A Life In Review

I’ve been through this twice now. While that doesn’t make me an expert, I have learned a few things about having a baby in the hospital. The first go around I didn’t even have a hospital bag, so I basically figured out on the fly what I needed with the help of family and friends. At the end of this post, you will find a (free) printable version of this checklist with less of my explanations.

I should note that I had two c-sections, but I tried to include things that my friends have brought for vaginal deliveries too!

Let’s get started:

Bag:
– Get yourself something on wheels. Even if it’s not that cute bag that the IG influencer used, you’ll thank me (or rather your SO will thank me).
– Bring a backpack too for the smaller things (like chargers and snacks)

Toiletries:
– Don’t forget the basics (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush etc).
– Extra: Hair ties, chapstick, make-up (if you think you’ll want it)
– Bring a towel from home (the hospital towels can only fit one butt cheek).

Mom Needs:
– Robe: this one is especially true if you are planning on breastfeeding.
– Slippers AND slip on shoes (shoes that you can throw on when you are ready to leave but are sore).
– Loose fitting going home outfit- If you are a c-section mama, I highly suggest bring a loose fitting dress because pants are painful when they rub on your incision.
– 2 pairs of pajamas (even if you aren’t staying long, post birth is a really messy time and it’s nice to have clean things to change into).
– 3 pairs of “Period Underwear”: this is only if you don’t want to use the hospital mesh underwear. However, I loved them so much that I asked for extras the second time around.
– Nursing bras (even if you aren’t breastfeeding they are super cozy post birth)
– Nursing pads (again, even if you aren’t nursing, you will still leak)

Dad (or Companion) Needs:
– Pajamas (you can’t sleep nude in the hospital, nurses are in and out of the room ALL night).
– 2 Outfits (pack a nice one if mama wants a cute going home picture)
– Basic toiletries (same as mamas)

Baby: (reminder that you do NOT need to bring the diaper bag, just pack this in your bag).
– Cute announcement picture outfit (if that’s your thing)
– 1 going home outfit
– 1 – 2 sleeper outfits
– Baby blanket (the hospital has them too, but I liked having ours from home).
– Announcement name plate (etc.)
– Car seat (make sure the base is installed in your car)

Extras:
– Snacks (bring all the snacks and a few drinks. I promise that you’ll be happy you did).
– 2 pillows from home
– 2 blankets from home
– Bluetooth speaker (to use during labor, delivery or post birth)
– Firestick (this is something I wish that we brought)
– Chargers (phone, iPad, watch, camera etc)
– Camera/ Video Camera (if you want something more than your phone)
– Notebook and pencil (in case there’s anything you need to write down and remember, there’s a lot going on and it’s hard to keep track of everything)
– Your ID

Remember to take from Hospital:
– All the diapers and wipes
– Formula in the room (they will give you some to take home if you ask)
– Mesh Underwear
– ALL the pads you can find

I hope this truly helps! If you are like me and need a physical copy of the list, below you will find a FREE printable PDF! Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Be sure to check out my other parenting posts throughout the first year!