Apparently, it’s an unofficial rule to have your hospital bags packed and car seat installed by the time you’re 37 weeks or earlier. I think I followed that rule with Madison, but my last pregnancy was slightly different. For starters, since we have a toddler, naps and rest were super hard to come by. I had full intentions on packing my bag after work starting at week 35, but it just didn’t happen. It was not until I was 37 weeks and 5 days that I finally buckled down and got all packed! My brain must have known my body was preparing for labor, because by 38 weeks, I was in route to the hospital in active labor. Olivia Grace had a mind of her own, she decided that I didn’t need time to write this post prior to her arrival and that whatever I had to say could wait until AFTER she was born.
I should have probably named this post, what was in my hospital BAGS because hi, my name is Brittney and I am over-packer. My logic behind this is that I would rather be over-prepared than to be without anything we needed. I am excited to share with you what I packed, and I’m hoping that parents and parents-to-be will find this post helpful.
The Baby:
Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack Diaper Bag
(3) Swaddle Blankets – Copper Pearl has the cutest prints with the perfect amount of stretch for the perfect swaddle
(5) Baby gowns or onesie PJ’s w/out snaps – for easy access especially during late night diaper changes
Monogrammed Swaddle with Bow – for baby’s first photoshoot
Cute baby hats – Baby needs hats during the first couple of days of life while they adjust to real world
Bows with nylon wrap – super cute in pictures, the bigger the bow, the better!
Socks/mittens – a pack of multicolored socks and mittens to avoid baby scratching herself
(1) Wubba nub pacifier – I still haven’t given Liv this yet, but I did pack one just in case
Baby Hair Brush
Pampers Little Swaddlers – hospital did provide these, but what’s a diaper bag w/out diapers
Huggies Natural Care wipes – hospital has recommended wipes they give you but I packed these as well
Infant Car Seat - base should be installed and ready at 37 weeks!
For Mom:
Delivery gown – I didn’t want to use the generic delivery gown, Posh Pushers has some beautiful options
(3) Dark-colored nursing pajamas – sorry for TMI, but bleeding is a culprit of giving birth. Seraphine and Target were my GO-TO for nursing friendly loungewear
(3) Nursing bras
Nursing Pads – the leakage can be real
Water bottle – I’m always super thirsty after
Open Cardigan – serve as good nursing cover ups
Mesh, comfy underwear – hospital does provide some disposable ones as well
Lanolin Nipple Cream – lifesaver for breastfeeding moms
Flip Flops – I can’t stand walking around anywhere other than my house barefoot
Toiletries / Make Up
Hair Products – don’t forget ponytail holders and bobby pins
Chapstick – a must have, chapped lips are super annoying
Prenatal Vitamins
Going Home Outfit and Shoes
Camera/Memory Card/Charger
Plenty of snacks – enough for mom and dad
Dirty clothes bag
This list is certainly not all-inclusive, but it is a guide and a starting point. For all expecting moms, try to start packing up your bags as early as you can. Choose a day to go shopping and gather everything and just get it done, you’ll be so glad you did!
Thanks so much for reading!
XOXO,
Everything Fusilier
