The anticipation of meeting your new baby only grows as your due date nears. Between your baby shower, nesting, and acquiring supplies, you must also prepare your hospital bag. Before you start packing, let’s review some essentials and extras you might want to include.
A Coming Home Outfit
The hospital will provide a swaddle blanket for your baby to wear just after birth, but your newborn will need a comfortable coming-home outfit that’s weather-appropriate. Depending on the time of year and the climate in your hometown, you may need a warmer or more breathable outfit. Newborn babies can vary in size from premie, newborn, and 0-3 months, so we suggest bringing at least two coming-home outfit options in different sizes.
Our Picks:
Caden Lane Oatmeal Waffle Bamboo Zipper Footie ($36, shop here)
SugarBabies Hello I’m New Here Onesie ($25.95, shop here)
Warm Robe or Gown
Before and after giving birth, you want to feel as comfortable as possible. One way to stay cozy during this time is by bringing a robe or a loose gown – or both. Having your own robe and gown is especially nice if you have an extended hospital stay. Nursing robes and gowns make nursing more manageable and comfortable than hospital gowns.
Our Picks:
Quince French Terry Modal Maternity & Nursing Robe ($44.90, shop here)
Kindred Bravely Universal Labor & Delivery Gown ($42, shop here)
Maternity Bras
Maternity bras promote comfort and ease of nursing with adjustable straps and detachable cups. They are available in seamless styles or with wire. You may want to get fitted, as the body changes during pregnancy. The size you wore before or during pregnancy may no longer be the right fit postpartum.
Our Picks:
Kindred Bravely Signature Sublime Contour Nursing & Maternity Bra ($60, shop here)
Cake Maternity Biscotti Skin-to-Skin Leakproof Nursing Bra ($55, shop here)
Baby Blanket
The hospital provides blankets for newborns, but bringing your own with your scent and the scent of your home is never a bad idea. You may also want to bring your own swaddle, especially if you will be in the hospital for a few days.
Our Picks:
Aden + Anais Essentials Plush Blanket ($29.99, shop here)
Saranoni Double-Layer Bamboni Receiving Blanket ($59, shop here)
Other Must-Haves and Extras
Car Seat: This obviously won’t go in your hospital bag, but a car seat is a legal requirement for transporting your baby home from the hospital, so ensure it’s properly installed and ready to go.
Toiletries: Shower toiletries, lip balms, and moisturizer so you stay clean and avoid dry skin in the hospital.
Long Phone Charger Cord: For easy access to your phone from your bed, a long cord is the way to go.
Snacks: You and your partner may get hungry while waiting and between meals. Having healthy, non-perishable snacks from home, like nuts, dried fruits, or granola bars, can save you money and keep your energy up.
Grippy Socks: Hospital floors can be slippery, so socks with non-slip soles will provide extra traction and safety during your stay.