Ermahgudnes. I can't believe it's time to start packing for the hospital. I'm having a baby next week. Let me repeat that again, I'M HAVING A BABY NEXT WEEK! WHAT THE HECK DO I NEED?
So thanks to my trusty book Secrets of the Mommyhood (available here), blogs, and Pinterest, here's what I think I need. Now I know everyone woman is different and I'm bound to pack stuff that's just silly and won't get used, but I'd rather overpack and have it available than to underpack. Well, I only live 5 minutes from the hospital so I guess a family member could run and pick it up for me and it wouldn't be the end of the world.
Here's what I'm thinking so far:
THE BASICS:
Photo ID and insurance cards
Large envelope for paperwork
Pen and paper
Contact list for baby updates
Light reading materials
Phone/camera/IPad + Chargers
Pillow and blanket from home
Snacks and treats
Thank you cards
Journal
Cash/Change
FOR MOMMY:
Going home outfit
Comfortable PJs (is a bathrobe necessary?)
Nursing gown, bras, tanks, and pads
Cotton granny panties
Flip flops and non-skid cozy socks (I don't think I'll need slippers, I never ever wear them)
Glasses and extra contacts
Lip balm, hair ties, lotion
Toiletries (including dry shampoo) and make-up
Blow dryer and curling iron (yes, I realize I may never use it)
Nursing pillow
FOR BABY:
Infant car seat
Newborn and 0-3 Months outfit
PJs
Swaddlers
Blanket
Socks and mittens
Grooming Kit (mostly for the nail clippers)
We have a Maternity Tour and Tea on Wednesday so I can see what the hospital room looks like, what they provide, and see if I'd like to bring anything of my own instead of what's provided like towels and what not.
What else should I pack? What can I skip over? What do you wish you had?
25 comments :
OMG! You're having a baby next week!!! EEK! :) Somehow, bloglovin deleted you from my list of blogs, so I thought you were just not blogging! DUMB!
I think your list sounds GREAT!!
I just had a baby in January andI had a list too; I WAY overpacked. Take ALL of the ugly mesh panties they give you at the hospital. Don't ruin your own. Also take all of the super thick pads- they don't sell them that big and you will want them. Actually, just take everything they give you. Seriously, you'll use it. I also brought a coloring book.
They will give you hospital socks so you probably won't need those. You won't need nail clippers for the baby for at least a month- they just sort of fold and bend off at this age and you probably won't have any time to worry about that anyway. You also won't need swaddlers as they wrap the baby super tight in one of their blankets the entire time. I highly recommend you bring snacks for post-birth because you can't be sure how quickly they will bring it and you will be STARVING.
Bottom line: I too was extremely prepared with a similar list and I used maybe half of what I packed. Prepare as best you can and figure the rest out as you go. Kind of what I've learned about parenting these past 4 months.
Pack your bag, take a deep breath, and before you know it you'll be a mom! Good luck!
Oh! And be sure the sheets/pillows you bring are a color other than white so they don't get mixed up with the hospital's stuff.
SO EXCITING! I think you have it all covered. I brought a robe type of nightie with me that I wore, it was super comfortable, easy access for breast feeding, and it made me feel better wearing something that was my own. I found it at Target, it was Gilligan & O'Malley I think.
AHHH!!! Next week! So exciting! I think you list is great...I totally over packed too, but it was fine. I agree with the previous comment about using the hospital mesh panties! They were totally ugly but so comfy...and the best part was you could just toss them in the trash. Make sure you have stuff for your husband too (extra pillow, change of clothes). Also, I needed my husband to help me take a shower that first day and it was nice that I made him pack a bathing suit (after a friend gave me the idea!) so that he felt comfortable getting wet and not worrying about a nurse walking in on him!
