Best Labor and Delivery Hospital Bag Items

It’s time to pack your bag and you’re wonder where to start. After doing a ton of research I’ve found the best labor and delivery hospital bag items and then there’s what I actually needed. It was easier to write about the essentials needed and share what I actually used before and after labor and delivery. I didn’t over pack except to bring an extra empty suitcase. Someone had told me I’d be going home with a lot of extra things. We did go home with a lot of extra things but was able to fit it all inside my carry on. Luckily we left it in the car.

Other than that tip, you’ll probably want to have your bags packed around 35 weeks. This is just my opinion and based on what so many of my followers said about when they gave birth. My dr also recommended bags packed at 35 weeks. Better safe than running around through contractions trying to get yourself together.

There is a lot you think you need but not all of it is necessary. I’m including this part of my list because you may personally feel like you need one of these items.

 

Side Notes:

Pets: I have to be honest, when getting ready to write this post my first thought was to remind you to not forget the pets. For whatever reason this was my biggest worry. I even talked with my dr about it and she said she had family members come by her place off and on, yet she still worried while at the hospital about this being done. So find someone you KNOW will show.

My snack bins: Aaron and went to the dollar store and bought about $60 worth of snacks. We bought the movie size candy boxes and they were a huge hit. We also purchased a variety of chips. Then we went to Kroger and purchased lots of health bars. My dr. loved the kind bars! I ended up having health bars leftover and brought those home. The rest I left for the nurses at the desk. There wasn’t a lot left but they loved the fun bins so I let them keep them. I got mine from Target.

Best Labor and Delivery Hospital Bag Items

**In red are the items I ended up not using and why.

Nursing dress and tank: This was great for when company came and also for quick breastfeeding access. I also slept in mine the second night.

Chapstick: You will absolutely want this. Granted my labor was intense not helping dry mouth and lips but I still think everyone can benefit from a good chapstick.

Large Yeti cup: L/D had me insanely parched. I’m so glad we packed my large Yeti cup because the small cups the hospital provides was nothing. I’ve never been so thirsty in my life. I also had Aaron feeding me ice in between each contraction.

Dry Shampoo: Didn’t use at all. Never even crossed my mind.

Face wash, Cream, day oil and night oil: These actually helped me feel refreshed. My face had blood that rushed to the surface from straining so much that it looked like the capillaries had ruptured.

Robe: Perfect for photos. You’ll look back and be happy you had a sweet little robe with you. I ordered some great ones from Shop Pink Blush. Perfect for at home too.

Sweater: Forgot I had packed it but definitely didn’t need it. I wasn’t cold at all. 

Sweatpants: Wore part of the day my second day there

Nursing Pillow: I tried this once but it was too big and not comfy for me. Now that we are home daddy LOVES my Boppy Pillow

My own stash of Diapers and wipes: I could have used mine but I trusted what the hospital had and used what they provided.

My own blanket and pillow: I loved having the comfort of my own pillow and not the hospitals crunchy ones. My blanket just comforted me. Aaron added it to his layer of blanket to sleep with. So, this came in handy.

Going home complete outfit: Of course you know I had this and used it.

6′ phone charger: Yes, Yes and Yes. Just don’t forget to pack it when you leave. Housekeeping said this is the one thing people almost always forget.

Non-slip socks: I’m marking this down as a no even though I wore mine but they annoyed me more than anything. I’m not a sock person. Plus the hospital will give you a pair so no need to pack your own. 

Burp rags: Yes, There are plenty of baby blankets you could use but they are big and bulky as a burb rag. Having my own, from Shop Pink Blush was a smart move.

Workout ball with air pump: I sat and used mine for …oh 5 min and then things got real and I never got out of bed. Even though that was part of my plan. My contractions hurt so badly and were so short that I couldn’t imagine getting out of bed.

Personal fan: By far the best out of all the labor and delivery hospital bag items we packed. Aaron wins as husband of the year. One hand holding mine, the other fanning my face. I couldn’t stand when it wasn’t blowing on me. I say make sure this is the one thing you bring.

Blood Cord Bank box: Of course! Don’t forget to register it. Get yours here

Envelope: for all the paper work you’ll get. We probably could have used two folders but one managed to work just fine.

Sound bar for music + charger: It was used during labor and pushing but I don’t remember one thing about it except the first song that played on my Labor Playlist was Cardi B. The room enjoyed that. then I turned it in to my worship music. I needed Jesus in the room.

Three outfits for Navy: Leaving this as a to bring item. I packed a premie, and two newborn outfits in different sizes. None of it fit Navy so she went home in the hospital tell and swaddle. I was sad about this but what can you do? It’s not the end of the world.

Prescription Nipple Cream: My dr put in an order a few weeks before birth to have on hand. Yes, it works better than the over the counters brands. The one thing about it is, you have to wipe it off before feeding. It works though!

Best L/D hospital bag items for dad

Sweatshirt: Aaron is always cold. If your husband is too then be sure to pack plenty long sleeves. I was warm and needed the room to be cold. Poor A!

Button down/Going home outfit: Our goal was for him to get dressed up but in the end A was running around, loading the car up and putting navy in her car seat and he never got dressed up. Our attempt was good though. 

Slippers

Toiletry items: This includes, toothbrush, hair brush, gel/hairspray, toothpaste, deodorant. We didn’t bring a towel but that was Aarons only complaint. The towels were terrible so bringing one would have been great. I personally didn’t care.

Pillow from home: If your husband is anything like mine, he’ll always remember if he was cold and if the pillows are terrible. In order to avoid this discomfort we brought our own pillows and Aaron was a happy hospital camper.

 

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