My baby count down is nearing its end and I have been putting off packing my hospital bag for weeks. No reason in particular, life just keeps happening and truthfully, I’m TIRED! I made it my mission to pack my bag this week because I don’t want to be caught by surprise (again anyway lol). Keep reading for details on what’s inside my hospital bag…

Whats In My Bag?

• Overnight Bag: I recently picked this weekender bag up from Target and I really love the color. It’ll definitely be my go to weekend bag for the foreseeable future.
• Hospital paperwork, ID, and insurance card. If you have digital copies that’s even better.
• Toiletries: yes the hospital will provide many of these items but I’ve been around the block a few times and I want what I want. Hair ties (to keep my braids out of my face), makeup removing wipes (keep reading), toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, loofa, deodorant, heavy duty maxi pads, chapstick and moisturizer!
• Glasses or contact lens and solution.
• Makeup: I’m no beat faced honey or anything but I would like to feel/look human if we have visitors and during newborn pictures. I’m bringing my favorite concealer, highlighter, brow kit, mascara, and eyeliner!
• Nursing Needs: nipple cream, breast pads, nursing tank, nursing bra and nursing friendly pajamas.
• Phone accessories: I must have my extra long phone charger (hospital outlets are always super far away from the bed) and a small bluetooth speaker because music is life.
• Shower Needs: I packed a towel and wash cloth because hospital towels suck; they’re super stiff and scratchy. Along with shower shoes.
• Clothing: I fully intend to use a hospital gown for delivery but I’m taking my maternity robe for easy access to “the girls” afterwards. No slip socks (from the last time I gave birth) and a maternity maxi to wear home.
• Maternity Pillow: because the only thing worse than hotel pillows are hospital pillows; it’ll be helpful for nursing too. It’s obviously not going in the bag but it’s coming to the hospital!
• Relaxation: have you ever stayed the night in the hospital? They never turn the lights or noise off. I have an eye mask, ear plugs and lavender oil in hopes of getting as much rest as possible between nursing sessions and nurse check-ins.
• Snacks and drinks: I’m packing sugar free hard candy to keep my mouth from getting dry. Along with some fav snacks and drinks for the duration of the stay.

What’s In The Baby’s Bag:

• Outfit for first photos (x2 because SURPRISE! )
• Sleeper to wear home
• Swaddle Wrap
• Plush Blanket
• Burp Cloths
• Pacifier (I swore to never use them again but here I am)
• A few diapers and wipes (anything could happen from hospital to home)
• Carseat Cover
• Carseat (again not in the bag but duh! lol)

What’s In James’s Bag:

• Camera fully charged
• Laptop and charger
• Comfy clothes (joggers/basketball shorts and a t-shirt)
• Pullover or hoodies (because the hospital is normally cold)
• His own pillow
• Extra long phone charger (because I’m not sharing)
• Toiletries, shower shoes and underclothes

Apparently I need to pack Zoe and King too! LOL

Items that I haven’t packed but may grab last minute:

• Entertainment: book, magazine, or tablet with downloaded movies.
• Maternity Underwear: still mesh but probably fit better than the ones the hospital provides.
• Birth Ball: to help move things along once in active labor.
• Tennis Ball: to help relieve tension during labor.

Did you use a hospital bag checklist? Was there anything that you wished you had packed but didn’t? Let me know in the comments below!