https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:05:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets/page/2#post-2209934 Tue, 16 Jun 2015 10:41:41 +0000 GoldenLover 2209934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not sure if anyone has said this yet... but it's good to bring your baby memory book if you want to get your baby's footprints put in them! </p> <p>Also- if you're sensitive to light, an eye mask so you can actually get some sleep. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets/page/2#post-2202490 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:18:50 +0000 Kemma 2202490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't read all the comments but here's my list:</p> <p>Snacks - lots of snacks!<br /> Powerade (for both during and after labour)<br /> Nursing tanks (3-4, I skipped a nursing bra)<br /> Comfy shorts (our maternity ward was hot!)<br /> Merino cardigans x2<br /> Loose t-shirts / polo shirts x2<br /> Jandals / flip flops<br /> Pj's for lounging around<br /> Underwear (not supplied in New Zealand!)<br /> Chargers<br /> Water bottle<br /> Toiletries<br /> Love to a Dream swaddle - I suck at swaddling!<br /> Onesies and sleepers for LO</p> <p>I spent most of my hospital stay in singlets and shorts and it was the tail end of Summer so I didn't need a heap of clothes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets/page/2#post-2202401 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 19:29:05 +0000 youboots 2202401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I sent M to the store to get me flavored sparkling water. I was induced and could not eat after a certain point. Leave your pump at home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets/page/2#post-2202395 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 19:19:48 +0000 wonderstruck 2202395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@namaste: I never used my robe either! I actually brought a couple of light nightgowns for when I wanted to get out of my hospital gown - worked well since they were short to give easy access to the incision area, stretchy neckline for breastfeeding, and tank top style sleeves so it wasn't in the way of the TV or anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202370 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 18:29:30 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2202370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Scientist: yes! The boppy or Brest friend. </p> <p>Also extra pillows for both of you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202361 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 18:15:01 +0000 mrsjyw 2202361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I brought and used my own pillow, yoga pants and nursing tank (going home), makeup, snacks, going home outfit for lo, phone charger, dslr camera, iPad and charger, dh clothes and toiletries and pillow. Everything else wasn't even unpacked out of my bag! I used all the meds and lotions and lanolin etc from the hospital! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202341 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 17:48:54 +0000 Eko 2202341@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the mesh underwear they provided and glad I did, everything was so messy :silly: Definitely bring snacks and an extension cord. I also brought my own pillow and boppy, which worked out well since you need a lot between sleeping and propping. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202327 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 17:03:05 +0000 Mrs.Scientist 2202327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That looks like a good list to me. The only thing I would add to your list is a boppy if you plan on breastfeeding. I would also consider possibly swapping out the robe for a comfy nightgown and a pair of loose fitting lounge pants that will be okay to wear in the event you have a c-section incision. May want to add a sleeper or two for baby since like someone else said, you never know how long you may end up having to stay. We ended up staying in the hospital for four nights between my c-section and LO's jaundice and we pretty much used everything we brought plus DH made 1-2 trips home to get extra stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202321 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:55:53 +0000 namaste 2202321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wonderstruck: I brought a dress just for that reason (I almost was taken in for a C-section so thank goodness.) I was also in the hospital for three days so having more than one outfit was a plus! </p> <p>I hear all of the time to bring a robe and I never used mine the entire time I was there. I had a sweater and a light hoodie so a robe was unnecessary for me but I'm not a huge robe person. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202300 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:25:59 +0000 wonderstruck 2202300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Be aware of where the pants sit on your body. I packed yoga pants, and then ended up with an emergency c-section and couldn't bear to put them on because they sat right where my incision was. DH had to go home and bring a maxi dress. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202295 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:21:12 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2202295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your list sounds pretty much like what we took to the hospital. And I don't feel like there was anything else we needed and we were there for six days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202150 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:46:24 +0000 lamariniere 2202150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think your list sounds good! </p> <p>If your skin is sensitive, I would recommend bringing your own pre-washed granny panties. I got a horrible rash from the mesh panties with each of my LOs. I will spare you the details, but for me, the rash was much worse than recovering from 2 vaginal deliveries. