Breastfeeding nightsuits – robes, nightgowns, and pajamas

You will need these and in different varieties. They are great for nursing your baby as well as taking your first pictures with your little one in the hospital. I found that the robe was most comfortable to wear, and so I had picked a set for me matching with my daughter for the shoot. Also, some other great options are this one and this one. Etsy has some really great options to chose from but make sure to place the order in time as it can take a few days to be delivered. Some great options from Amazon are.

Nursing bras

Besides the nursing shirt, packing a few nursing bras in your bag can be very helpful. They make breastfeeding so much easier and are so easy to carry and provide the much-needed support to the breasts. Target has some great nursing bras options like this seamless bra or this wire-free bra or my favorite this one with a little back support.

Old underwear

Once the baby is here so are your periods. And trust me it will be a huge flow. Having old underwear’s that you can discard when used can be very helpful to wear with sanitary napkins. Also, in the hospital, you will be getting disposable mesh underwear which are great. Make sure to ask for a few extras that you can take home with you. Also, if you are looking for disposable underwears you can buy this set from amazon.

Phone & Phone charger – create a contact list to share the news with your family & friends

Once your baby is here all you would want to do is cuddle with your newborn baby and capture those precious moments in your phone. So, make sure to grab your phone when you are leaving the hospital along with the phone charger. Also, now that you have some time on your hands before the baby arrives, so make sure to create a contact list of people with whom you would want to share the good news when your baby is here. You and your partner are going to be so busy when you have the baby, that you would barely have time to create a list and share the news with your loved ones.

Music on your phone – create a list with Spotify

Listening to pleasing music especially during those early labor pains can be relaxing for many. You can create playlists of the music that you like on Spotify.

You can get started creating your playlist on Spotify here!

Earphones

Now that you have the playlist and your phone handy, make sure to pack your headphones. There is something so soothing about listening to soft music via headphones. It really helps to relax and can also help take your mind off the pain. Try it!

Loose comfy clothes to wear home

So important to dress up as comfortably as possible when you are headed home from the hospital. You will be stepping out with your brand-new baby for the very first time and hence it’s important to have your complete attention on that and not worry about the outfit that you are wearing. Also, loose baggy clothes can be very comfortable after a vaginal or a c-section birth!

Nursing scarf

Another great resource after the two shirts for breastfeeding is the infinity scarf. It is stylish, comes in many colors and when you want to breastfeed all you have to do is pull it open.

Toiletries

While packing your bag, create a toiletries bag with your moisturizer, toothbrush, face wash, lip balm, hair bands, comb, body wash, makeup & dry shampoo. All this will come in super handy after the delivery to help you clean up as well as remember to carry makeup so that you can get ready easily for your first hospital baby shoot which every hospital offers. Make sure to ask for the photoshoot. It’s a lot of fun!

Bath towel

Although the hospital will give you towels to clean up, keeping a set handy can be helpful just in case if your hospital does not carry it. Also, I think it’s more hygienic to use your own personal towel instead of the hospital towel.

Your birth plan

It’s important to have your birth plan charted out before your delivery. Ask yourself questions like whether you would need epidural during birth, or do you prefer a water delivery. Would you want your partner with you in the room? Figuring out all these questions beforehand can help make your delivery process smoother. You can buy this birth plan questionnaire or inquire if your hospital or your gynecologist has one. Also, keep a copy of your birth plan in your hospital bag for your partner to refer to when needed.

Documents – insurance details and other hospital paperwork

Create a file or carry a plastic folder like this one, to have all your documents like insurance details and other hospital paperwork, baby pediatrician’s information handy and in one place. This will be very helpful when needed!

Nursing pads

One of the most common breastfeeding issues that you would have heard of is the breast engorgement or leaking of the milk. It’s so common and I had gone through this many times including at my workplace when within a few seconds my breasts would engorge, and my shirt would get completely wet. Well, no worries about that, there is something that you can do that can help you with this. You can use these disposable or washable nursing pads that can absorb all the extra milk and hence save you the embarrassment of your shirt getting wet.

Nipple cream/ balm

Some moms often go through sore nipples which can cause a lot of pain while breastfeeding if not treated in time. I found this nipple cream really helpful during my time and sometimes I would also use coconut oil or olive oil which was also able to provide a lot of relief. Also, this nipple butter has worked well with many moms too.

