Hi friends! Yesterday we had the anatomy scan for baby #4! It’s always my favorite appointment because we get such an in-depth look at the growing, little peanut. But this time the anatomy ultrasound was extra special because it was the first appointment my husband was allowed to attend during this pregnancy. Covid-19 has really been a bit of a wet blanket and most spouses aren’t allowed at prenatal visits.
Thankfully the appointment went really well! Baby is happy, healthy, and incredibly active and we finally found out the gender! That means we can finally pick out a name, and I can do a little unnecessary shopping. With all of the excitement I’m feeling around welcoming this next little bundle, I wanted to share some of the things I tend to include in my baby’s hospital bag!
This post was updated February 2024
It’s not a vacation… Trust me
You know how sometimes when you’re planning a trip and you wait until the night before to throw everything into your suitcase? Yeah, that method is not going to fly. Going into labor is an exciting, but crazy time. In each of my pregnancies, once labor began things progressed really quickly. I’ll tell you, the last thing I was thinking about during and between contractions is everything that needs to make it to the hospital with me. I’ve always packed everything we needed a few weeks before my due date.
Preparing your baby’s hospital bag is easy and just as fun as packing your own hospital bag. Despite what some blogs say, you really don’t need much. And remember, it’s not a vacation. Don’t overpack because what you take in, you have to take out… and you’ll have had just delivered a baby. Keep your load light.
The hospital always provided a lot of what I thought I was going to need to pack like diapers, wipes, shirts, and little blankets. But having done this a few times, I’ve had to bring other items with us. With Elisha we had fresh 48 photos taken. With Shiloh she and I had a matching robe and swaddle set. Depending on the memories you’re trying to capture at the hospital, you’ll want to have it packed in the baby’s hospital bag ahead of time.
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Essential items for baby’s bag
As I said, you really don’t need much. Most of what you pack will be based on personal preference and what’s most important to your family. Some things we’ve brought to each delivery were:
- Going home outfit
- Swaddling blanket
- Baby mittens
- Socks
- Pacifier
- Hat
- Carseat
- Carseat cover
- Diapers/wipes
- Baby bath wash
Why do I love these items in my baby’s bag?
Going Home Outfit – You’ll want something to dress your baby in for when it’s time to go home. My advice is to pick something with some room since your baby’s belly button will be sore and healing. Zip-up onesies are easy and warm.
Swaddling or Muslin – Babies are used to being in the womb where it’s warm and they’re snug. Using a swaddle or a muslin blanket helps to replicate a womb-like feel post delivery. We had one with a cute pattern from Post Peanut to take pictures! (Research conclusions over the last few years have made connections between swaddling and deeper infant sleep. For more information and tips on swaddling, check out this this resource here).
Baby Mittens – Not really necessary, but they are practical if you’re taking your newborn home in the winter. We live in Wisconsin and it certainly gets cold here!
Socks – If your baby’s going home outfit doesn’t include covered feet, you’ll want to pack a pair of socks.
Pacifiers – Again, not really necessary, especially since some babies take to pacifiers and some don’t. I usually bring one just in case, and the hospital can provide one if requested. I like silicone ones like these because they’re super easy to clean.
Carseat – If there is anything you need to remember to bring, it’s the car seat! And don’t forget to install the base ahead of time. We have an infant carseat from Britax that we love because the sides come up high and the cushioning is so soft.
Carseat Cover – Wonderful for the walk from the hospital to the car in the winter time, and great for keeping the sun out in the summer. Also doubles as a nursing cover!
Diapers/wipes – The hospital we’ve gone to always provides these and they’re typically Pampers brand in the hospital, but birth centers can often supply other brands. If you’d prefer a specific brand, or if you’re using cloth diapers, you’ll want to bring your own. (For more information on cloth diapering visit this article from Your Whole Baby).
Baby Bath Wash – For baby’s first bath post delivery! There have certainly been mixed reviews about Johnson & Johnson soap for babies and it’s usually what they use at the hospital. (You can also forgo a bath altogether, or opt for just a water sponge bath).
Best of luck, and enjoy every moment
It’s no secret that giving birth is a labor of love– that’s why they call it labor. But it’s also a beautiful time where you get to meet someone you’ve already grown to love. And even though labor begins at an unpredicted and sometimes unprecedented time, there is no reason to be feeling frazzled as you waddle out the door. Having your bags packed before your due date will save you unneeded stress and headaches when it’s time to leave for the hospital. Enjoy the moment!
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