Things I Wish I Had Packed in My Hospital Bag (and Things I Didn't Need)

Things I Wish I Had Packed in My Hospital Bag (and Things I Didn't Need)

Planning for your new arrival is such an exciting time, and having your hospital bag ready is a crucial step you won't want to overlook. Trust me, when those labor pains start, you'll be relieved to have everything prepped and good to go—just grab your bag and head to the hospital.

Picture this: a two-night "sleepover" at the hospital (well, sort of—I think I caught a grand total of 2 hours of shut-eye). You definitely don't want to feel like you're moving in. Here's what you should definitely remember to pack, and what you can totally leave behind.

Things You Don't Want to Forget!

Portable Sound Machine

This little gadget was a lifesaver, not just for our little one but for me and my partner too! It's super compact, so it doesn't take up much space. We popped it into the baby's diaper bag, and when it was time to head home, we moved the sound machine to the car seat. Pure magic—it helped lull our little guy right to sleep.

Nursing Pillow

I skipped packing this initially, thinking a hospital pillow would do. Big mistake. Wrestling with flat hospital pillows to prop up my LO during feeds had me wishing I'd brought our trusty Boppy pillow.

Zip Swaddle

As a first-time mom, I figured I could manage with swaddling blankets. Ha! Turns out, I'm no pro at the art of swaddling. Should've packed one of our zip-up swaddles—the zipper makes nighttime diaper changes a breeze.

Cozy Blanket

You might be tempted to skip this, but trust me, a comfy blanket from home is a must. Hospital blankets just don't offer that post-labor comfort. Plus, your support person will appreciate the extra warmth—hospital rooms can get chilly!

Car Seat

Absolutely non-negotiable. Don't forget your car seat—no hospital discharge without one!

Things to Leave Behind!

Postpartum Care

As tempting as it is, you really don't need to haul all your postpartum care products. The hospital's got you covered with everything—peri bottle (I actually preferred theirs over the Frida bottle), padsicles, Tucks, disposable undies, you name it. Leave your stash at home and make the most of what the hospital provides.

Towels

Sure, hospital towels might not be the fluffiest, but they'll do the job. No need to pack your own. Just a heads-up: if you're a first-time breastfeeder, those towels might feel a bit rough on sore nipples.

So there you have it—a few tips from a fellow first-timer. I hope this helps with your hospital bag prep. Happy packing!