Today I’m sharing my Hospital Bag Checklist for having a baby!
I’m writing this post-labor and laughing because wow… I really didn’t need 8 scrunchies. I hope you find the below helpful!
You’ve got this mama! The biggest thing to take with you is that everything is going to be wonderful and you get to meet your baby. You’re in good hands and it’s going to be incredible.
Hospital Bag Checklist
So after experiencing the day… here’s a checklist based on importance! I link to everything below.
- LONG iPhone chargers / camera chargers — don’t forget these!
2. Tripod- you can order a little one on Amazon. It’s so nice to have a camera running during the special moments. Trust me… if they allow you to have a camera going during labor, I recommend it. You can also set it up post-C-section. I watch our videos all the time. It’s so special, because it brings me back to those first little cries, Brian’s reaction, my mom’s reaction, the chitchat in the L&D room, and all the first little noises. Just set it up and keep it rolling and when your husband, partner, or mom wants to grab it, they can hold the tripod and capture more moments.
3. Portable music player + playlist. I’m putting this first, because it was so nice. Make some playlists beforehand and play during labor, delivery, and recovery.
4. First outfit for baby + mama
5. Mini make-up bag. I brought mascara, lip stick, concealer, bronzer, brow pencil, and lip balm.
6. Make-up remover and skin cleansing wipes. You won’t shower for a couple days, so these are a must!
7. Pacifier if you choose… we didn’t bring them and we wish we did
8. Very comfortable and soft pajamas
9. Big ole mama undies! I remember roaming Macy’s for big, soft panties a few nights before we went to the hospital.
10. Toiletry bag including toothbrush, wipes, lip balm, etc
11. Diffuser (rooms don’t allow candles)
12. White noise (Can also use phone and speaker). We needed this because it was distracting hearing some of the other floormates giving birth and all the staff going in and out of the rooms.
13. Nipple Butter… this is a MUST!
14. Going home outfit (for both you and baby 🙂
15. This is a little diferent, but the sheets at hostpitals are pretty slippery (almost wax-like) and they don’t have a lot of ventilation. This can cause a lot of itchiness, redness, and night sweats, especially if you can’t move much after delivery. I was bed-bound for a couple days after my c-section with Colette and had rashes all over my back. With Carmen, I brought a soft robe that I laid on, but if you can squeeze in a small flat sheet, I highly recommend it.
16. If you get itchy post anesthesia, bring a soft dry brush and scent-free lotion.
17. Anything you want for the baby other than the necessities like diapers, swaddles (even tho they normally provide these at the hospital), and a cute outfit to come home in. Remember to of course set up your carseat a month in advance.
For the Partner (from Brian)
- Card or gift for mama… aka ‘push present’. Brownie points if you get a congrats grandma card.
2. Thoughtful snacks or gifts for the nurses
3. Food… Brian didn’t bring food for himself, so he ate cheese and vending machine food for 3 days when we had Isabelle (and 6 days with Colette!)
4. Essential oils for massaging mama!
5. Comfortable shoes! You’ll be standing a lot and possibly pacing the hallways
6. Mini bottles of champagne
7. Toiletry bag and changes of clothes
And if you’re headed into labor soon… I’m sending all my love to you! Remember, you’re already such an incredible mother. There’s nothing stronger than a woman bringing a human into this world. You’ve got this. xxo Katrina
