We are nearing the 3-week mark for our second baby girl’s arrival and I am gathering all the essentials we will need for our hospital stay!  This second time around I will be packing a LOT less than I did the first time. Truth be told, I spent most of my time in a nightgown and robe, and utilized the items the hospital provided for me.  The most important thing is simplicity and comfort so you can enjoy those first few days with your fresh babe!

Essentials for Mom

• Nursing friendly nightgown  – something comfy, soft and nursing friendly!  I found mine at Target and it’s perfect for nursing because it buttons up the front.

• Comfy robe 

• Nursing bras 

• Warm socks 

• Nursing friendly going-home outfit  – one of my biggest regrets the first time was not having a nursing friendly outfit to go home in.  When we were ready to leave, I realized I wasn’t able to nurse in the outfit I had on and had nothing else besides pajamas.  I am bringing a nursing friendly basic tee + comfy leggings to go home in this time.  

• Leggings 

• Basic toiletries – bring the basics so you can have a nice shower!  I’m bringing minimal beauty products, a good toner  and rosewater spray  to freshen up with.  Don’t forget hair ties, chap stick and a nail file.

• Flip flops for showering

• Breastfeeding essentials

• Soothing gel pads 

• Nipple shields – not everyone needs these but I will be bringing them based on my previous experience with breastfeeding.  At my hospital the lactation consultants also have them on hand if needed.

• Nursing salves – using the new Tubby Todd nipple balm!

• Boppy pillow 

• Burp cloths 

• Nursing cover – I am using this beautiful linen cover by Venice and Jane. 

Essentials for Baby

Again, I will be bringing much less for baby this time.  I had brought multiple outfits last time when in reality baby stays in a onesie and swaddles for most of their hospital stay.  You want to make it as easy as possible for yourself!  

• Newborn layette outfit  – I thought I would take a lot more photos in the hospital, but in reality you just want to soak up all the newborn snuggles while you are there (not to mention you are exhausted and there are always nurses and visitors coming in and out!)  There isn’t much time for photos, but I am making sure to bring one nice outfit to take a ‘Hello I’m here!’ photo. You can’t go wrong with any of the items from Fin and Vince’s layette collection (which launched just in time for this baby!) These pieces are simple, classic and timeless; and I can’t get over how tiny and cute the newborn sizes are!

• A few bonnets/knit hats – I’m bringing a couple options from Fin and Vince , Briar Handmade and Mercy Threads Shop .  

• Solly Baby Swaddles - the absolute softest swaddles.

• Baby blanket 

• Pacifier – just in case!

• Cross-body onesies – last time the hospital provided these but I will be bringing a few of my own. 

• Baby mittens and socks

• Going home outfit 

Technology/Extras

• Camera 

• Phone + extra-long charger

• Notepad + pen – I like to write down baby’s schedule the old fashion way and also any notes I may want to remember from the nurses/doctors during my stay.

• Drinks and Snacks – I will be bringing a lot more snacks and drinks, both for my husband and myself after delivery.  I’m going to make a Trader Joe’s run beforehand and get all kinds of yummy dry snacks, beef jerky, granola bars, fruit snacks, chocolates, as well as bring Gatorade and other drinks for us to have on hand.

• Special big sister package – I put together a special gift for my older daughter Louisa when she visits which includes a big sister book , stickers and a coloring book, and a special stuffed animal for her to take home.  

• Birdling Bags backpack  – I’m going to use this to pack all the hospital essentials they encourage you to take with you when you leave!

• Lo and Sons Weekender Bag

And that’s it!  I’m keeping it super simple and easy this time around.  The hospital will provide so many of the things you need (like diapers, wipes, post-partum needs for mom, etc.) and you can always double check what they provide on your hospital tour!  

My bag has been packed and (mostly) ready to go since 35 weeks.  I have a printed checklist of everything I will need on my dresser and when I add something to the bag, I simply cross it off the list so I know exactly what I’ve been packing into it and can easily keep track when the time comes to leave.

I hope this post helps you when you begin to plan and pack your own hospital bag.  Let me know if there are any essentials you think should be added to my list, or things that were life savers for you in the hospital!  

Thanks for reading!

Kim

@kimberly.stavros