As some of y’all know, I recently posted on Facebook asking fellow moms for suggestions on what to pack in a hospital bag. Before that I had exhausted my efforts on Pinterest and realized that some lists seemed a little ridiculous, while others were very minimal. I received tons of great feedback on my post, so I ditched Pinterest and trusted all those mamas out there who were willing to engage with me (thank you!).

I’ve never considered myself either/or when it comes to being high or low maintenance. Truthfully, I’m a mix of both depending what we’re talking about…makeup: I wear it maybe once a week, if that. Tea: don’t you dare heat your water in the microwave…cough cough *mom*. I love my mom; she can have her tea however she wants. I, on the other hand, avoid eye contact with the microwave for fear that my tea kettle would think I’m cheating on it…

I’m what I like to call a seasoned over-packer when we travel, but for my hospital stay I did not want to haul a stuffed suitcase – or even the carry-on size. Hopefully I don’t regret that decision. You live and learn is what I say!

So…what exactly is in my hospital bag? Read on to find out.
I managed to fit everything, except for Wyatt’s stuff, in my weekender bag: electronics, toiletries, and clothes for both myself and Chase.

Some things aren’t pictured, so I will list it all by category and note when it’s for (both).

Toiletries:

• toothbrush + toothpaste (both)
• contacts + travel-sized solution 
• hair brush
• glasses
• deodorant (both)
• travel- sized shampoo + conditioner (both – if he wants to shower)
• travel-sized body wash (both – if he wants to shower)
• travel-sized skincare
• hair ties
• curling wand
• Tylenol

 

Electronics:

• iPhones
• iPhone chargers
• iPad
• iPad charger
• DSLR camera (for when the photographer leaves).

 

Clothing for her:

• Gillian & O’Malley Nursing Nightgown
• nursing bra (I’ll probably be wearing one going to the hospital so I’ll have two with me).
• cheap rubber flip flops from Target (for showering + wearing home)
• socks with rubber grip
• Clark moccasins (to walk around the hospital in)
• Joggers + loose button down top to go home in
• BFF Belly Bandit

 

Clothing for him (not pictured):

• Change of clothes ( jeans, a black undershirt, and a button up from Cabela’s…he must want to look nice)
• Nike sweatpants
• socks (Chase packed 3 pairs…)
• clean pair of underwear

 

For baby:

• take home outfit in two different sizes.
• Lou Lou and Company newborn swaddle set, courtesy of Gram T (I’m a photographer…this kid is gonna have to deal with it).

 

Extras:

• pillows – we are spoiled with memory foam ones at home so we’re bringing ‘em.
• insurance cards – just in case, but we are pre-registered.
• empty diaper back pack (to fill with the “free” stuff from the hospital).
• Boppy pillow – I had mixed feedback on this one…some people said to bring one, others said they never used it. Since I have no experience with breast feeding I figured I’ll bring it. Better safe than sorry; everybody is different!

 

The thing with the hospital bag is that you never know what you’ll prefer or need compared to someone else’s needs/wants. The only time it would make sense to copy another’s list would be if your birth was identical to theirs. Which I’ve been told doesn’t happen. However, there are some obvious must-haves that most women agree on and that’s where it’s good to ask around, hear the advice, but not feel obligated to take every suggestion.

Simply put, anything that would make me feel more comfortable and more like myself made the list, along with some of the suggestions from other moms.

Now we’re just playing the waiting game…

 

****UPDATE: Wyatt came exactly three weeks early, before I had a chance to post this. I used everything I packed except for: my grippy socks, and pillows (forgot to grab them when I left for the hospital). We stayed two nights in the hospital so we used everything else that’s listed!