You really don't need a lot for the baby because they provide almost everything. The only thing we needed for the baby was for when he was coming home - the outfit, a paci, a blanket for the car ride, and the car seat. They even provided diapers, wipes, antibiotics for umbilical cord, and baby wash (at least kaiser did). They even gave us a diaper bag. You need to mostly worry about what will make you the most comfortable. They are going to be checking you "down there" and checking your incision a lot, so you don't want any PJ's with pants. A long night shirt, with a robe or something over works well. I just wore the hospital gown and my own robe because I didn't want to get blood on any nice PJ's I had. Also, I would recommend a birthplan. I know you are having a C sections, but if there is anything you want or don't want them to do to baby - write it down, because you won;t think of it in the moment. DO you want the baby to get the hep vaccine? DO you want the baby to have a paci? Do you want to make sure they don't give the baby any formula because you want to breastfeed? Do you want them to hold off on the eye drops for a few hours? And so on. Good luck, I can't wait to see pictures!! :-)
I think your list looks good. And you and your husband are going to be great parents! May God bless you!
Your list looks great! Definitely bring a robe! I wore a nightgown and my robe the entire time i was in the hospital. Those rooms are chilly so it was great to have and easy to put on and take off. Don't forget to pack some stuff for dad...toothbrush, deodorant, change of clothes. SO SO SO excited for you!!!
OMG you're having a baby next week!! That's amazing!!! I don't know anything about packing for a hospital so I can't help you there, but I'm super excited for you!!
I usually don't comment but I just had to when I read this post. You definitely should bring your own maxi pads. The ones they give you at the hospital are some generic brand and feel like you are wearing a mattress, they are sooo bad! And no wings!Also flip flops for when you shower. Good Luck
Congrats, getting close! I wouldn't worry about baby nail clippers or a regular (with wires) nursing bra. Bring a nursing tank or an easy access soft tank-style bra for comfort. Also agree on the commenters who said you won't need your granny panties-you will wear the mesh ones home, plus a pair or two to steal!
Good luck, mama!
xo
-W.
Omg Congratulations to you and your hubby!! ...Well, after 2 c-sections, I've pretty much narrowed my own hospital list down as well. First and foremost, neither time did I use the spare change, the hubby becomes the go-getter and cash or bank card was all he ever needed. Also, don't forget to pack for you hubby! He will also need comfy clothes and his own pillows/blankie and such (esp. If he is going to be spending the night with you.) Overnight guest accomodations aren't always the best at hospitals! And lastly, when you first check-in leave EVERYTHING except ID's in the car.... From surgery they will probably mobe you to a couple rooms before you get settled into your recovery room. And you don't want to leave the nurses with carring everything from room to room. once the baby arrives and you guys are settled into to your recovery room then have the hubby bring everything in. :)
****oh, since you are having a c-section, they will have you strippped bare of all your jewlery/ear rings/rings ...etc. so you might consider leaving them at home or re-entrusting the hubby with them ;)
Good luck and Congrats again!!
---> ps. DONT FORGET THE BABY BOOK! the nurses are good about helping you get the baby footprints on your book as well. Plus you can begin jotting down visitors names and such on the quiet time ;)...
Omg Congratulations to you and your hubby!! ...Well, after 2 c-sections, I've pretty much narrowed my own hospital list down as well. First and foremost, neither time did I use the spare change, the hubby becomes the go-getter and cash or bank card was all he ever needed. Also, don't forget to pack for you hubby! He will also need comfy clothes and his own pillows/blankie and such (esp. If he is going to be spending the night with you.) Overnight guest accomodations aren't always the best at hospitals! And lastly, when you first check-in leave EVERYTHING except ID's in the car.... From surgery they will probably mobe you to a couple rooms before you get settled into your recovery room. And you don't want to leave the nurses with carring everything from room to room. once the baby arrives and you guys are settled into to your recovery room then have the hubby bring everything in. :)
****oh, since you are having a c-section, they will have you strippped bare of all your jewlery/ear rings/rings ...etc. so you might consider leaving them at home or re-entrusting the hubby with them ;)
Good luck and Congrats again!!
