What’s In My Hospital Bag…the Second Time Around

It’s always difficult for me to pack…what’s the weather going to be like? What are we going to do? Are we going to dress up or stay casual? Am I going to work out? The list goes on and on, and then I always seem to end up with overweight luggage. YIKES. This upcoming packing experience, however, has been much easier and lighter, since it’s for my hospital bag…I am getting ready to deliver my second baby and know that I am having a C-section, AGAIN. With that said, the first time around, I felt overpacked and didn’t even use 10% of what I brought, so this time, I wanted to be really practical about what to pack, and to not overpack my hospital bag. Fortunately, about four other of my closest friends JUST had their second babies as well, so I was able to get some great feedback from them on what to pack in my hospital bag.

 

 

 

 

Flip flops – I packed a pair of flip flops that I typically wear by the pool or beach, and nothing super expensive or leather that I don’t mind getting wet in the shower.

Phone & charger

Camera & charger 

iPad – I loved playing soft piano lullabies in my hospital room at night, so I think I am going to bring my iPad to not drain my phone battery.

Insurance card & personal information – I am just going to throw in my whole wallet. 

Reading glasses 

Nursing pillow – I am bringing My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow because I swear by that thing, but feel free to bring your Boppy or whatever you like to use! Also, I am going to leave this in the car and send the hubby out, if needed. 

A cozy blanket – I went to visit a friend in the hospital this year and she had her very soft blanket on the bed with her and I loved that she felt so comfortable in the hospital bed! 

Toiletries – I only packed the essentials: 

• Toothbrush & toothpaste 
• Deodorant 
• Makeup remover wipes 
• Extra Chapstick, because I am obsessed
• Hair ties and clips
• Face lotion 
• Makeup bag 
• Body wash 
• Body lotion 
• Shampoo & conditioner (I am personally getting my hair blow dried and will not plan to wash my hair until I get home; my hair is not oily and does not get dirty easily!! A couple of friends of mine brought shampoo & conditioner to wash their hair in the hospital at least once, or even packed DRY SHAMPOO). 

Clothes – When I had my first son, I didn’t pack any clothing for him, except for the going home outfit and I wish I brought more items so he was in more than just the silly white shirt that the hospital provided. This time, I packed two pairs of footie pajamas, a newborn gown, and a going home outfit in my hospital bag. 

Pacifiers – Again, something I did not have, nor accepted from the nurses when I had my first son, only to end up giving him a pacifier a few weeks later at home.  Whether we start the paci in the hospital or at home, they are not going to have it forever, so why not be prepared? 

A cozy blanket & a swaddle blanket – because I have the cutest ones for baby-to-be, so why not take full advantage of them? 

Hats, booties, & mittens – These are always good to have to keep the baby cozy and snuggled.

Infant carrier, infant insert, car seat cover, etc. – Of course, these, too, are all washed and ready to go.