Packing Your Hospital Bag
Packing your hospital bag is one of those exciting milestones as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. From cozy socks to that first going-home outfit for your baby, knowing what to pack can sometimes feel overwhelming. I’ve rounded up a full list of most recommended items to pack, suggested by local Northwest Arkansas moms. I’m also sharing a list of what *I* packed in my hospital bag VS what I actually used while in the hospital.
Scroll to the end if that’s really what you’re here to know
What Local NWA Moms Recommend Packing In Your Hospital Bag
The biggest tip – don’t overpack. You don’t need as much as you think you need!
Most recommended: CHAPSTICK + Long charger cord
- Your own pillow & soft blankets
- Robe, nightgown, or pajamas with buttons instead of the hospital gown
- Cozy socks
- Compression socks
- Shower shoes
- Cozy slippers you can throw away after (if you’re a germaphobe)
- Nursing bras or tanks
- A couple outfits or onesies for baby
- Going home outfit (and shoes) for you
- Going home outfit for baby
- Sound machine
- Nightlight
- Portable/stroller fan
- Extension cord
- Extra long phone charger
- Snacks for you and hubby
- Chapstick & body lotion – HIGHLY recommended
- Heating pad for postpartum aches & shakes
- Colostrum collectors if you plan to breastfeed
- Baby memory book or notebook to record details
What I Packed In My Hospital Bag VS What I Actually Used
If you’re planning to deliver at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, you’re in great hands. Truly. I have nothing but great things to say about my experience there. The staff, nurses, my doctor, EVERYONE was the most incredible. I also had a very fast and smooth delivery, with a fairly easy recovery and quick hospital stay. So take my list with a grain of salt, knowing that each mom and delivery is very different from the other!
FOR ME:
- Nightgowns with buttons (I ordered these from Amazon)
- Compression socks
- Shower shoes
- Nursing bras
- Chapstick
- Basic toiletries – tooth brush/paste, body wash, loofa, face wash, dry shampoo, hair brush, hair clip/ties, etc.
- Make up bag, just in case
FOR BABY:
- Swaddle blanket
- Onesies & knotted gown
- Going home outfit and bow
- Pacifier
- Sound machine
- Car seat blanket
EXTRAS:
- Stroller Fan
- Long phone charger cord
- Extension cord
- Heating pad
- Pillow
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Husband’s pillow!
I didn’t pack any postpartum care since the hospital has everything you need – plus, you’re already paying for it so you might as well use it and save what you have at home for when you need it! Pro tip: Take EVERYTHING home from the hospital. Diapers (for both of you 😉), peri bottle, baby brush, ALL OF IT. Some nurses, like mine, will hook you up with a to-go bag to take home!
For me – I would have loved to have my stroller fan and a hair tie while I labored. But my labor was so quick that we didn’t even bring our belongings into the hospital until we were in the postpartum room. GOD BLESS THE SWEET NURSE that gave me her scrunchy for my hair while I labored! I owe her my life. Well, at least a massive thank you. I thought I would want to labor in the button down gowns that I bought. In hindsight, I’m glad I ended up wearing the hospital gown. Without being too graphic on the WWW, there’s just a lot of *stuff* all over you during delivery, and I’m glad I had on a hospital gown that I could easily throw away after all was said and done. I did change into my own gowns after delivery and they were perfect for the remainder of my hospital stay!
Now for the list of what I ACTUALLY used from our hospital bag:
- Nightgowns with buttons – postpartum
- Nursing bras – delivery & postpartum
- Water cup – delivery & postpartum
- Chapstick – the whole dang time
- Basic toiletries & mascara – that postpartum shower & a little mascara was LIFE GIVING
- Stroller fan for airflow – postpartum, those hospital rooms are stuffy
- Long cord phone charger
- Our own pillows
- My cousin brought us dinner, snacks, and Gatorade which was much needed after delivery!
- Going home outfit for me
- Going home outfit for baby – babies are checked on so often that it really was pointless to put her in any clothes during our stay. We just left her wrapped in the hospital blanket and kept snuggly bundled or skin to skin to keep her warm!
- Car seat blanket – our baby was born in December, but a blanket over her when leaving the hospital was needed!
We didn’t have any special baby book to write details in. However, I started a note on my phone when labor symptoms began happening with timestamps for me to refer back to as needed. My husband was thoughtful enough to continue keeping track of details in the note throughout my labor. After the fact, I actually screenshot all of our messages from family and friends and I added those to the note. Now I have a little diary on my phone all about the day our baby girl was born, with messages of excitement and celebration with our loved ones!
TIPS FOR PACKING YOUR HOSPITAL BAG
Don’t overpack – you really don’t need as much as you think you might!
No need to pack any diapers, wipes, etc. for baby unless you are particular about brands. The hospital provides all of that for you!
Same with postpartum care – the hospital (at least mine) has you covered for what you’ll need.
Set items aside in your baby’s crib that you intend to pack. I’m SO glad I did this! Our daughter came two weeks early, and I had not *officially* packed our hospital bag. So when my water broke and labor began, my husband was able to grab everything from the crib that I set aside and throw it into a bag quickly on our way out the door. Literally.
A rolling bag is helpful. Carrying items is going to be the last thing you’ll be thinking about when you’re brain is focusing on breathing through contractions!
Just a reminder – Every mom has a different opinion on what’s “essential” for their hospital bag. Not to mention every labor, delivery, recovery and hospital stay is also completely different. Pack whatever will give you the comfort and peace of mind you need as you prepare to bring this baby into the world.
Hey Mama, I’m so excited for you. You’ve got this!!