Related: 12 tips to relieve heartburn during pregnancy

Maxi pads

After your delivery, you will be getting a ton of maxi pads as you will get your periods. Keep 2 – 3 maxi pads in your bag just In case you need them and have none. Also, make sure to ask for more maxi pads from the hospital to carry back home.

Snacks

You will be spending a lot of time in the hospital and hence there is nothing better than munching on your favorite snack to pass the time and take your mind off the wait. Also, keep a few coins for the vending machine to grab a lemonade or your favorite pretzels.

Pillows

Many moms like to carry their pillow along as an extra to make your hospital bed more comfortable. It’s a great idea because I remember during my time, it was really hard to get an extra pillow in the hospital due to low inventory. I had to send my husband back home to get me an extra pillow. Adding a pillow behind my back provided me so much relief from the back pain after delivery.

Energy bars

Going through the entire delivery and taking care of your new baby post-delivery is going to be very exhausting. It is very important, to keep eating regularly so that you don’t get completely drained off. Keeping a few energy bars handy can help keep you fueled for long.

Water bottle

Breastfeeding can make a mom really thirsty and hence having a water bottle close to you can be very helpful. I remember going through multiple rounds of my water bottle during one session of breastfeeding.  I really liked this water flask, which kept my water cold the entire time and they are available in so many colors to chose from. Some other water bottle options are.

Coins for the vending machine

Keep a few coins handy for the vending machine to grab a lemonade or your favorite pretzels. You will need them!

Book/magazine

A good way to pastime while you are waiting in the hospital room.

Notebook & pen

Some moms like to journal their thoughts before and after delivery. If so, keep a diary handy to write down your thoughts or if you want to note down some important information.

Download videos from Netflix to watch

Watching your favorite show can keep your mind off the pain and the wait time. You can download your favorite movies/shows from Netflix and watch them in offline mode on your tablet or phone. I do this all the time!

Big brother sister gift

It’s a good idea to keep a surprise gift from the baby for your older kids. After you have your baby you will be spending a lot of time taking care of the newborn baby and hence it will be hard for you to devote time to your older kids. Hence, giving them a surprise gift from the baby can help them feel special and also make them excited about the idea of another sibling.

Trash bag

A good idea to carry a few empty plastic bags in your hospital bag if you need to discard something or pack something wet.

Nursing Pillow

 Whether you are breastfeeding on a chair, couch or on the bed, the nursing pillow is an absolute must-have for any nursing mom. It helps a lot in placing the baby in the right position and it also helps in providing support to your stomach.

Gum

After the delivery, you will not be allowed to drink water for some time. Hence chewing on some gums can help create saliva and prevent you from feeling too thirsty.

Hospital bag must-haves for your baby

Going home outfit

Packing for a brand-new baby that you are going to have soon is such an exciting feeling. I remember I had gone down multiple times to Carter to buy the going home outfit for my daughter. You can either buy onesies like these or newborn baby sets like these. Also if you live in a cold place like I do in Buffalo, then buying newborn onesie slips will be very helpful. You can also look into these newborn jackets like this one.

Infant car seat with the base installed in your vehicle

Very important and should be done before you head to the hospital as it can take some time.

Car seat cover

Again, this is important especially if you live in a cold place. I had used this car seat cover to keep my baby warm and cozy and snuggled in the car seat and we ended up using this with my daughter for more than a year.

Pediatrician contact information

Keep all the peds information handy and in your documents folder. You will need this information in the hospital once your baby is born.

Additional clothes for baby

It’s good to carry a few additional clothes beside the going home outfit for your baby in case the going home outfit gets spoiled or dirty. You should pack 1-2 extra onesies or sleepers and also make sure to carry a hat, socks, and scratch mittens to prevent your baby from scratching themselves.

Cozy blanket

Make sure to pack a warm cozy blanket like this one to wrap your baby in. The blanket can also come in handy to breastfeed as well as cover the baby in the car seat.

Pacifier

If you are planning to give your baby a pacifier, they make sure to buy one ahead of time and wash and sterilize it before giving it to your baby. To sterilize your pacifier and your pump parts and baby bottle, investing in an at-home sterilizing unit is a good idea. It can save you so much time and is so easy to use.

Newborn diapers

Pack a set of newborn diapers in your hospital bag. You will be needing them.

