What I Actually Used From My Hospital Bag

Being a first time mom heading to the hospital to deliver my baby, I had no clue what the heck I needed to bring with me. So of course, just to be safe, I overpacked. With the amount of room changes had to meet baby boy (delivery, surgery, recovery, mother/baby), I wish I wouldn’t have had so much on me (I legit brought a rolling suitcase just for my stuff, not including my husbands things). Needless to say when we were leaving the hospital, dad had to take a few trips to the car on his own as mama still couldn’t lift anything (due to my c section). So I thought I’d share what I actually ended up using in my hospital bag, so hopefully you can pack more efficiently than me.

FOR MOM:

-cozy robe

-nightgown that accommodated with breastfeeding

-nipple cream

-scrunchie

-lip balm

-refillable water bottle

-phone/charger

-snacks (Lara bars and food family/friends delivered)

-makeup remover wipes

-shower products (the hospital did provide some options but I personally like having my own products on me)

-prenatal vitamins

-toothbrush/toothpaste

-cozy socks

-disposable slippers

-going home outfit (I wore a Lady Getz sweatsuit)

-brush

-wallet (with health card)

-breastfeeding pillow (I tried it out at the hospital, but long term I didn’t continue to use it. Looking back this is something I’d probably avoid packing as it’s bulky.)

What I wish I would’ve brought:

-bra for pumping

-adult diapers

What I didn’t use:

-breastfeeding bra

-postpartum underwear/pads (I used the disposable options the hospital provided)

-additional outfits (I was either in my hospital gown or nightgown/robe and only put ‘real clothes’ on when we were leaving)

-bath supplies (with a c section I was unable to bath)

FOR DAD

-cozy blankets (he ended up using the one I packed for myself as well because I didn’t use mine)

-pillow

-comfortable clothing

-toiletries

-phone/charger

-comfortable shoes

-reusable water bottle

FOR BABY

-going home outfit (he wore a newborn onesie)

-blanket (to keep warm when heading to the car)

-swaddle (not necessary as the hospital had blankets for swaddling

What I didn’t use for babe:

-announcement photo gear (I ended up taking the photo when I was more comfortable at home)

-various outfits/socks (he mostly was in his diaper in a swaddle as he was getting checked regularly)

-hats (the hospital provided us with 3 so he never wore the ones we brought)