What to Pack In Your Hospital Bag: Mom-To-Be Checklist

As your pregnancy progresses and you get closer and closer to your due date, it's a good idea to have some things packed and ready in case you go into labor. First thing on the list, your hospital bag. If you're a first time mommy, you might feel overwhelmed by all of the baby items you have at the house.

Don't worry you don't need to take the baby's entire nursery to the hospital. We've narrowed it down to let you know what to pack in your hospital bag!

What to Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Mom

You might think your hospital bag is all about baby. Yes of course you need some things for your precious bundle of joy, but let's not forget who's giving birth here.

There are some things for mom you don't want to forget to help make your hospital stay as comfortable as possible.

Cell Phone and Charger

I'm sure grandparents across the world are giving a giant eye roll to our first pick. They didn't have iPhones back in 1950, but we are in a different decade now and this is an important hospital bag item. If you're planning on giving birth with the calming sounds of nature in the background or maybe some mellow tunes from your favorite band, you'll need your cell phone to make sure your birthing playlists makes it, along with a charger that can restore the battery so you can send pictures of your cute baby to all of your friends and family.

Dual purpose of the cell phone, it also acts as a camera and you don't want to miss these moments!

Chapstick

Most of the time you're unable to eat and drink during labor. Your lips can really suffer the consequences of VERY dry lips, keep some Chapstick (or Nature's Baby Organics Soothing Stick) handy so you can apply as needed.

Comfy Clothes

Don't go crazy but its important that your comfy during your labor AND after. Pack your favorite pair of sweats, socks, and slippers that will make you feel right at home. It's a good idea to pack in layers. Depending on what month you're delivering plus the out of control hormones you might not know if you'll be feeling warm or cool. Pack some nursing tanks and cardigans for easy removal.

No body wants to admit this, but they are crucial. Pack some underwear. Not pretty Victoria Secret panties, real deal granny panties that you'll never wear again. Basically, something that's comfortable and you won't care if it gets dirty. The miracle of birth is an amazing thing, but it can still be a little bit gross! Bring underwear you can wear comfortably and have back ups for when you go home!

Nipple Cream

Breastfeeding mamas, this is crucial. If you choose to breastfeed you'll want to make sure a jar of nipple cream makes it into your hospital bag. Nipples might be sensitive to the new feeling of a latching newborn baby and you'll want to protect them to avoid irritation.

Toiletries

After giving birth the first shower you take will be the BEST shower of your life. Pack along your favorite shampoo and conditioner. If possible try and pack travel sizes out of the sake of convenience, but don't skimp out. Treat yourself to your favorite shampoos, body lotions, etc. so you feel completely fresh, clean and beautiful after your shower.

Also, this will be the first time you're able to shave your legs with out a HUGE baby belly, pack a razor and shaving cream! You'll also want to bring a tooth brush, toothpaste, hairbrushes and a blow dryer.

Snacks

Personally, one of the best gifts family and friends can bring after you deliver is food, but sometimes when you're up in the middle of the night to feed your baby (or just stare at them in amazement) you might want something to snack on. Pack a goodie bag of your favorite snacks to have on hand.

What to Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Your Partner

You don't want your partner to have to leave the hospital because they forget to pack something in their bag. So we've put together a list for them too ;)

Cell Phone and Charger

Most people don't leave the house with out their phone, but it's a good reminder. You'll want to call family and friends, take photos, and take more photos, so it's a good idea for each of you to have your phones and chargers

Clothes

Comfy clothes for everyone! Depending on how long your labor is, it could be a very long day/night. It's a good idea to being comfy clothes, sleep clothes, and a "going home" outfit.

Pillows and Blankets

Most hospitals do their best to make your stay as pleasant as they can, but let's be real they aren't hotels. In saying that, you're partner may be forced to sleep in one of those really small chairs that pulls out into something of a "bed" or even worse, just the really small chair. Try to pack a comfortable pillow and extra blanket for your partner to use.

Toiletries

Tooth brush and toothpaste, brushes, combs.

What to Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Baby

Finally, what the heck do you need to bring for the baby!

It's hard not to go too crazy, you have this brand new baby and doesn't he/she did everything!?

No, they honestly don't need to much when you're in the hospital. Don't waste space in your bag with diapers. Hospitals will have everything you need for baby as far as diapers and if you're having a boy and you get him circumcised, they have all of the necessities there and will show you how to take care of the area.

Receiving Blankets and Hats

Even if you're having a summer baby, pack a few receiving blankets. Babies typically need about 4-5 days for their body temperatures to adjust the outside world. You'll want to swaddle them into cozy baby burritos and blankets are essential. You lose warmth through the top of your head, so bring newborn beanies to keep their heads warm and concealing their body warmth.

Pacifiers

Some hospitals do not provide pacifiers. If you want to introduce your baby to one, make sure you pack it in their bag.

Outfits

It's hard not to get excited over all of the cute outfits your baby has. Pick out a few of your favorites and start to narrow it down. The hospital will provide little onesie kimonos that snap in front. This is so a typical onesie doesn't rub his belly button and of course easy access to the diapers you'll be changing.

Honestly, baby will be perfectly happy in that a swaddled up in a blanket. However, it's okay to pack a few outfits for pictures with family and of course going home. Try to pack outfits that don't have a lot of buttons, pullovers, or snaps. Something easy you'll be able to maneuver. For first time moms, you might feel some what awkward dressing something so tiny at first anyway, so keep it simple.

Remember an outfit to come home in along with socks and hats. You might want to bring 2 sizes. Pack a newborn outfit and then go a size up to 3 months. You never know what big your baby will really be until he or she is born. It's best to be prepared.

What to Have Ready At Home

If you didn't get everything on your registry list don't worry. Your baby doesn't need everything right away. However, there are some essentials you should have at home so the first few days you can relax as much as possible and enjoy your new family

Food

If possible try and make some easy freeze ahead meals that your partner or visiting family members can just throw in your oven. You will not want to be cooking anything when you get home from the hospital.

Breast Pads

Breastfeeding or not have some breast pads ready at home so you don't drench your shirt every hour.

Burp Clothes

Have burp clothes washed and ready at multiple places throughout your home like the nursery, mom and dad's room, and the room you typically hang out in the most.

Bathing Essentials

You'll want to make sure you have bathing essentials for when you give your baby their first bath. If you're not sure which products to use, check out some of our natural baby products that won't be too harsh on your new baby's skin.

All in all, it may seem like a lot, but don't worry you can pack your bags little by little. Once your doctor says your full term and ready to deliver at any time, make sure your bags are packed and ready to grab!

♥ ~ The Nature’s Baby Organics Family