Baby wipes

Again, along with the diapers, make sure to carry a set of baby wipes. I found these water wipes very useful as they were organic and it never gave my daughter any skin allergic reaction or rash. Also, carry a set of muslin clothes handy that you can wet with water and use it to clean your baby’s poop.

Swaddle set for photoshoot

I had carried two beautiful swaddle sets (all from Etsy) for the newborn photoshoot in the hospital. They are this one and this one. The pictures turned out so beautiful! Also, I had bought these flower headbands to go with the swaddle this one and this. If you are going to have a baby boy, then this one and this one are some cute options for the boys. Etsy has a ton of swaddle sets available to choose from, although make sure to order them before time as it can take them some time to be delivered at your home.

Baby book (keepsake)

If you are going to create a baby keepsake book for your little one, then make sure to carry it to the hospital. There is a place in the memory book where you can take your newborn’s hand and footprint. This can be done very easily in the hospital.

Cord blood kit

It’s a good idea to look into this. Cord blood is rich in stem cells that can morph into all sorts of blood cells, which can be used to treat diseases that harm the blood and immune system. The cord blood kit contains the supplies that are needed at the time of birth, and it is designed to protect the cord blood during transport to the laboratory. You can read more about this here.

Hospital bag must-haves for your partner

Change of clothes

Keep a change of clothes for your partner as they will be sleeping with you in your room in the hospital. Make sure you have something fancy planned for him too for the baby shoot in the hospital like all of you wearing a matching color for the shoot!

Sleeping bag

You may or may not need this. Most of the hospital rooms come with a couch for your partner to sleep in. You can inquire about this ahead of time at the hospital or during your hospital tour.

Snacks and drinks

Your partner will be running around a lot and hence it is very important to keep some snacks and drinks for him to keep refueling from time to time.

Cash

It can help to carry some coins for the vending machine as well as some cash if needed.

Camera

If you plan to carry your own camera to shoot some beautiful pictures in the hospital, then make sure to pack your camera bag with all its accessories. It’s probably a good idea to have your camera completely charged beforehand.

Phone – Phone charger

Your partner is going to be the point of contact with the family members as you will be busy taking care of the baby. Hence make sure to pack your partner’s phone and phone charger in the hospital bag.

Toiletries

As your partner will be staying in the hospital with you for a few days after the delivery, hence creating a toiletries case for him will be handy. You can pack the following – toothbrush, face wash, body wash, shampoo. All this will come in very handy to freshen up in the hospital.

Additional personal stuff like glasses, books, etc.

Packing a hospital bag is a lot of fun as you are excited that you are going to be a mom soon. It’s important to take your time to pack your hospital bag as it can go a long way in saving you a lot of time by being well-organized for your big day!

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Slippers – keep an additional one for the shower

They are so essential. Most of the time, the hospital might have spare slippers for you to wear but it’s always a good idea to carry them with you in your hospital bag, just in case if the hospital does not have them. I was carrying two slipper sets with me, one for walking around in the hospital ward and the other for taking a bath.

Breastfeeding nightsuits – robes, nightgowns, and pajamas

You will need these and in different varieties. They are great for nursing your baby as well as taking your first pictures with your little one in the hospital. I found that the robe was most comfortable to wear, and so I had picked a set for me matching with my daughter for the shoot. Also, some other great options are this one and this one. Etsy has some really great options to chose from but make sure to place the order in time as it can take a few days to be delivered. Some great options from Amazon are.

Nursing bras

Besides the nursing shirt, packing a few nursing bras in your bag can be very helpful. They make breastfeeding so much easier and are so easy to carry and provide the much-needed support to the breasts. Target has some great nursing bras options like this seamless bra or this wire-free bra or my favorite this one with a little back support.

Old underwear

Once the baby is here so are your periods. And trust me it will be a huge flow. Having old underwear’s that you can discard when used can be very helpful to wear with sanitary napkins. Also, in the hospital, you will be getting disposable mesh underwear which are great. Make sure to ask for a few extras that you can take home with you. Also, if you are looking for disposable underwears you can buy this set from amazon.

Phone & Phone charger – create a contact list to share the news with your family & friends

Once your baby is here all you would want to do is cuddle with your newborn baby and capture those precious moments in your phone. So, make sure to grab your phone when you are leaving the hospital along with the phone charger. Also, now that you have some time on your hands before the baby arrives, so make sure to create a contact list of people with whom you would want to share the good news when your baby is here. You and your partner are going to be so busy when you have the baby, that you would barely have time to create a list and share the news with your loved ones.

