What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
One of the most asked question new moms have is What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag. There are so many things to do to get ready for a new baby! It’s such an exciting time. Decorating the nursery, organizing a baby shower, shopping for cute outfits. But one thing that often gets overlooked is preparing for your delivery. The hospital will provide the basics, of course, but you’ll have a much more comfortable stay if you pack a hospital bag in advance–one with all the comforts of home. Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag? Here are my recommendations.
Basics for a Maternity Hospital Stay
Food
Hospital food can take a long time to be delivered to your room. Pack some favorite healthy snacks for you and your husband or partner. (And maybe a couple of treats too–chocolate, anyone?) A little money for the vending machine wouldn’t go amiss either, and bottled water or refreshing teas and juices can be a great pick-me-up. Definitely a staple on your list of What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag.
Toiletries
It might sound silly, but having your own familiar things around you, can be very comforting in a hospital environment. Pack travel-sized bottles of your shampoo and conditioner, an extra toothbrush and toothpaste. Dry shampoo and deodorant are great ideas too–you don’t always feel like showering after the exhaustion of childbirth, but products like these can keep you feeling fresh. A hair brush and hair ties can also help you to feel put together.
Pampering Essentials
Your favorite lotion, your usual brand of chapstick, your own towels and bathrobe or pajamas–don’t underestimate how much comfort these types of items can lend to a hospital stay.
Electronics
You’re going to want to take pictures of your newborn and capture every moment after the little one’s arrival. Most people keep their phone on them at all times, but what about a charger? Pack one in your hospital bag (preferably one with a nice long cord) so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying.
Entertainment
You’ve spent nine long months waiting for baby to come, but if there’s one thing that’s sure to happen in a hospital, it’s more waiting. The arrival of a newborn can also be a stressful time in some instances, so something to take your mind off things is a must. Pack your kindle or a favorite book for when you need to relax and distract yourself.
Comfort Away From Home
Warm and Cozy
Hospitals are generally kept at temperatures below comfort level. There’s a good reason for this: cold temperatures make it harder for bacteria to thrive. But it isn’t always a cozy experience for the patient. Be sure your hospital bag includes some fuzzy socks, soft slippers, and a warm sweater.
Bedding
The maternity ward will have bedding for you to use, but the comfort factor sometimes leaves much to be desired. To ensure that you actually get some much-needed rest, tuck a soft, thick blanket and a fluffy pillow in your hospital stash so you don’t forget to grab them when the big moment arrives.
For Baby
Pacifier
Another staple on your list of What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag should be a paci. While the hospital will have basics like diapers and wipes on hand, they may or may not provide other items like pacifiers. If you’re not sure, bring one or two from home to keep baby calm while they’re being held by a stream of admiring visitors.
Going home baby outfit
Another good thing to pack is a comfy outfit that you can dress baby in when it’s time to bring them home.
Boppy pillow
If you don’t have one of these, take my advice and invest in one! These versatile support pillows are wonderful for breastfeeding. They’re also designed to provide a soft prop for sitting up and tummy time as your little one gets older.
Baby Book
You’re going to want to get some tiny hand and foot prints after baby is born. Be sure you have somewhere to record them, and to keep other mementos and memories from your child’s birth.
For Fresh 48 Newborn Photos
If you’re planning on doing a fresh 48 newborn photography session after your little one is born, you may want to pack a few extras for the occasion. Please contact me for more details if you’re interested in booking a professional photographer to capture those first hours of baby’s life. I offer limited Fresh 48 sessions in Hunterdon Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center and Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in Somerville.
Pretty Robe
A comfy robe is definitely in a list of items of What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag. You’ll want to be in those fresh 48 images too, so bring something you’ll feel comfortable wearing in front of a camera. A pretty robe, flowered nightgown, or even just a lacy shawl to drape around your shoulders are all wonderful options to help you feel your best during this photo session.
Swaddle or Baby Outfit
Since baby will be the focus of the fresh 48 newborn photos, bring a special something to dress them in. This can be as simple as a blanket for swaddling, or as complex as a pretty dress, complete with headband.
Stats Board
A stats board can also be a great investment, and a wonderful way to record details of your baby’s birth in your fresh 48 newborn pictures. There are lots of stats boards available, or you can customize your own. You might want to include baby’s full name, date and time of birth, and birth weight and length.
Every mom is different, so you may want to adjust this list as you decide what to pack in your hospital bag. One thing is certain though: by looking ahead and putting together a well-stocked hospital bag before baby arrives, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor!
Best wishes on your big day xo
I hope this article helped you with the information on what to pack in your hospital bag. If you would like to inquire about newborn photo sessions please contact me HERE. I offer in studio posed family sessions and limited Fresh 48 sessions at Hunterdon Medical Center as well as at home lifestyle sessions. Hope to meet you and your little one soon!
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Yellow Lollipop Photography is a Morristown Memorial Hospital newborn photographer serving counties in Central and North New Jersey including Morris County, Hunterdon County, Somerset County, Mercer county, Union county , Sussex county , Bergen county , Essex county and Middlesex county as well as Lehigh Valley PA and NYC.
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