Having a baby? Congratulations! Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag?
This is such a busy and exciting time for you! Whether you are a first time parent, or seasoned pros, all the planning in the world can change based on that precious baby! One thing you can plan successfully is your hospital bag! Even with lots of planning, it can happen…you leave important items at home! We have all seen The Office when Pam and Jim leave their birthing music at home and we all know how that ended up!
As a newborn photographer, I have heard A LOT of birth stories and having 2 kiddos of my own, I understand that sometimes things do not go as planned. As a planner, type A personality, it was like I failed already at being a Mom whenever things didn’t go as planned and I was very hard on myself…but I have learned as my kids have grown up, it is pretty hard to mess them up if you are at least trying!
So, I have compiled this list, (because I am a list maker!), that you can use to help be as prepared as possible. I hope it helps!
- SOCKS! This was something I loved having, and after my first was born and having to wear those hospital socks, I made sure I had a cozy pair or two of my own! I love the ones with the grippers on the bottom.
- A cozy blanket. The hospital blankets are not the best and if you bring your own it is so comforting!
- A list of people to contact once baby has made their arrival! You may have to have someone else contact people, so having their numbers programmed in the person doing the calling’s phone is helpful. You should designate someone to make the calls/texts etc for you if possible.
- Money for vending machines
- Your own shampoo and body wash
- Lotion
- Baby book and pens
- Comfy pj’s with easy access for nursing
- Chapstick!
- Hair ties
- Brush
- Extra nursing bras
- Outfits for baby to go home in
- The car seat
- Blanket for baby and hat
- Snacks-apples, bananas, granola, nuts or snack packs keep well and are a healthy option to the vending machines
- Outfit for YOU to wear home-stretchy leggings are awesome! You want to be comfortable!
- Tooth brush and paste
- Diapers and wipes
- A camera! Even if it is your cell phone! You can create a hashtag and family and friends can post shots they take with the hashtag too
- Comfy pillow
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Deodorant
- Extra panties-stretchy are best!
- Birthing gown
- Nursing tops/cami
- Nursing pads
- Insurance card
- Glasses/contacts + case/solution
- Maxi pads-some for the hospital and lots at home! Guys don’t typically like buying things like this and it is going to most likely be a necessity!
- Phone + charger
- Water bottle
- Your playlist on Ipod or phone
Now just don’t forget the bag at home! And, if you do, don’t worry! You will be so in love with your new little person, it probably won’t matter to you right away. Send someone to get it so you can be comfortable later.
Good luck and remember, “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”
Melissa Cunningham is a Metro-Detroit based newborn, maternity and family photographer with over 7 years in business photographing babies first year and families in her studio located in Troy, Michigan and on location all over Michigan.