---> ps. DONT FORGET THE BABY BOOK! the nurses are good about helping you get the baby footprints on your book as well. Plus you can begin jotting down visitors names and such on the quiet time ;)...
I can't believe it is finally here!!!! ahh!!!
Take a light robe to wear over your ugly hospital gown. Have nursing bra and pads ready. Maxi pads definetely and take what they give you to treat down there. As for baby the hospital will pretty much give you everything you need. Have a going home outft for baby, a light blanket. Do you have a pediatrician picked out yet? He/She will have to pay visit to baby and ok release. I really doubt you'll use a curling iron and you wont use grooming tools on baby. Mittens are good enough. And really congratulations.
How exciting! I think you have what you need. My baby is 12 so I don't even remember what I used/didn't use in the hospital. Congratulations and I can't wait to see pics and hear your birth story.
Rachel@rachelrunshermouth.com
I overpacked when I went...you really don't have time to blow dry or fix your hair..I did wear make up though...if you are nursing take nipple cream with you..you may need it...We didn't need blankets or much for baby the hospital provided it all...just a going home outfit and if you want to use the hospitals photographers...you can take little picture props with you. I didn't use their photographer. Definitely take comfortable and BIG size pajamas. I was tired of wearing the hospital gown and wore sweats most of the days there. don't forget to eat before you get to the hospital...I didn't get to eat for 48 hours...it was the worse!
My one suggestion is make sure you hubby packs extras for himself too. We had an unexpected c-section and you are in the hospital for 4 days. My husband did not pack enough to wear. Also, I don't want to scare you about the c-section but it hurts and you will find it very hard just getting up to go to the restroom so honestly don't worry about a curling iron. It was nice I brought my own towels because the hospital ones are small. Oh and BIG grandma panties that won't touch your incision is very, very important, they need to be very high! Good Luck!
Congratulations!! This is a great list but since you asked, I wanted to comment. I just had my first baby in Jan and overpacked too (bring that hair drier girly- you might not use it but you'll feel better knowing it's an option)
Couple things you really don't need though- nail clippers for the baby as mentioned. I think the recommendation for clipping is 3 weeks old and like commented above, they are too paper thin to cut right away. Thank you cards- save that for after you get home. It really will be the smallest thing on your mind. It sounds like with the ipad/journal/reading materials you will be plenty occupied.
I agree with a lot of the comments above- take advantage of every single thing the hospital gives you and hubby should pack his own bag too.
I would highly recommend watching Loraine from the Current Custom on youtube's video on what she took and what she actually used. I think you will find it really helpful. Here are the links for you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwGer8He32ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNIQqiQn4ng
OMG! It's almost here!!! I'm expecting in Nov and I'm reading everyone's comments to get ideas for myself, lol. So happy for you, missy. Can't wait!!!
Yay, baby girl will be here so soon! I can't believe it's NEXT week, you will have your little one in your arms in time. :) Your list is great, I've been jotting down my own list and I have everything except I added a robe and a infant car seat insert for babys little wobbly head. One of my girlfriends said it is helpful for when they are so small so the babys head isn't all over the place on the ride home. Can't wait to see pictures and hear all about it. Congrats Kristen!
xo
Lindsay
LindsayJEveryday.blogspot.com
Yay, baby girl will be here so soon! I can't believe it's NEXT week, you will have your little one in your arms in time. :) Your list is great, I've been jotting down my own list and I have everything except I added a robe and a infant car seat insert for babys little wobbly head. One of my girlfriends said it is helpful for when they are so small so the babys head isn't all over the place on the ride home. Can't wait to see pictures and hear all about it. Congrats Kristen!
xo
Lindsay
LindsayJEveryday.blogspot.com
You don't need nail clippers. And a 0-3 month outfit will be HUGE, go for newborn size. The list looks great. Very excited for you. Sending good thoughts!
Hedda
wow! Must be so exciting to know that next week you'll have your baby! Best of luck to you, I'm keeping this list for me when I have to pack in November!
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