You’ve hit the third trimester – congratulations! Do you know what that means? It’s time to start thinking about what to pack in your hospital bag.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all hospital bag checklist as personal preferences and what your hospital provides can vary. As such, your checklist will be different from other moms. However, there are still some basic items every mom-to-be should pack.
From practical products to personal comforts, here’s what to pack for labor and after for your hospital stay.
Extra-Long Phone Charger
If there’s one item first-time moms don’t think of, it’s this. Hospital room outlets are few and far between for patients. You’ll be taking a ton of photos and texting excited family and friends. You’ll need a fully charged phone, and you don’t want to have to get up from the hospital bed every 5 minutes to use it.
Toiletries and Personal Items
You have no idea how much better freshening up after giving birth makes you feel. So be sure to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash or wipes, deodorant, shampoo, hairbrush, hair accessories, lip balm and other bathroom products you use every day. We recommend getting travel-size toiletries so they take up less space in your bag. You may also want to pack your own bath towel. Hospital ones are notorious for being small, thin and scratchy.
Other personal items that can make you feel like you’re at home include a comfortable pillow, non-slip slippers and a robe.
Snacks
After laboring, delivering and now having a baby to take care of, you need to stay fueled. Hospital cafeterias aren’t usually open 24/7. A nurse may bring snacks, but they’re usually limited in their offerings, and vending machines are expensive. Pack your favorite snacks from home, along with a variety of salty, sweet, healthy and high-protein snacks. You should also pack sugar-free hard candies or gum. They’re great to have while you’re in labor, and they won’t make you thirsty like candy with sugar does.
Going Home Outfits
These are for you and your baby, and the two things you want both outfits to be are comfortable and cute. For you, think soft and stretchy fabrics that you feel good in and don’t mind taking pictures in. That may mean wearing a loose-fitting tee and joggers or really anything from your maternity wardrobe. For your baby, we can’t recommend Zipease newborn gowns enough. Made for gentle dressing, simple undressing and hassle-free diaper changes, they’re the softest and most perfect first outfit to put your baby in after their first bath. A Zipease baby romper is another great option. It’s as comfy as it is adorable, and is ideal for diaper changes and the car seat ride home.
Folder
The hospital is going to send you home with a lot of papers. Bring a folder to keep them from getting lost, wrinkled and torn.
Your partner will want to bring a bag to the hospital as well, but let them handle packing that. After all, you’re about to give birth. Once you’ve packed your hospital bag, it’s time to kick up those swollen feet and wait for labor signs to start!
