I’m going to be completely honest with you – the only things you really need to bring to the hospital are an outfit to bring home baby in and a carseat. I know this because baby #2 came so fast (like one hour from the first inkling I might be having a contraction to full on delivery) that I showed up to the hospital with nothing. Nothing! But guess what? I survived. The hospital provided a sexy gown, socks, baby diapers, cafeteria meals – all the necessities for a sterile two-day no-fuss stay.
However, if you want to feel more at home, here’s a nice list of things you might want to consider packing (well in advanced) in your hospital bag:
- slippers
- nursing bra/nursing tank
- nursing pads
- pads (with wings)
- underwear (disposable ones are even better!)
- camera
- phone charger
- mental list of nearby restaurants to order takeout
- small makeup bag
- toiletries
- hair ties
- snacks
- entertainment – music/book/magazine
- yoga pants and a flowy shirt to come home in
- outfit for baby to come home in
- blanket for baby
- car seat
- and if you’re feeling really prepared and nested – goodies for the nurses – because trust me, they are awesome at making you feel at home, even when you know you’re not.
Having been through childbirth before, I just keep thinking, which items on these lists will make the baby come out faster? Let’s bring only those things.
