I’m writing this post on the eve of my due date with Baby #3.
For so long, I was certain this baby would decide to arrive early.
This pregnancy was different than my others in a few ways – including my belly ‘dropping’ very early and false contractions starting at 35 weeks that would last 3-4 hours and then spontaneously stop.
My hospital bag has been packed since 35 weeks (yes, the night of the contractions).
With this being my third baby, I feel pretty confident in what I’ve packed, so I wanted to share with you in case you’re preparing for your first. These are my top hospital bag essentials to make sure I’m prepped for baby.
Creating an Atmosphere
- Bluetooth speaker – to play my birthing playlist
- Diffuser – to create a calming environment – as well as extra germ-free space – thanks Coronavirus.
- Essential oils – Geranium and Wild Orange are my favorite blend during labor to creating a heart space and help relax momma.
For Mom
You’ll see that most of my hospital bag essentials are dedicated to me! My first delivery, items for baby had taken up MOST of the space in my bag, but I’ve learned baby really just needs YOU those first few days.
- Two dark-colored nursing nightgowns – who wants to sleep in a hospital gown?!
- Socks with grips – floors can be slick or you might be feeling a little unbalanced after the delivery. Even though baby is out, you’ll still have the urge to pee lots! If you’re on a budget, most hospitals will give you a pair or two of these, but I find that they are thin, fit my feet loosely, and aren’t very comfortable. I packed two pairs of these socks to make sure I don’t slip.
- Snacks – snacking is my favorite but I have to eat a restrictive diet from my autoimmune condition. So I always bring my own snacks. I love these Emmy’s Coconut Cookies! Plus, I packed Glutinio Gluten-Free Yogurt Covered Pretzels and lots of fruit. This way I have something to eat no matter what time the baby arrives since right now my husband isn’t allowed to leave the hospital and return if the cafeteria is closed.
- Airpods – in case I’m up with the baby and want to listen to an audiobook or some music.
- New book on my Kindle App – while I’m not anticipating must downtime, I just downloaded The Brave Learner as I’m preparing to start our first year homeschooling my preschooler.
- Eye Mask – I struggle sleeping when there’s a lot of light around (and the tv on at night). There’s lots of extra possible stimulation in a hospital, so I’m bringing my eye mask for some darkness.
- Nursing Pads – with this being my third baby and only weaning my second a few months ago, the last few weeks I’ve felt like my milk supply is in and ready to start flowing the second baby starts to nurse. I’m bringing two pairs of bamboo nursing pads.
- Essential Oils – there are too many to list here, but some must-haves are lavender, bergamot, and Frankincense.
- Phone charger – preferably with a long cord in case the outlet is away from your bedside.
- Comfy clothes for the drive home. I packed a super soft jumpsuit that I found at TJ Maxx with enough stretch for my post-partum belly.
For Baby
Honestly, stuff for the baby is pretty limited in my hospital bag. We opted not to find out ahead of time if we were having a boy or girl!
Plus, I wasn’t very concerned with baby attire because we knew there would be no visitors in the hospital due to the restrictions from Covid.
- Organic swaddle blanket – the hospital will have swaddle blankets for you to use, but I’ve found the standard ones provided are scratchy.
- Knotted Hat
- Essential Oils – the first essential oils I put on all of my babies were Frankincense and Melissa.
- Side-Snap Shirt and footed pants for coming home – these shirts are a lifesaver until the umbilical cord stump falls off!