Every woman’s hospital bag is going to look a little different, for instance, I live 30 seconds from my hospital so if I forget something or feel I REALLY need something my husband can easily run home and get it for me. Obviously this isn’t the case for most women so in this post I’ve compiled some of the most essential things a woman will definitely NEED in her bag, including the comfiest clothes, electronics, toiletries and so on!
Let’s start with the basics: Comfy Clothes! After going through hours and hours of labor and then having to deliver our precious bundle of joy we are going to want to be comfortable! I’m talking loose fitting, baggy, and most importantly non- restricting clothing! All the while still trying to look cute! I have found the softest of the softest lounge-wear and pajamas from Target! The best part is they have something for everyone; if you prefer shorts over pants they have you covered! Capris? No problem. Joggers over sweatpants? They have ALL THE OPTIONS! When I first started thinking about what I wanted to wear in the hospital I knew I wanted sweatpants and something button down to make breastfeeding easier! Another great thing about shopping at Target is they are “Tall Girl” friendly! I hate it when my sweatpants are too short!
Another thing you’ll want to think about is Nursing Friendly attire if you plan on nursing (I do) so I also grabbed a nursing friendly tank and some nursing bras to wear! Walmart has a great selection in store and online of nursing and maternity clothes! All at a really affordable rate! I grabbed a nursing tank and just plan on wearing my favorite cardigan over top!
To recap here are a few things I would consider when packing clothes for your hospital bag:
1. Comfortable Non-Restrictive Clothing
2. Button Down Pajama Tops to make Nursing Easier
3. Nursing Tanks and Tops
4. Nursing Bras (See link below to come of my favorite Amazon nursing bras)
5. Your Favorite Cardigan!! ( I linked some comfy, affordable options below)
6. Postpartum Underwear (I lIke Fruit of Loom Low-Rise briefs from WalMart)
7. Socks (I thought that went without saying) 😛
Next up let’s talk Amazon Essentials. Honestly I could go on and on about all the things you need from Amazon but I decided to just stick to some of my favorite basics. I knew I wanted a nice new bag to take with me. I didn’t want anything to big and bulky, just something that would easily fit everything I wanted to bring, after a little bit of looking I definitely found a winner! And it’s so cute!! This Quilted Leather Bag is amazing quality and won’t cost you hundreds of dollars.
Next up, you’re going to want your make-up bag! I was actually gifted this one last Christmas and it’s so handy! It easily holds all my make-up and keeps everything perfectly organized.
Someone else mentioned grabbing your Amazon Fire Stick or Roku and I think that is such a genius idea! Especially with everything going on right now with Covid-19 you aren’t going to have any visitors after baby is born so why not entertain yourself with a movie at night? Or put The Office on while you’re in labor to distract you! (that’s my plan anyways :P) And of course the last thing from Amazon you’re defitnely going to want is your phone charger! I recommend finding a 6 to 10 foot cord because you have no idea how close you’ll be to an outlet while in your hospital bed. I picked up a two pack for me and my husband and then realized he doesn’t have an IPhone. 😛 Oops! This one from Amazon has great reviews!!!
I also linked my favorite nursing bras from Amazon. I’ve been wearing them during most of my pregnancy because they’re so comfortable!! For reference I’m a 36DD and got a size XL, they fit great and I love that they come in a 3-pack.
Here’s a list of a few other things I’m taking with me that were suggested by friends and family!
- Your Own Pillow/Blanket
- Shampoo and Conditioner (The hospital wont provide this so make sure you have your own)
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Deodorant, Razor
- Facewash, Moisturizer, and Lotion
- Make-Up
- Nipple Cream
- Robe
- Hair Brush and Ponytail Holders
- Headphones
- Camera/Video Camera
A lot of the “Postpartum Care” necessities will be provided for you by your hospital so don’t feel the need to bring your pads, mesh underwear, cooling pads, spray, etc. unless you have certain things that you know work better for you keep that stuff at home to avoid over packing.
I would love to know in the comments below what you had in your hospital bag that proved to be the most useful/helpful thing during your labor and delivery visit! Am I forgetting anything? Let me know! As always thanks for reading!!