We’re officially at the 4-week mark to baby 4’s due date, so it’s time to tackle the hospital bag. And, since she’s currently breech at the time of writing this, there’s also the possibility of having to have her sooner – so I really couldn’t avoid it any longer! Having been through this before, I know what works best for me, what I use, and what I don’t need. So, I thought I’d share some of my go-to products, including some things that maybe you hadn’t thought to include (that I know I didn’t have the first time around and wish I had!)
1. Phone Charger and Extra Long Cable
The closest available outlet is probably not near your bed, so it’s nice to have one of the extra-long chargers to charge during your stay.
2. Silver Nipple Cups
The first week or so of breastfeeding can be rough on the nips as the baby learns to latch, and you both get the hang of it. Cracks, blisters, and more are pretty common at the start. I tried silver nipple cups with Tate for the first time and swear they helped. Silver has natural soothing properties and protects the nipple from contact with clothing. I wore these the first week or so in between feedings and think it decreased the amount of blistering I got. So, these will be going with me again this time around!
3. LMNT Electrolyte Powder
One of these bad boys mixed into that very fancy hospital water bottle they give you is quite the post-birth treat, lemme tell you. It’s a nice hydration boost after childbirth and while your body is starting to produce milk. I pack 2-3 for the stay.
4. Snacks
Hospital food can be hit or miss, and the kitchen is only open at certain hours. GoMacro bars are my go-to snacks for a quick, nutritious energy boost. I also always pack some little treat too, like a candy bar or something. You just had a baby, you deserve it.
5. Shower Cap
The post-birth shower is essential, but do you really want to wash and dry your hair, too? Because I don’t. This was an essential item I forgot the first time a baby that I’ve made sure NOT to forget for subsequent stays.
6. Nipple Cream
Nipple cream is another breastfeeding essential. It helps to soothe and protect your nipples, making those first few days of breastfeeding more comfortable.
7. Haakaa Colostrum Collector
The Haakaa Colostrum Collector is perfect for collecting and storing those precious early drops of colostrum. It may or may not be needed, but it’s nice to have in case you do need it. With my first, he was having trouble latching, so luckily, there was an LC that gave me one of these. But now I pack them myself in case I need to hand express a little while I’m at the hospital. It’s easy to use and helps ensure your baby gets every drop of that liquid gold.
8. Swaddle
Every nurse that comes into your room is going to show you their favorite way to swaddle the baby in that little hospital blanket. And, listen, I love watching their origami magic. But, it’s also not really a necessary life skill because the second I get home we just use our velcro swaddled. So, now I just bring them with me to the hospital from the get-go and save time.
9. Breastfeeding Nightgown
Comfortable, practical, and perfect for those late-night feedings. Easy to layer on or off, depending on the temperature at the hospital. I opt for these over a delivery gown since whatever you deliver in will probably get ruined anyway. I just use the delivery gown from the hospital and then slip into one of these post-birth. I personally do not suggest anything fancy or expensive for the hospital because the chance it could get ruined is high. In those first 36 hours, there is just a lot of blood and mess, and, to me, it’s not worth worrying about ruing a cute gown. If you got a nice nursing nightgown, save it for when you get home. I like these affordable two sets for the hospital because if it happened to get ruined, I wouldn’t be devastated.
10. Dulcolax
Postpartum constipation is a common issue. They usually give this to you in the hospital but I bring it JUST in case.
11. Portable Sound Machine
A sound machine for me is a must. The hospital is either oddly quiet in the middle of the night or sometimes extremely noisy with PA systems and nurses coming in. A sound machine really helps set you and your newborn up with a soothing, familiar background noise that will HOPEFULLY allow for a little more rest.
12. Shower Slides
Having a pair of shower slides is essential for bathroom and shower trips during your stay.
13. Pacifier
If you plan on using a pacifier, having one ready in your hospital bag is a good idea. You’ll want to be conscious not to use the pacifier and miss hunger cues (and trust me, your nurses will lecture you on this). But they can be very help for soothing babies, they allow for non-nutritive sucking and have been reported to reduce SIDS risks.
14. WishGarden AfterEase
Postpartum cramping can be quite uncomfortable. For me, it got CONSIDERABLY worse with each kid. The postpartum nursing contractions I got with my 3rd were as bad as labor cramps. That’s when I learned about WishGarden AfterEase tincture and immediately saved it in case we had another baby. It is a natural remedy that helps alleviate cramping and make your recovery more comfortable. So, fingers crossed that this one helps!
15. Going Home Outfit
Last but not least, pack a comfortable and practical going-home outfit for both you and your baby. Something you can nurse in and is appropriate for wearing a huge old pad underneath. I usually pick something very loose and flowy with no elastics that would hit right at the belly. I have some good postpartum clothes linked on my Postpartum Must Haves list
Other Items:
Some other notable items consider
- Baby’s going home outfit (I always pack 2 just in case)
- Your own onesies. I personally don’t like the ones they have at the hospital.
- Baby nail file in case they come out with dagger nails like my first. The hospital usually doesn’t have these.
- Muslin swaddle or receiving blanket, for getting baby out to the car in the car seat (depending on the weather)
- Eye drops, chapstick, and hand lotion – the hospitals can be oddly dry
- Your own towel – I’ve never made this commitment due to using smaller bags, but the hospital towels DO suck, having a quality towel would be a nice little post-birth shower perk
- Wet/dry bag, or something similar: to put your dirty laundry in