Music on your phone – create a list with Spotify

Listening to pleasing music especially during those early labor pains can be relaxing for many. You can create playlists of the music that you like on Spotify.

You can get started creating your playlist on Spotify here!

Earphones

Now that you have the playlist and your phone handy, make sure to pack your headphones. There is something so soothing about listening to soft music via headphones. It really helps to relax and can also help take your mind off the pain. Try it!

Loose comfy clothes to wear home

So important to dress up as comfortably as possible when you are headed home from the hospital. You will be stepping out with your brand-new baby for the very first time and hence it’s important to have your complete attention on that and not worry about the outfit that you are wearing. Also, loose baggy clothes can be very comfortable after a vaginal or a c-section birth!

Nursing scarf

Another great resource after the two shirts for breastfeeding is the infinity scarf. It is stylish, comes in many colors and when you want to breastfeed all you have to do is pull it open.

Toiletries

While packing your bag, create a toiletries bag with your moisturizer, toothbrush, face wash, lip balm, hair bands, comb, body wash, makeup & dry shampoo. All this will come in super handy after the delivery to help you clean up as well as remember to carry makeup so that you can get ready easily for your first hospital baby shoot which every hospital offers. Make sure to ask for the photoshoot. It’s a lot of fun!

Bath towel

Although the hospital will give you towels to clean up, keeping a set handy can be helpful just in case if your hospital does not carry it. Also, I think it’s more hygienic to use your own personal towel instead of the hospital towel.

Your birth plan

It’s important to have your birth plan charted out before your delivery. Ask yourself questions like whether you would need epidural during birth, or do you prefer a water delivery. Would you want your partner with you in the room? Figuring out all these questions beforehand can help make your delivery process smoother. You can buy this birth plan questionnaire or inquire if your hospital or your gynecologist has one. Also, keep a copy of your birth plan in your hospital bag for your partner to refer to when needed.

Documents – insurance details and other hospital paperwork

Create a file or carry a plastic folder like this one, to have all your documents like insurance details and other hospital paperwork, baby pediatrician’s information handy and in one place. This will be very helpful when needed!

Nursing pads

One of the most common breastfeeding issues that you would have heard of is the breast engorgement or leaking of the milk. It’s so common and I had gone through this many times including at my workplace when within a few seconds my breasts would engorge, and my shirt would get completely wet. Well, no worries about that, there is something that you can do that can help you with this. You can use these disposable or washable nursing pads that can absorb all the extra milk and hence save you the embarrassment of your shirt getting wet.

Nipple cream/ balm

Some moms often go through sore nipples which can cause a lot of pain while breastfeeding if not treated in time. I found this nipple cream really helpful during my time and sometimes I would also use coconut oil or olive oil which was also able to provide a lot of relief. Also, this nipple butter has worked well with many moms too.

Related: 12 tips to relieve heartburn during pregnancy

Maxi pads

After your delivery, you will be getting a ton of maxi pads as you will get your periods. Keep 2 – 3 maxi pads in your bag just In case you need them and have none. Also, make sure to ask for more maxi pads from the hospital to carry back home.

Snacks

You will be spending a lot of time in the hospital and hence there is nothing better than munching on your favorite snack to pass the time and take your mind off the wait. Also, keep a few coins for the vending machine to grab a lemonade or your favorite pretzels.

Pillows

Many moms like to carry their pillow along as an extra to make your hospital bed more comfortable. It’s a great idea because I remember during my time, it was really hard to get an extra pillow in the hospital due to low inventory. I had to send my husband back home to get me an extra pillow. Adding a pillow behind my back provided me so much relief from the back pain after delivery.

Energy bars

Going through the entire delivery and taking care of your new baby post-delivery is going to be very exhausting. It is very important, to keep eating regularly so that you don’t get completely drained off. Keeping a few energy bars handy can help keep you fueled for long.

Water bottle

Breastfeeding can make a mom really thirsty and hence having a water bottle close to you can be very helpful. I remember going through multiple rounds of my water bottle during one session of breastfeeding.  I really liked this water flask, which kept my water cold the entire time and they are available in so many colors to chose from. Some other water bottle options are.

Coins for the vending machine

Keep a few coins handy for the vending machine to grab a lemonade or your favorite pretzels. You will need them!

