Hospital Bag
So, what did I pack?
While some of the items I packed were truly packed with selfish intention (read: photo props) the remainder of the items I tried to stick to necessities.
I do recommend touring your hospital or birthing facility prior to your main event, as they will inform you of the items they will provide. My theory on this was, "I'm going to reach my deductible anyway- why not utilize the hospital for all the necessities they would provide for "free" and save my stuff for when we return home." I used the hospital bill to bank roll small purchases (like a hand pump) or items I was considering, but wasn't sure I would need depending on my labor and my child's preferences. This worked out well for me.
My hospital provided everything necessary for baby including: diapers, ointment, wipes, swaddling blankets, nail file, formula, bottles, breastfeeding necessities (boppy pillow, shield, pump, pump parts, hand pump), soap, comb, snot sucker, hat, etc. Additionally, the hospital provides a lot of things for mom including: pads, underwear, perineal bottle, medication, water bottle, chap stick, snacks, etc. Leaving me with bringing the things from home that would make my stay more comfortable, as my basic needs were met for both me and baby. Of course, I wanted certain products or props for photos, so be sure to carry these along with you- your husband may not be a reliable in retrieving these items from home.
So what did I pack?
I separated my items into two bags; mine and baby's.
My bag: I wanted to be sure I would be comfortable in the hospital during my stay so I was sure to include some indulgences to pamper myself such as new slippers and a lightweight robe. I purchased these items from Home Goods, as they were brand name for a nice price. (I personally chose black in these items, because... blood. That's all I'll say.) I also brought along some nursing tanks (3... I got these from Gap and was perfectly happy with them) and a couple pairs of over-sized ((black)) bottoms. I also had some nursing bras I had seen on Jane.com, but honestly I didn't need them. I was fine with just the nursing tanks with some pads inside. (You can take your own pads or use the ones provided by the hospital, but I'll recommend the bamboo ones simply because they were my preference. I also have these and I like them too, but they are a bit bulky under thinner shirts.
I also carried my bathroom tote for items like toothbrush/paste, contact solution and glasses, hairbrush, a couple cosmetics and lotion. I used each of these items and was glad I carried my personal preferences along instead of relying on the hospital grade things.
Aside from the aforementioned items the rest was a pure mistake to take along, as I didn't need them whatsoever. I also had with me a sweatshirt, tall (wool) socks, shoes, athletic shorts, and shampoo/conditioner.
Baby's bag: For Sebastian I really agonized over the items to carry along, but I thought if I limited myself to my diaper bag anything that wouldn't fit we would get along without. I splurged on the Fawn Original Design when I caught it on sale. I am super pleased with it's performance so far (Sebastian is 3 months). I packed a zipper pajama that Micha and I picked up in Australia as our first purchase for baby boy, but due to the country's alternative size labeling I had no idea if it would even fit. I filled the bag with a couple long-sleeve onsies in both newborn and 0-3 month size, as I had been getting mixed feelings about his actual size. I stuck with all white in these items, as I wanted some monochromatic photos and figured I could spot clean any stains that would occur from that first dirty diaper. (similar item) I also had with me mittens with me that I purchased second hand. (similar) I wanted limit the number of pacifier introductions my baby had, and so I carried along the Ryan and Rose cutie pats and some of the coordinating clips. I had a crochet hat and a going home outfit purchased from Etsy also tucked away in my bag. I did take along a small handful of diapers, wipes, a burp cloth, a couple pairs of socks, a few swaddles (including a Jett & Jill swaddle/hat set I found on Jane.com), and a couple receiving blankets for peace of mind.
What did I pack that I could have done without? Rather, I packed a couple items that I never even considered using once we were in the hospital. I had purchased a fluffy one-size-fits-all (or not at all, in our case) cozy bear onesie to wrap up baby for the drive home, but it was so oversize and completely ridiculous looking that I should have left it behind. I also took along velcro swaddles that I never used, as the hospital ones and the couple I brought for photos were plenty. I lost a match to our mittens, and never found it so I wished I hadn't ever taken those to the hospital, as baby was swaddled a majority of the time and we could have done without the mittens, really. Socks were also unnecessary, but I wasn't upset that I had them along... they don't take up much room, after all.
I took a couple items specifically for photos, and was glad I had them on hand. You can see some of the props used in our previous newborn photos post. I carried along a letter board, a small Hazel Village bunny and a swaddle for photos. I also designed and printed some name tag stickers (in both languages) to announce our sweet boy's name when the time came for those photos. I was so pleased I had options when it came time to take pictures of our fresh babe.
All in all I felt prepared and didn't have an overwhelming feeling of forgetting anything. Of course, I think it goes without saying that you need to carry along your insurance cards (yours and baby's), a infant car seat and identification. Also, when it comes times to leave the hospital take everything in your room that's been provided for you and baby (you're going to be billed for it anyway, so grab it). Don't hesitate to ask for last minute needs (cooling gel pads for breastfeeding, breast shells and shields, etc) as the hospital will probably provide them free of charge.
What did I pack that I could have done without? Rather, I packed a couple items that I never even considered using once we were in the hospital. I had purchased a fluffy one-size-fits-all (or not at all, in our case) cozy bear onesie to wrap up baby for the drive home, but it was so oversize and completely ridiculous looking that I should have left it behind. I also took along velcro swaddles that I never used, as the hospital ones and the couple I brought for photos were plenty. I lost a match to our mittens, and never found it so I wished I hadn't ever taken those to the hospital, as baby was swaddled a majority of the time and we could have done without the mittens, really. Socks were also unnecessary, but I wasn't upset that I had them along... they don't take up much room, after all.
I took a couple items specifically for photos, and was glad I had them on hand. You can see some of the props used in our previous newborn photos post. I carried along a letter board, a small Hazel Village bunny and a swaddle for photos. I also designed and printed some name tag stickers (in both languages) to announce our sweet boy's name when the time came for those photos. I was so pleased I had options when it came time to take pictures of our fresh babe.
All in all I felt prepared and didn't have an overwhelming feeling of forgetting anything. Of course, I think it goes without saying that you need to carry along your insurance cards (yours and baby's), a infant car seat and identification. Also, when it comes times to leave the hospital take everything in your room that's been provided for you and baby (you're going to be billed for it anyway, so grab it). Don't hesitate to ask for last minute needs (cooling gel pads for breastfeeding, breast shells and shields, etc) as the hospital will probably provide them free of charge.
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