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202141 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:38:50 +0000 artsyfartsy 2202141@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not gonna post everything I took but just a couple of things that stood out to me that I'm glad I had, vs didn't end up using. </p> <p>Contrary to most people, I packed comfy clothes of my own for the hospital stay but wish I had just left them out. I found that using the hospital gown was much easier and more comfortable. I had a c section though and getting up and dressed was awful and something I wanted to keep as short as possible. Plus with breastfeeding it was easy just to untie the shoulder. And then with all the blood and stuff it was easy to just change into another one and not ruin any of my own clothes. </p> <p>Chapstick was surprisingly much needed. I had some and I'm glad I did. The hospital air is so drying. </p> <p>I wish I had brought pillows and blankets from home though. I didn't want the extra bulk so I skipped it but the comfort would have been nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202120 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:22:24 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2202120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh and totally stock up on things they provide to take home -- undies, pads, baby diapers, etc. And our nurse encouraged us to take the blankets, soothies, etc. too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202118 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:21:07 +0000 Tidybee 2202118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would just go with PPs and say snacks were my must have. And not like 3 or 4 packs of peanut butter crackers and granola bars. haha. I was absolutely famished after labor and the next day and kept sending DH out to get these soft baked cookies from the deli down the street. Nothing could fill me up.<br /> Miints and lifesavers were also great...but just a word of caution: I ate a lifesaver during labor and it made me feel so sick that to this day, I can still gag at the thought or sight of a pineapple lifesaver. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202117 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:21:04 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2202117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your list looks good and everyone else has great suggestions. </p> <p>I'd check and see what your hospital provides for you and baby. Things that our hospital provided that were great were: diapers (NB and size 1), DRY wipes (they gave us wet ones when M was in the NICU and we didn't realize until the last day that it was a NICU-only thing), shirts/hats/blankets for baby, soothie pacifiers, Lanolin (had to ask and they gave us the tiny travel size, which was actually useful to take home), mesh panties and liners for mama, socks for mama, hospital gown.</p> <p>Things that I brought that were useful: maxi dress to go home in (with a c-section I didn't feel like putting Lulus on), compression socks for the horrific post-op swelling, slippers (my feet did not even fit in flip flops bc I was a swollen mess), a robe to wear over my hospital gown when I felt like walking the hallways, toiletries, water bottle, Gatorade, light makeup for pictures, cameras, phones, iPad, small notebook and pen to write down feedings/instructions/notes to self, going home outfit for baby, and a carseat (duh :wink: they won't let you leave without it -- check out Car Seats for the Littles or the Carseat Lady on proper install and fit). </p> <p>Oh and someone who will bring you delicious food is essential! My mom would run out to nearby restaurants and Whole Foods and bring back the tastiest food -- I think it was primary delicious bc it wasn't hospital food. Even though the food at the hospital we were at wasn't bad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202100 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:03:06 +0000 PawPrints 2202100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used almost nothing I packed, I would up totally content wearing just the hospital gown (and usually open on top anyway since we were working so hard on breastfeeding). I did LOVE having a bunch of unhealthy snacks we brought, like Costco chocolate-macadamia-caramel clusters and other sweets, and coconut water. I had a 48 hour stay due to GBS observation period for LO and I loved having the comfort food.</p> <p>Oh and the one other thing I'm glad we brought<br /> was our DSLR. We have some treasured photos that DH took after she was born. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202023 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:49:32 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2202023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think what you have sounds good.</p> <p>I'll also be bringing at least one smoothie paci because it just so happened the hospital I was at last time used a different brand and lots of newborns like soothies. (My Lo nursed literally about two hours straight or cried, fussy from day 1! Just in case... Same with formula if I decide to that route just based on what agreed with dd. most likely not something you'll need.) I had dd 2+ years ago and frankly I don't think much has changed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202022 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:48:19 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2202022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't worry too much about a pump but I would go ahead and order it (I had some nipple damage week 1 and needed to pump). But at the hospital I believe they can bring you a manual pump (and bill you for it!) if you need it. </p> <p>Personal care items that I really used was - face wipes, deodorant, and light make up. </p> <p>For the baby - I would maybe bring a special hat if you want something different for her to wear while you are staying there. We also packed an extra paci just in case we needed it. We just used their blankets while we were there (no sense in adding to our laundry! )</p> <p>I would also pack lots of snacks! For you and for DH! