What I Packed in My Hospital Bag

All right, we are down to the wire, and this is getting real. I can’t believe we are less than two weeks away from having an actual baby!

After a lot of research and asking questions of fellow parents, I stocked our hospital bag with as many helpful (and comforting,) things as I could.

Let me start by saying that having a roomy, functional bag is key. I have been using my Vessel (vegan!) tote for work and everyday for over a year now, and when saw this Signature 2.0 Boston Duffel in Pebble Black/Croc, I knew it would be perfect for the next few years of getting around with a little one. It’s literally the most perfect travel bag I’ve ever owned. It has magnetic side pockets, a zippered bottom, front zip pocket perfect for things like my mints and gum, internal organization pockets; a zippered microfiber lined pocket w/key leash and a removable shoulder strap if you want to use the top handles. It also slips over the handle of your suitcase easily if you are using it as your carry on bag! Plus, did you see the engravable nameplate? How cute is that?! We engraved ours with the baby’s middle name, Jackson, in honor of my grandparents.

Now, let’s get to the list of what I packed inside this gorgeous bag:

A. Lanolin Cream + Bamboobies Nu rsing Pads. I’ve heard these two are musts when it comes to breastfeeding comfort. I also packed a mini hair brush in case our boy has some hair to comb!

B. Garnier Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes and Micellar Cleansing Water. These are two of my favorite travel items to remove my makeup and cleanse my skin on the go. Plus, I won’t have to bend over at a sink to wash my face, which I think will greatly help with comfort!

C. Nursing Bras, Brick Betty Compression Leggings, Soothe Shirt, Boppy (not pictured) and Teal Bee Sleeper Sack for baby.

I ordered this nursing bra off Amazon after reading the reviews and seeing the low price! They are incredibly comfortable; I’ve been wearing them for months now. I’m also excited to try my new Violet by Brick Betty Compression Leggings after giving birth. Apparently you need compression post delivery, whether you experience a C-section or natural delivery. I am planning on wearing these home with a long tunic top and wearing them for months afterward! The LaLaBuBaby Soothe Shirt just hit my radar a few months ago and it’s a babywearing tank with built-in nursing bra for mom and cozy carrying pouch for baby. Other moms told me this is ideal for a newborn – to be close and secure to you AND you can wear it as a nursing tank daily the entire time you breastfeed. And finally, I wasn’t sure what kind of swaddle to bring, so we will bring a few receiving blankets and muslin swaddles, but this Teal Bee organic sleep sack is luxuriously soft for restful sleep. It also comes with hand cuff to prevent scratches on the baby’s face and sleeves provide extra warmth to keep the baby warm. We haven’t decided on a going home outfit for him, so this could end up being a contender.

D. Flip Flops, Pretty Robes (not pictured), Tumerica Facial Repair Serum, Warm Blanket, Eye Mask.

I did post a while back on these Nalho Yoga Sandals, which are the most comfy things on the planet! I wanted to have these with me for my walks up and down the hospital halls. I also packed my pretty floral and satin robes from PinkBlush Maternity, as well as an eye mask to help me sleep if it’s not dark enough in the hospital room. I also wanted to pack my Tumerica Facial Repair Serum to keep my skin hydrated and looking fresh in the stale, hospital air. My friend Martha gave me the softest, fluffiest blanket, too, which will be so comforting and warm while I’m there!

E. Lip Balm, Cosmetics, Curling Iron, Laptop, Phone Charger, Warm Socks, Bible. All the basic essentials!

F. Baby’s First Year Book and Latched Mama outfits. The baby book will be a great way to record the first moments of our son’s life, as well as be the perfect place to capture his first footprints. I love this one by Lucy Darling. It’s easy to fill out and has the most adorable illustrations! How cute is this shorts and t-shirt outfit by Latched Mamma? Latched Mama’s designs make it easy to breastfeed and are made from the softest fabric that breathes and moves. I’ve been living in this set for weeks, and it’s coming with me to the hospital for sure. I am also packing one of their Labor Gowns! They have a strap at the shoulder area, which allows you to unsnap the shoulder while still keeping the back in place. Snaps at each shoulder make it easy to breastfeed and have skin to skin contact after birth, while snaps down the back allow for epidural access and a front opening for monitoring. I will be wearing it in photos at the hospital, so stay tuned for that one. 🙂