Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins

Hospital Bag: What You Actually Need

Hospital Bag Must Haves by popular Ohio motherhood blog, Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins: image of a bed room with a black metal canopy bed that has white bedding, blue throw pillows, a orange leopard print lumbar pillow and blue and white stripe throw blanket with two blue and white stripe benches set in front of the bed.

I know, why are you posting this Amy? Your son is months old…a little late to the game– but am I? There are so many first times moms asking what their hospital bag must haves should be. And you know what, once upon a time, I was a first time mom, too, who had no idea what to pack.

Look, I’m no expert on motherhood (gosh, no), but I did have the child first in my group of girlfriends and now that we’ve survived #2 (so far), I feel like I kind of have been through it, ya know? Many of my girlfriends are just now having their first baby, so I am always happy to offer suggestions to them if solicited. I personally found that my first hospital bag and second hospital bag were drastically different, so I thought I’d share my experience with the second go around and save you some space in your bag for the true necessities. 

Hospital Bag Must Haves by popular Ohio motherhood blog, Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins: collage image of black jogger pant, black cami tank, Freshly Picked camel brown backpack, Burts Bees chapstick, blue leopard print monogram duffle bag, grey robe, nursing pillow, cream blanket, carseat, reusable tumbler cup, pink fuzzy slippers, charging cords, blue baby onesie with matching cap, cream cosmetics bags, and nipple cream.


 

Hospital Bag Must Haves

FOR MOM:

  • Weekender: Let’s start with a great duffel. I’ve had this one for years now and Aaron and Penelope also have them. They hold a lot and are great quality with both handles and a cross body strap. 
  • Pillow / Blanket (x2): I HATE hospital blankets and pillows, so I opted to take my own (and also one for Dad’s sleeping). You wont regret it, especially if you end up having a C-section and spend an additional night. Sitting in a hospital bed is not fun, so having a comfy blanket and pillow really help. A pro tip is to use a different pillow case from the hospital’s (think colors, prints, etc.), it just helped us remember our pillows and differentiate them. 
  • Toiletries: In my toiletry bag, I packed light makeup (think 5-minute face, or less), toothbrush, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, soap and toothpaste. I also love keeping this with me anywhere because it’s the best, and you feel so dehydrated if you start nursing. I love this brand for toiletry bags. 
  • Clothing: The first day (the day you give birth), I’d say you *most likely* wont change you’ll be so exhausted. If you have a C-section, I almost bet you’ll stay in your gown because you can’t get up and move. So, think about 1-2 days worth of clothing. A day in the hospital (2 for C-section) and then a “going-home” look. You will need at least 6-month maternity clothing, I prefer sweats, cozy sweaters and nursing tanks/bras. Please do not be sad if you can’t wear jeans home (ITS NORMAL), in fact, don’t even pack them! I also have these because my feet with Penelope were very swollen, less so with Shep because I wore these. I wore these pants for both my births and I am so glad I did. I also prefer my own slippers for walking the halls after birth. 
  • Long charging cable: Enough said, one for you and dad. Don’t forget your phone for pictures!
  • Nursing Essentials: Nipple butter, boppy pillow. You DO NOT need to take your breat pump, the hospitals have better ones. You also will not need any other feeding supplies. I prefer my own pillow to the hospitals, so I cna practice and get the feel for what works for baby. 
  • Snacks: Nothin major, but some little candies and granola type bars are handy. The hospital will provide food and you can have your spouse run out (pre-COVID), so I wouldn’t go overboard. 
  • Watterbottle: best to stay hydrated. I used BOTH mine and the the hospitals. 
  • Insurance card, pediatrician information. 

Things you DON’T need: Lots of clothing, tons of makeup, tons of entertainment (you’ll be too tired), tons of snacks, 

FOR DAD:

  • Keeping it short and sweet but dad needs the same # change of clothes, as well as his toiletries. He may also want more “entertainment” like a book, iPad, etc. I also suggest a pillow and blanket for him because hospital “beds” for dads typically are not great. 

FOR BABY:

  • Signage: If you have special signs, clothing, etc. remember it in the baby bag.  
  • Car Seat: You can’t leave the hospital without yours. We love this brand. 
  • Going Home Outfit
  • Diaper Bag to carry belongings. 

Things you DON’T need: diapers, food, bottles, etc. You literally only need a going home outfit and a car seat. The hospital will have everything you need and you’re paying for it, so take it! I took our “stocked diaper bag,” but only because it was already packed and it’s what I carried baby’s outfit in for the drive home (and my own nipple butter because I prefer my brand). 

I promise that’s it. I know it seems easy, but it’s short and you’re exhausted. With P, I thought I’d do so much “work” on my computer, HA. We just watched TV and tried to sleep when possible. Take any down time to relax, soak it all in and learn. Meet with your LC, ask questions and just stare at that miracle. 

I will say this, take whatever the hospital will send you with! You’re paying for it and if you’re good to your nurses, they’ll be good to you. We did little thank you notes/gifts for them and they go a long way (more to come on that!). Take all of the underwear/pads for yourself and the diapers they’ll send with baby. 

Now, speaking of babies…mine is 8 months and teething, so I need some coffee. Good luck momma, you’ll do amazing. 

 

What are some of your hospital bag must haves?  Let me know in a comment below!