Must Have Checklist for Mama!
If I had to guess, I would say most FTM's overpack for the hospital stay. Here are the products that I found the most useful during our stay.
- Pillows- 2 one for you and one for Dad or support person. The hospital pillows are just as you'd imagine a hospital pillow to be.
- Blanket- a super soft cozy one for mama! I purchased one at Homegoods.
- Pajamas- I lived in this one, and next time would bring 3. I liked the nightgown option because after delivery, pants just were not in the cards. There is also a fleece version that was warm and cozy.
- Cozy socks or slippers- I would bring a heavier pair and lighter weight pair. I remember going from hot to cold a lot! Also grippy bottoms are important because of the slippery tile floors with a new baby.
- Personal care products- I brought my face lotion, rose water spray, face wash/wipes, mascara, tinted moisturizer, under eye concealer (trust me), blush, deodorant, toothbrush, and dry shampoo. On the second morning, I wanted to freshen up and get a few pictures so having my basic beauty products helped me feel somewhat normal.
- Extra long phone charger- I would bring 2, one for you and one for anyone else in the room with you.
- Nipple cream- I started using this in the hospital from day one and did not have issues with soreness.
- Going home outfit- I chose Lululemon aligns and a loose sweater. The sweater was perfect, however the yoga pants were a tight squeeze with the bump and diaper(lol). I would recommend a looser pant or dress.
Must Have Checklist for Baby!
Most of what you need for baby is provided by the hospital. Here are a few things I used:
- Sound machine - This is my absolute must-have. TBH, I threw this in the bag last minute and it was my most prized possession during our stay. Hospitals are noisy and although babies sleep so much the first few days, I think the sound machine really helped us both get some rest during our 4-day stay. Our hospital was "baby friendly" as in there was no traditional nursery, so Harper stayed in the room with me the whole time.
- Swaddle - Another thing I didn't expect to use and found so helpful! I brought the Ollie swaddle and ended up using it from night one in the hospital. This was safer than using a blanket swaddle that can come undone by baby's face.
- Onesies- I would pack 5-7 onesies, a few newborn size and a couple 0-3 month size since you really do not know what will fit! the hospital will have the traditional white outfits, however these were HUGE on Harper (7 lbs), We ended up wearing the newborn ones I brought and I could have used more than the 3 I packed.
- Swaddle/Receiving Blanket- We brought a matching receiving blanket and hat for a few pictures. I love Copper & Pearl for these, they are so soft.
- Heavier blanket- I would also pack a heavier blanket for baby. This pottery barn one was always my go to. This will be helpful when cuddling and on the car ride home if it is cold.
- Car seat- You can't leave the hospital without this! Some hospitals will check the installation, ours did not. Pro Tip : watch a youtube video BEFORE you head down to your car or else you can be like us trying to google how to fit the baby for the car seat as we were trying to leave -- NOT ideal.
- Going home outfit for baby- I would choose something easy to get on and off, maybe with a zipper or minimal snaps. I chose an adorable knit romper, but it had tiny buttons that were very difficult to button. The baby will literally only wear this for max 1 hour.
Must Have Checklist for Dad!
Don't forget Dad will be sleeping on a fold out sofa for a couple nights, he will need a few necessities:
- Pillow- I mentioned this above, but Dad should bring a pillow. We did not bring 2 and that was a mistake.
- Toiletries- Toothbrush, Deodorant, Facewash etc. These can be packed with your own to cut down on extra bags.
- Clothes- Sweatshirt, extra pants/shorts, 2-3 t-shirts, and slippers or comfy shoes.
Other items of note!
These are items you can live without, but you may want to consider.
- Diaper bag- You won't need any baby supplies in the hospital, they will provide diapers, wipes, snot sucker etc. You may want to have your diaper bag in the car though, just in case!
- Decorations- If you plan to use a decorative name for pictures or something of that nature, bring it.
- Baby Book- If you want the hospital to stamp baby's footprint in your baby book at the same time they do it for the birth certificate, bring your book in with you when you first get admitted to the hospital. We had our book in the car, however things moved quickly and we didn't get my hospital bag until after the baby was born.
- Towels- So I did not officially shower in the hospital, I didn't see how it was possible in the tiny bathroom with the diapers and everything. I elected for washcloth baths so bringing a large bath towel from home wasn't on my list. I am including this as a note for personal preference because if you did want to take a shower, the towels are small and uncomfortable like the pillows.
- Boppy/BreastFriend Pillow- I think if you have the space, this would be helpful for breastfeeding in the hospital. The other option is propping with pillows. I did not bring this and survived, but it could be nice!
- Snacks- We did not initially bring any snacks, but Harper was born over Thanksgiving so a lot of the hospital cafe's and stores were closed as well as restaurants nearby. A few of your favorites might be nice!
- Water Bottle/Yeti- I brought my Yeti and kept water in it and then Powerade in the large cup the hospital provides you. It was nice to always have extra drinks on hand.
I hope that was helpful in narrowing down your packing list! I fit everything into my Dagne Dover duffle bag. Remember everything you bring in, you have to bring out, in addition to your new little peach!
XOXO,
Nichole @ Little Peach Sleep
I only recommend products I have personally used for my family and myself. All opinions expressed here are my own.