How to pack a Hospital Bag
At around 34 weeks, you should start packing the "Hospital Bag" so you are ready when the baby is ready to arrive. We have divided the items going in the bag into three categories: Mom's essentials, Dad's essentials and Baby's essentials. We have found it easier to pack essentials for the mom and baby in one bag and all of dad's essentials in another bag. *Helpful tip: Remember not to bring clothes and items that are too precious since they can be ruined at the hospital.
All the essentials for moms can go into our spacious Allure Weekender. Every mom is different so you can pack more or less on this list. A comfortable 1. night gown and 2. dress/pullover after delivery is very useful if you do not want to wear the hospital gown. If you want to start supporting your belly right after delivery, you can bring a 3. Postpartum belt and/or 5. Postpartum panties. Extra disposable panties are also recommended if you do not want to use the ones provided by the hospital. If you plan to nurse, bring a 4. Nursing bra, 7. Nursing pad, 14. Nipple cream . 6. Slippers are useful around the hospital room. 8. Extra warm sox in case the hospital room is too cold. 9. Comfortable cardigan to keep you warm. 10. Extra set of comfortable clothes to go home in - Top & Bottom. 11. Cell phone, or some form of entertainment such as magazines or iPad. Believe it or not, many moms feel bored during labor and after delivery. 12. Wonder diaper clutch, which you can use to pack your - 13. Toiletries. 15. Pouch tote, in case you need extra storage for items you will be bringing back from the hospital. 16. Snacks. 17. Maxi pads, if you do not want to use ones from hospital. 18. Comfortable shoes when going to and leaving from hospital.
You can pack most essentials for babies in the same bag as mom's. 1. Infant car seat - you can't leave the hospital without! 2. Burp cloths 3. Boppy - if you decide to nurse. 4. Baby blanket - you can use the one from the hospital but they are rather thin. A warmer blanket is recommended for winter babies. 5. Baby hat and 7. Sox to keep them warm. 6. Mittens are useful for babies who tend to scratch their face. 8 Infant Body suit and 9. Pants when leaving the hospital.
Our Unisex Courage Backpack is great for packing dad's essentials. 1. Sweater or hoodie incase the hospital room is cold. 2. Camera and/or camcorder. 3. Snacks - If the labor is long, you will need lots of energy. 4. Cash - you never know what you will quickly need to get. 5. Comfortable clothes to sleep in and to wear back home. 6. Pillow & Blanket - Many hospitals do not provide these for dads. 7. Toiletires. 8. & 9. Entertainment for long hours of waiting before and after delivery. 10. Slippers for walking around the hospital.