Kristy Sumichrast

Packing a Hospital Bag: Don't Over Pack - Blog

It was 11 p.m. when I woke up out of a sound sleep. Though I had never been pregnant before, I was fairly certain these were the contractions everyone talked about. Once I confirmed with my doctor, I threw a bunch of stuff in a bag and headed to the hospital.

After going through the birth of my first daughter, I learned what to pack and what I certainly did not need to pack. Here is my list of must haves and items the hospital provides.

Items to Put in Your Bag and Bring to Hospital:

Tip 1: Pack Early! As you can tell from my above story, I was not prepared to run to the hospital. My daughter was three weeks early and most people had told me that the first baby is almost always late so I had not packed my bag ahead of time. I suggest packing a month early to be on the safe side.

Tip 2: Have Your Partner Pack: My husband forgot items like socks which we had to have friends bring from our house. If your significant other is staying at the hospital with you, chances are they will be spending nights on a pull out coach. I suggest bringing a pillow and maybe a small blanket so he/she is more comfortable. Also, make sure they bring a couple changes of comfortable clothes and any toiletries they may need.

Tip 3: Pack For Yourself: This sounds simple, but when all your focus is on your new baby, you neglect to pack your own items. If you plan on nursing, make sure you bring either nursing pajamas or pajamas that button in the front. Also, nursing bras, pads and any toiletry items you may need. After you give birth, your body may cool off rapidly so I suggest some cozy socks and a sweatshirt.

Tip 4: Pack For Your Baby: Bring an outfit for your baby to come home in, but only if you have something special selected.

Tip 5: Car seat: Make sure the car seat base is already installed in your car. If you are unsure of the correct position, drive through a local fire department and have them check it at least a month before your due date. Bring the actual carrier into your hospital. It helps to have it in the room since you will need to adjust the straps and the nurses can assist with this.

Tip 6: Pediatrician and ObGyn Phone Numbers: Most likely your pediatrician will want to see your baby a few days after being discharged from the hospital. Call from the hospital to set up that first appointment so you don't need to worry about this once you get home. Also, your doctor will want to see you most likely six weeks after leaving the hospital so call and set up your post-op appointment for yourself. When you have a newborn at home, you are overwhelmed at first so the more you can do ahead of time, the better.

Tip 7: Camera or Cell Phone: Everyone will be waiting for that first newborn photo so don't forget your camera to capture the moment.

Tip 8: Ipad or Laptop: If you have a portable computer, I recommend bring it along. It sounds strange, but you will have downtime when the baby is napping, getting a bath or away for tests. This will give you time to download and send those newborn photos.

Do Not Pack These Items:

You know the saying, don't over pack for your vacation? Well, the same is true for your stay in the hospital. A lot of what you pack will be provided for you at the hospital. Here are the items the hospital will provide:

Tip 1: Breast Pump: If you are nursing, the hospital will provide you a breast pump upon request. They will also give you all the necessary equipment for the pump like tubing and bottles. There is no need to bring one from home because once you leave the hospital, you can rent the one for use at home along with take the necessary equipment.

Tip 2: Formula: If you are bottle feeding or even supplementing occasionally with formula, the hospital will provide this while you are in the hospital. Chances are they will bring you a box of formula. Once you are discharged, pack up the remainder of bottles and take these for home use.

Tip 2: Diapers and Wipes: The hospital will provide all the diapers and wipes you need while your baby is in the hospital. You can also take any extras in your room when you leave for home. A huge help and savings for those first few days at home!

Tip 3: Underwear For You: If you haven't heard from friends, the hospital will give you underwear and pads to use while in the hospital. Again, you will want to take these home while you are recovering.

Tip 4: Clothes for the Baby: The hospital will provide your baby with hats, gowns, blankets and pacifiers. You are free to take these home when you leave so no need to bring anything for your baby unless you want he or she to wear something special when upon discharge.

Tip 5: Food for you and your Significant Other: Most hospitals have room service where you can order meals directly to your room. Your meal will be included during your stay, but your significant other will need to pay for his or her meal. Or you can call for food for yourself and just order enough to share with your significant other.

Tip 6: Recovering Items: For certain instances you will need additional support during your recover. You may have slight tearing and need stitches. Or you may have an unexpected C-section. Or develop hemorrhoids. The hospital will provide certain post-care items to you like a small spray bottle, restriction band or Tucks pads. Again, take any of these with you when you leave. The less items you need to run out for, the better once you get home.

Tip 7: Antibacterial Soap or Spray: When visitors come by to greet your baby for the first time, you will want them to disinfect their hands before holding your child. The hospital usually has a disinfectant dispenser on the wall in the room or antibacterial soap in the attached bathroom.

Already have a baby? What items did you need or not need in your hospital bag? Please comment below and share your thoughts.