Book/magazine

A good way to pastime while you are waiting in the hospital room.

Notebook & pen

Some moms like to journal their thoughts before and after delivery. If so, keep a diary handy to write down your thoughts or if you want to note down some important information.

Download videos from Netflix to watch

Watching your favorite show can keep your mind off the pain and the wait time. You can download your favorite movies/shows from Netflix and watch them in offline mode on your tablet or phone. I do this all the time!

Big brother sister gift

It’s a good idea to keep a surprise gift from the baby for your older kids. After you have your baby you will be spending a lot of time taking care of the newborn baby and hence it will be hard for you to devote time to your older kids. Hence, giving them a surprise gift from the baby can help them feel special and also make them excited about the idea of another sibling.

Trash bag

A good idea to carry a few empty plastic bags in your hospital bag if you need to discard something or pack something wet.

Nursing Pillow

 Whether you are breastfeeding on a chair, couch or on the bed, the nursing pillow is an absolute must-have for any nursing mom. It helps a lot in placing the baby in the right position and it also helps in providing support to your stomach.

Gum

After the delivery, you will not be allowed to drink water for some time. Hence chewing on some gums can help create saliva and prevent you from feeling too thirsty.

Hospital bag must-haves for your baby

Going home outfit

Packing for a brand-new baby that you are going to have soon is such an exciting feeling. I remember I had gone down multiple times to Carter to buy the going home outfit for my daughter. You can either buy onesies like these or newborn baby sets like these. Also if you live in a cold place like I do in Buffalo, then buying newborn onesie slips will be very helpful. You can also look into these newborn jackets like this one.

Infant car seat with the base installed in your vehicle

Very important and should be done before you head to the hospital as it can take some time.

Car seat cover

Again, this is important especially if you live in a cold place. I had used this car seat cover to keep my baby warm and cozy and snuggled in the car seat and we ended up using this with my daughter for more than a year.

Pediatrician contact information

Keep all the peds information handy and in your documents folder. You will need this information in the hospital once your baby is born.

Additional clothes for baby

It’s good to carry a few additional clothes beside the going home outfit for your baby in case the going home outfit gets spoiled or dirty. You should pack 1-2 extra onesies or sleepers and also make sure to carry a hat, socks, and scratch mittens to prevent your baby from scratching themselves.

Cozy blanket

Make sure to pack a warm cozy blanket like this one to wrap your baby in. The blanket can also come in handy to breastfeed as well as cover the baby in the car seat.

Pacifier

If you are planning to give your baby a pacifier, they make sure to buy one ahead of time and wash and sterilize it before giving it to your baby. To sterilize your pacifier and your pump parts and baby bottle, investing in an at-home sterilizing unit is a good idea. It can save you so much time and is so easy to use.

Newborn diapers

Pack a set of newborn diapers in your hospital bag. You will be needing them.

Baby wipes

Again, along with the diapers, make sure to carry a set of baby wipes. I found these water wipes very useful as they were organic and it never gave my daughter any skin allergic reaction or rash. Also, carry a set of muslin clothes handy that you can wet with water and use it to clean your baby’s poop.

Swaddle set for photoshoot

I had carried two beautiful swaddle sets (all from Etsy) for the newborn photoshoot in the hospital. They are this one and this one. The pictures turned out so beautiful! Also, I had bought these flower headbands to go with the swaddle this one and this. If you are going to have a baby boy, then this one and this one are some cute options for the boys. Etsy has a ton of swaddle sets available to choose from, although make sure to order them before time as it can take them some time to be delivered at your home.

Baby book (keepsake)

If you are going to create a baby keepsake book for your little one, then make sure to carry it to the hospital. There is a place in the memory book where you can take your newborn’s hand and footprint. This can be done very easily in the hospital.

Cord blood kit

It’s a good idea to look into this. Cord blood is rich in stem cells that can morph into all sorts of blood cells, which can be used to treat diseases that harm the blood and immune system. The cord blood kit contains the supplies that are needed at the time of birth, and it is designed to protect the cord blood during transport to the laboratory. You can read more about this here.

Hospital bag must-haves for your partner

Change of clothes

Keep a change of clothes for your partner as they will be sleeping with you in your room in the hospital. Make sure you have something fancy planned for him too for the baby shoot in the hospital like all of you wearing a matching color for the shoot!

