hospital bag? I’d love to hear what helped you with your stay!

Keep your eyes peeled for posts in the mom section of the blog! There will be lots to come XO