Obviously I am a first time mom who has never delivered a baby therefore take my packing advice with a grain of salt. I’ll definitely do an updated what we actually used post after baby is here. I also would encourage you to check with your doctor and the hospital on current policies due to everything rapidly changing with COVID. I will also mention I am a chronic overpacker and just feel more comfortable having everything possible. It somehow eases my anxiety. The current policy at the hospital I will deliver at is only one support person which will be my husband. He is allowed to come and go but will probably only go to the car or pick up food delivery from the door. I really prefer to have him with me since I will be alone otherwise. I packed with all of this in mind.
Luggage I packed in for myself, husband and baby: Samsonite Hardsided Carry-On and Tory Burch tote. I did include two reusable shopping bags within the suitcase in order to carry anything else home we acquire during the stay.
Packing List for Mom
- Hospital gown: I’m fully aware of how extra this is. Obviously this truly isn’t a necessity but I ended up getting this one and washed it before so it would hopefully be more comfortable. I’m really picky about textures on my skin with fabric so I felt like this might help especially since who knows how long I’ll have to wear it for.
- Two button up night gowns. Both in dark colors and button up. I have one long sleeve and one short sleeve. They’re my favorite pajamas!
- Silk robe
- Sleep mask
- Barefoot dreams cardigan
- Maternity underwear, two pairs of socks with grips, and bras
- Dollar store flip flops for shower shoes
- Maxi, slip and Birkenstocks for going home
- Basic toiletries: soap, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, extra contacts/case/solution, glasses, face wash, makeup wipes, aquaphor lip balm, hairbrush and minimal makeup products.
- Daily medications
Packing List for Dad
- Two comfortable outfits (athletic shorts, joggers, tee shirts)
- Sweatshirt
- Boxers socks
- Shower shoes
- Going home outfit (golf polo and shorts)
- Basic toiletries: we will share most of the things above but added shampoo/hair stuff for him, any medication he might need (Tylenol or Tums…hospital will not dispense these to spouses). I put the toiletries in a gallon ziplock for easy access inside our tote.
- Air pods
Packing List for Baby:
- Personalized Hello Tag
- Two gowns, mittens, hats, and socks
- Two swaddles
- Going home outfit
- Pacifier
- Baby Book (For feet stamping)
- Personalized Door Hanger + Calligraphy Pen to write in info
- Letterboard
- Burp cloths
Miscellaneous Packing List:
- Instax Mini Camera + Film
- Portable White Noise Machine
- Stroller Fan (for me for labor!)
- Tripod/Ringlight (no one will be there to take photos for us)
- Two extra long chargers
- File for documents
- Insulated cups with tops and straws
- Insurance info and IDs
- Snacks
- Electrolyte packets for water
- Bose speaker for music
- Two cheap grey towels and washcloths to throw away after use
- Cheap fuzzy blanket and old pillow to throw away after use
- Two snack baskets for the nurses (one for AM and one for PM)
- Car seat (will stay in car until we need it)
I started packing my bag at 35 weeks slowly and putting things in. As I have gotten closer to the end of my pregnancy I have put mostly everything in except the things I still need until we actually go to the hospital. I used gallon sized ziplock bags as I always do to pack everything like outfits for easy access. I love doing this because you can put dirty items back inside the bags without getting anything clean exposed to it. I also roll everything as I put it into the ziplocks to use every inch of space. I put the things we wouldn’t necessarily need during the delivery in the suitcase including baby’s things. In non-COVID times I would probably leave the suitcase in the car as I am aware you do often change rooms a few times until recovery. The tote is packed with things my husband or I might need during delivery including chargers, snacks, medication, and toiletries that way they are easy to access.
Obviously, everything I have packed isn’t necessary. In fact, you could literally show up with your ID and insurance information. The hospital gives you the things you actually need. I hope that my lists gives you some ideas of what you might want to pack for your own stay. Moms, did I miss anything? If so please let me know below in the comments!
Love,
Megan