Sleeping bag

You may or may not need this. Most of the hospital rooms come with a couch for your partner to sleep in. You can inquire about this ahead of time at the hospital or during your hospital tour.

Snacks and drinks

Your partner will be running around a lot and hence it is very important to keep some snacks and drinks for him to keep refueling from time to time.

Cash

It can help to carry some coins for the vending machine as well as some cash if needed.

Camera

If you plan to carry your own camera to shoot some beautiful pictures in the hospital, then make sure to pack your camera bag with all its accessories. It’s probably a good idea to have your camera completely charged beforehand.

Phone – Phone charger

Your partner is going to be the point of contact with the family members as you will be busy taking care of the baby. Hence make sure to pack your partner’s phone and phone charger in the hospital bag.

Toiletries

As your partner will be staying in the hospital with you for a few days after the delivery, hence creating a toiletries case for him will be handy. You can pack the following – toothbrush, face wash, body wash, shampoo. All this will come in very handy to freshen up in the hospital.

Additional personal stuff like glasses, books, etc.

Packing a hospital bag is a lot of fun as you are excited that you are going to be a mom soon. It’s important to take your time to pack your hospital bag as it can go a long way in saving you a lot of time by being well-organized for your big day!

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Hospital Bag must-haves for you

Warm fuzzy socks

It might be a little chilly in the hospital room and hence packing a pair of warm fuzzy socks is a good idea. I don’t know about you all but for me having my feet covered and protected always makes me feel really good.

Slippers – keep an additional one for the shower

They are so essential. Most of the time, the hospital might have spare slippers for you to wear but it’s always a good idea to carry them with you in your hospital bag, just in case if the hospital does not have them. I was carrying two slipper sets with me, one for walking around in the hospital ward and the other for taking a bath.

Breastfeeding nightsuits – robes, nightgowns, and pajamas

You will need these and in different varieties. They are great for nursing your baby as well as taking your first pictures with your little one in the hospital. I found that the robe was most comfortable to wear, and so I had picked a set for me matching with my daughter for the shoot. Also, some other great options are this one and this one. Etsy has some really great options to chose from but make sure to place the order in time as it can take a few days to be delivered. Some great options from Amazon are.

Nursing bras

Besides the nursing shirt, packing a few nursing bras in your bag can be very helpful. They make breastfeeding so much easier and are so easy to carry and provide the much-needed support to the breasts. Target has some great nursing bras options like this seamless bra or this wire-free bra or my favorite this one with a little back support.

Old underwear

Once the baby is here so are your periods. And trust me it will be a huge flow. Having old underwear’s that you can discard when used can be very helpful to wear with sanitary napkins. Also, in the hospital, you will be getting disposable mesh underwear which are great. Make sure to ask for a few extras that you can take home with you. Also, if you are looking for disposable underwears you can buy this set from amazon.

Phone & Phone charger – create a contact list to share the news with your family & friends

Once your baby is here all you would want to do is cuddle with your newborn baby and capture those precious moments in your phone. So, make sure to grab your phone when you are leaving the hospital along with the phone charger. Also, now that you have some time on your hands before the baby arrives, so make sure to create a contact list of people with whom you would want to share the good news when your baby is here. You and your partner are going to be so busy when you have the baby, that you would barely have time to create a list and share the news with your loved ones.

Music on your phone – create a list with Spotify

Listening to pleasing music especially during those early labor pains can be relaxing for many. You can create playlists of the music that you like on Spotify.

You can get started creating your playlist on Spotify here!

Earphones

Now that you have the playlist and your phone handy, make sure to pack your headphones. There is something so soothing about listening to soft music via headphones. It really helps to relax and can also help take your mind off the pain. Try it!

Loose comfy clothes to wear home

So important to dress up as comfortably as possible when you are headed home from the hospital. You will be stepping out with your brand-new baby for the very first time and hence it’s important to have your complete attention on that and not worry about the outfit that you are wearing. Also, loose baggy clothes can be very comfortable after a vaginal or a c-section birth!

Nursing scarf

Another great resource after the two shirts for breastfeeding is the infinity scarf. It is stylish, comes in many colors and when you want to breastfeed all you have to do is pull it open.

Toiletries

While packing your bag, create a toiletries bag with your moisturizer, toothbrush, face wash, lip balm, hair bands, comb, body wash, makeup & dry shampoo. All this will come in super handy after the delivery to help you clean up as well as remember to carry makeup so that you can get ready easily for your first hospital baby shoot which every hospital offers. Make sure to ask for the photoshoot. It’s a lot of fun!

