What's in my hospital bag?

40 weeks and 2 days pregnant and a first-time mom (FTM) and have had my hospital bag packed for some time now in preparation for our little dude to arrive. He has been pretty comfy in there and not showing signs of wanting to come out. Will have him next week via induction.

Prior to packing my hospital bag I had done research (as I do with everything) from other bloggers via Instagram and vloggers via YouTube to see what other experienced moms have packed.

A pro tip I read was to have your husband pack or support person pack the bag for you. The reason here is that explaining where something is in the bag is going to be the last thing you want to do when having contractions or pushing.

• Robe

• Flip flops for shower

• Slippers

• Comfy clothes (dark colors)

• Delivery gown (Optional but I only had negative hospital experiences so I wanted this to be different and not where those itchy giant gowns)

• Own pillow with different colored pillow case

• Personal Fan

• Essential oils - Peppermint (ease nausea) and Lavender (calming). Check with the hospital first

• Toiletries *definitely Chapstick

• Eye mask for you and spouse

• Own towel if you want

• Postpartum care items - underwear with low rise in case of C-Section, Fridababy Peri-bottle, pads, witch hazel pads, etc.

• Snacks for you and hubs

• Bag for dirty clothes

• Birth plan if you made one (personally we did not make one because we do not want to be disappointed if it does not go according to plan. But we have the major things that we want noted)

• Bobby pillow

If you have a dog and first time introducing him

• Ziploc bag - to put an item from the baby (blanket or onesie in to introduce that smell to the dog prior to going home with the baby)

Father to be

• Change of clothes

• Pillow

• Entertainment

Extras

• Letter Board - pre-filled out with Name and known things such as birth month if applicable and brought extra letters to take photo at hospital

• Baby book

• Copies of important documents (ID, Insurance card, etc). Pediatricians Information

• Folder to bring home important documents

• Pre-register with the hospital

• Snacks for L&D Nurses

• Entertainment - tablet, movies, books, etc especially for FTM as it does take longer.

• Portable speaker and playlist

Baby

• Coming home outfit

• A change of clothes or two but they will be naked and wrapped in blankets most of the time

• Receiving blankets - they do provide one but if you want some swaddles or blankets of your own

• Hat(s)

• Socks

• No need for diapers, wipes, bottle or formula as the hospital will provide all of that, so I have been told. Will want to leave space in your bag for what is in the hospital room. Take everything that is not nailed done.

I hope this helps any moms to be and we look forward to meeting our little man.