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202018 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:45:31 +0000 Chillybear 2202018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i 2nd the night gown, I really like this one from target - super soft and stretchy and the neck line is low enough to pull the boob out that way for feeding<br /> <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-sleep-fluid-knit-tee-black-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-17296997#prodSlot=_1_13" rel="nofollow">http://www.target.com/p/women-s-sleep-fluid-knit-tee-black-gilligan-o-malley/-/A-17296997#prodSlot=_1_13</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2202015 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:41:54 +0000 smocks 2202015@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agreed with most of the above. I took a ton of stuff and used almost nothing. Toiletries (incl carmex &amp; hair ties). Water bottle. Phone/ipad charger. Extension cord. Flip flops. Boppy. Going home outfit for me &amp; baby. </p> <p>I would probably bring snacks next time. The hospital food I got was gross and I was starving. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201981 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:14:19 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 2201981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: nail files. Both my girls nails were so long but too delicate to cut, and I didn't feel confident cutting their nails as a newborn. I filed them gently instead!</p> <p>Ditch the undies &amp; camp out in the mesh they provide. </p> <p>I lived in nursing tops &amp; my rope plus maternity yoga pants.<br /> Never put on socks. It was way too hot in there. </p> <p>I never put on make up, either. </p> <p>Chap stick was a must. So we're breast pads and nipple cream.</p> <p>Take your boppy!</p> <p>ETA: also took a garbage bag to bring home our dirty clothes in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201978 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:12:41 +0000 sera_87 2201978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only thing I'm adding to my bag this time around is my own body wash. The soap they gave me to take a shower afterward made me SO ITCHY. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201951 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:49:42 +0000 macintosh 2201951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Regarding the pump, I wouldn't bring it. My breastfeeding class said they don't recommend pumping early on unless you really need to. I had to pump in the hospital and used the hospital grade pump - I even went home with extra parts that fit my PISA.</p> <p>The one thing I wished I had was a nightgown. I don't normally wear them, but I ended up walking around my recovery room with my nursing tank, hospital panties (which are sheer, not concealing the giant pad). I brought my robe but I was too hot to wear it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201935 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:33:08 +0000 LindsayInNY 2201935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lovehoneybee: That's not a bad idea about the blanket... I might have DH throw one in the car, just in case? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201933 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:31:23 +0000 mamabolt 2201933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Extension cord in case bed is far from outlet and your own pillow, hospital ones are crap! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201931 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:27:14 +0000 lovehoneybee 2201931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Things I forgot and had to send my mom out for: </p> <p>Chapstick and headband. I had a hair tie but my bangs were in my face and it was making me crazy. </p> <p>D was also advised by a dad friend to bring a sleeping bag for himself, and he's really happy he did...they provided blankets, but they were small, thin things, and the room was cold. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201922 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:20:14 +0000 jape14 2201922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bring warmer items for your DH to wear in the hospital room even though it's summer. I delivered in early September and my husband would have frozen in our hospital room if I hadn't bullied him into bringing his Patagonia fleece and extra socks. He's always hot and thought I was crazy but I got a coveted "you were right" for insisting on those items! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201920 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:18:28 +0000 MoonMoon 2201920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm suuuuuper minimalist. I was happy with the hospital robes, easy access for skin to skin with LO. I only needed/wanted toothbrush/toothpaste, hair tie/hairpins, phone/camera/chargers, and a few snacks. That was it. Hospital was close to our house so DH would just go home to change. And I think is extremely unlikely that most newborns wouldn't fit into nb clothes. So I'm extreme, YMMV! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-must-haves-and-must-forgets#post-2201900 Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:00:51 +0000 Miss Ariel 2201900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only time I wore something that wasn't a hospital gown was for the drive home, but I think that's more about preference. I do wish we had baby mittens though since some of her earliest pictures she has scratches all over her face. </p>