Bath towel

Although the hospital will give you towels to clean up, keeping a set handy can be helpful just in case if your hospital does not carry it. Also, I think it’s more hygienic to use your own personal towel instead of the hospital towel.

Your birth plan

It’s important to have your birth plan charted out before your delivery. Ask yourself questions like whether you would need epidural during birth, or do you prefer a water delivery. Would you want your partner with you in the room? Figuring out all these questions beforehand can help make your delivery process smoother. You can buy this birth plan questionnaire or inquire if your hospital or your gynecologist has one. Also, keep a copy of your birth plan in your hospital bag for your partner to refer to when needed.

Documents – insurance details and other hospital paperwork

Create a file or carry a plastic folder like this one, to have all your documents like insurance details and other hospital paperwork, baby pediatrician’s information handy and in one place. This will be very helpful when needed!

Nursing pads

One of the most common breastfeeding issues that you would have heard of is the breast engorgement or leaking of the milk. It’s so common and I had gone through this many times including at my workplace when within a few seconds my breasts would engorge, and my shirt would get completely wet. Well, no worries about that, there is something that you can do that can help you with this. You can use these disposable or washable nursing pads that can absorb all the extra milk and hence save you the embarrassment of your shirt getting wet.

Nipple cream/ balm

Some moms often go through sore nipples which can cause a lot of pain while breastfeeding if not treated in time. I found this nipple cream really helpful during my time and sometimes I would also use coconut oil or olive oil which was also able to provide a lot of relief. Also, this nipple butter has worked well with many moms too.

Related: 12 tips to relieve heartburn during pregnancy

Maxi pads

After your delivery, you will be getting a ton of maxi pads as you will get your periods. Keep 2 – 3 maxi pads in your bag just In case you need them and have none. Also, make sure to ask for more maxi pads from the hospital to carry back home.

Snacks

You will be spending a lot of time in the hospital and hence there is nothing better than munching on your favorite snack to pass the time and take your mind off the wait. Also, keep a few coins for the vending machine to grab a lemonade or your favorite pretzels.

Pillows

Many moms like to carry their pillow along as an extra to make your hospital bed more comfortable. It’s a great idea because I remember during my time, it was really hard to get an extra pillow in the hospital due to low inventory. I had to send my husband back home to get me an extra pillow. Adding a pillow behind my back provided me so much relief from the back pain after delivery.

Energy bars

Going through the entire delivery and taking care of your new baby post-delivery is going to be very exhausting. It is very important, to keep eating regularly so that you don’t get completely drained off. Keeping a few energy bars handy can help keep you fueled for long.

Water bottle

Breastfeeding can make a mom really thirsty and hence having a water bottle close to you can be very helpful. I remember going through multiple rounds of my water bottle during one session of breastfeeding.  I really liked this water flask, which kept my water cold the entire time and they are available in so many colors to chose from. Some other water bottle options are.

Coins for the vending machine

Keep a few coins handy for the vending machine to grab a lemonade or your favorite pretzels. You will need them!

Book/magazine

A good way to pastime while you are waiting in the hospital room.

Notebook & pen

Some moms like to journal their thoughts before and after delivery. If so, keep a diary handy to write down your thoughts or if you want to note down some important information.

Download videos from Netflix to watch

Watching your favorite show can keep your mind off the pain and the wait time. You can download your favorite movies/shows from Netflix and watch them in offline mode on your tablet or phone. I do this all the time!

Big brother sister gift

It’s a good idea to keep a surprise gift from the baby for your older kids. After you have your baby you will be spending a lot of time taking care of the newborn baby and hence it will be hard for you to devote time to your older kids. Hence, giving them a surprise gift from the baby can help them feel special and also make them excited about the idea of another sibling.

Trash bag

A good idea to carry a few empty plastic bags in your hospital bag if you need to discard something or pack something wet.

Nursing Pillow

 Whether you are breastfeeding on a chair, couch or on the bed, the nursing pillow is an absolute must-have for any nursing mom. It helps a lot in placing the baby in the right position and it also helps in providing support to your stomach.

Gum

After the delivery, you will not be allowed to drink water for some time. Hence chewing on some gums can help create saliva and prevent you from feeling too thirsty.

