39 UHeart Organizing: Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby & Mom

I love that my contributors are filling my blog with baby content, because I am eight years out of diapers (I mean out of purchasing them, not wearing them to set the record straight) and I know I have a lot of expecting and new parents that check in.  Serena sent me this post a few weeks ago, and has since welcomed a beautiful baby girl.  I couldn't be more thrilled for her and her growing family, you can see her most recent baby update on her blog here.

Today, Serena is sharing with us a fantastically thought-out hospital bag checklist.  Boy do I wish I would have had this list when I gave birth.  So good and totally spot on!

With my first bub due any minute, the last few weeks I’ve been madly rushing around trying to get as much organized as possible before the baby comes.
Some of my errands have been practical (baby first aid course), and some ummmmm not so practical (tracking down perfectly pink baby moccasins – they sure are cute though!)

The one task I have made sure was completed was my hospital bag.

To me the hospital bag is so much more than the basics. It’s about everything you need plus a few little luxuries to help you along as you navigate the waters of the first few days of parenthood.

So without further adieu, here are my fave picks for the ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist…

FOR YOU

• Dressing Gown (Pictured: Pretty Plum Sugar Maternity Robe) – The perfect lightweight cover up for early labor and later on when you’re in the maternity ward.
• Slippers and Socks (Pictured: Peter Alexander Slippers) – Is it just me or do your feet get FREEZING in hospital? Have some bedtime socks and daytime slippers will keep your tootsies warm.
• Flip flops – Great for getting around and can be also worn in the shower if you like.
• PJs
• Comfortable clothes for around the hospital (Pictured: Country Road Tee) - Our hospital recommends new mums ditch the PJs as soon as they can to feel more themselves again.
• Nursing Bras (Pictured: Chloe & Lola Nursing Bras) – Or comfortable support wear depending on your nursing plans.
• Comfy Underwear – The best advice I’ve received is to bring a bunch of Bridget Jones style granny panties for the days after labor. Don’t worry Hugh Grant probably won’t be visiting (and if he is – lucky you!)
• Pillow – To ensure when you’re getting a chance to sleep, you sleep well on your own familiar pillow. I’ve also been told the tip of making sure the pillow case is not white so it’s doesn’t get mistaken for a hospital one.
• Magazines – Apparently TV has taught us nothing and the birth process isn’t over and done with in minutes. Having something to read during down time before and after birth comes in handy.
• Recovery Shorts or Belly Bands (Pictured: SRC Recovery Shorts) – If you’re planning on using these during your recovery it’s recommended you have them on hand so you can start using them as soon as your midwife allows.
• Going Home Outfit – Keeping in mind you’ll still look 6 months pregnant when leaving, I opted for something comfy that still felt ‘pretty’. Ya know just in case the paparazzi were waiting for me just like they did with Kim Kardashian. A girl’s gotta be prepared!

• Basic Toiletries including Toothbrush, toothpaste, face cleanser, moisturizer, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, body wash and lotion (Pictured: Milk & Co Body Scrub & Lotion) – I found the easiest way to be prepared was to have new items (i.e. toothbrush) or travel containers (i.e. for face cleanser) so the bag was ready to go as is and nothing has to be taken from my bathroom when the time came.
• Lip Balm (Pictured: Kiehls Lip Balm #1)– As someone who has spent some time in hospital, you need to keep those lips moisturized 24/7 unless you want cracked dragon lips! I would even err on the side of taking two in case you lose one.
• Hairbrush/Hairbands/Hairdryer/Dry Shampoo – Depending on your needs you can take some or all of these. As someone who resembles a cavewoman with just a slightest bit of moisture; having some dry shampoo and a hair band for a simple ponytail in those post-birth days will make everything easier.
• Tissues
• Stretch Mark Cream (Pictured: Palmers Stretch Mark Cream)– Beauty experts recommend you keep slathering on this stuff for 12 weeks post birth. Plus the brand I use smells like waffles, so I may even go longer than that…
• Maternity Pads (Pictured: Tom Organic Maternity Pads)
• Nursing Pads (Pictured: Pigeon Nursing Pads)
• Make-up – As much or as little as you want. For some, it is neither here nor there, for others it’s a nice pick me up to feel fresh for photos.

FOR BABY

• Going Home Outfit - Onesie/Hat/Socks (Pictured: Cotton On Baby Onesie // Seed Farm Animal Socks) – Most hospitals provide clothes for your new bub for the duration of their stay. So all you need is their fancy outfit for their societal debut. Which they will probably vomit all over before anyone sees them.
• Swaddle Wraps – Again the hospital will probably provide these, but if you have a brand you want to get used to, you can always bring your own.
• Baby Blanket (Pictured: Pottery Barn Kids Blanket)
• Nursing Pillow (Pictured: Milkbar Nursing Pillow) – If you have a particular pillow you’d like to use, best to use it from the start.
• Car Seat – Make sure that it has been fitted professionally, so your first trip home with baby is a safe one.
• Nappies/Wipes – These are usually provided by the hospital, but again if you want to get used to a certain type, you can bring your own.

FOR YOUR PARTNER

• Birth Plan – If you have one.
• All IDs, Insurance Papers & Important Documents
• Spare Pens – To fill in the multitude of forms thrown your way.
• Massage Oil/Heat Pack for labor.
• Swimming shorts – In case they decide to go to the beach while you’re in labor. Actually no – it’s in case they join you in the bath and/or birth pool during the labor. Good luck to them if they actually take off to the beach.
• Snacks/Drinks – Depending on your hospital and situation you may not be allowed to eat during labor, but just in case it’s nice to know your favorites are on hand.
• Camera and charger – This is one time you don’t want the battery to be dead!
• Mobile phone/s and charger – Our hospital recommended making sure all your important and emergency numbers were saved into your favorites. If you’re using your phone for music, have your favorite tunes preloaded in too.
• Optional Extra: A list of all the foods you want to eat once that baby’s out! Sushi and champagne anyone? Ha ha!

What’s the #1 item you packed in your hospital bag that you would recommend to everyone? What didn’t you use?


"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"