Hospital bag must-haves for your baby

Going home outfit

Packing for a brand-new baby that you are going to have soon is such an exciting feeling. I remember I had gone down multiple times to Carter to buy the going home outfit for my daughter. You can either buy onesies like these or newborn baby sets like these. Also if you live in a cold place like I do in Buffalo, then buying newborn onesie slips will be very helpful. You can also look into these newborn jackets like this one.

Infant car seat with the base installed in your vehicle

Very important and should be done before you head to the hospital as it can take some time.

Car seat cover

Again, this is important especially if you live in a cold place. I had used this car seat cover to keep my baby warm and cozy and snuggled in the car seat and we ended up using this with my daughter for more than a year.

Pediatrician contact information

Keep all the peds information handy and in your documents folder. You will need this information in the hospital once your baby is born.

Additional clothes for baby

It’s good to carry a few additional clothes beside the going home outfit for your baby in case the going home outfit gets spoiled or dirty. You should pack 1-2 extra onesies or sleepers and also make sure to carry a hat, socks, and scratch mittens to prevent your baby from scratching themselves.

Cozy blanket

Make sure to pack a warm cozy blanket like this one to wrap your baby in. The blanket can also come in handy to breastfeed as well as cover the baby in the car seat.

Pacifier

If you are planning to give your baby a pacifier, they make sure to buy one ahead of time and wash and sterilize it before giving it to your baby. To sterilize your pacifier and your pump parts and baby bottle, investing in an at-home sterilizing unit is a good idea. It can save you so much time and is so easy to use.

Newborn diapers

Pack a set of newborn diapers in your hospital bag. You will be needing them.

Baby wipes

Again, along with the diapers, make sure to carry a set of baby wipes. I found these water wipes very useful as they were organic and it never gave my daughter any skin allergic reaction or rash. Also, carry a set of muslin clothes handy that you can wet with water and use it to clean your baby’s poop.

Swaddle set for photoshoot

I had carried two beautiful swaddle sets (all from Etsy) for the newborn photoshoot in the hospital. They are this one and this one. The pictures turned out so beautiful! Also, I had bought these flower headbands to go with the swaddle this one and this. If you are going to have a baby boy, then this one and this one are some cute options for the boys. Etsy has a ton of swaddle sets available to choose from, although make sure to order them before time as it can take them some time to be delivered at your home.

Baby book (keepsake)

If you are going to create a baby keepsake book for your little one, then make sure to carry it to the hospital. There is a place in the memory book where you can take your newborn’s hand and footprint. This can be done very easily in the hospital.

Cord blood kit

It’s a good idea to look into this. Cord blood is rich in stem cells that can morph into all sorts of blood cells, which can be used to treat diseases that harm the blood and immune system. The cord blood kit contains the supplies that are needed at the time of birth, and it is designed to protect the cord blood during transport to the laboratory. You can read more about this here.

Hospital bag must-haves for your partner

Change of clothes

Keep a change of clothes for your partner as they will be sleeping with you in your room in the hospital. Make sure you have something fancy planned for him too for the baby shoot in the hospital like all of you wearing a matching color for the shoot!

Sleeping bag

You may or may not need this. Most of the hospital rooms come with a couch for your partner to sleep in. You can inquire about this ahead of time at the hospital or during your hospital tour.

Snacks and drinks

Your partner will be running around a lot and hence it is very important to keep some snacks and drinks for him to keep refueling from time to time.

Cash

It can help to carry some coins for the vending machine as well as some cash if needed.

Camera

If you plan to carry your own camera to shoot some beautiful pictures in the hospital, then make sure to pack your camera bag with all its accessories. It’s probably a good idea to have your camera completely charged beforehand.

Phone – Phone charger

Your partner is going to be the point of contact with the family members as you will be busy taking care of the baby. Hence make sure to pack your partner’s phone and phone charger in the hospital bag.

Toiletries

As your partner will be staying in the hospital with you for a few days after the delivery, hence creating a toiletries case for him will be handy. You can pack the following – toothbrush, face wash, body wash, shampoo. All this will come in very handy to freshen up in the hospital.

Additional personal stuff like glasses, books, etc.

Packing a hospital bag is a lot of fun as you are excited that you are going to be a mom soon. It’s important to take your time to pack your hospital bag as it can go a long way in saving you a lot of time by being well-organized for your big day!

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