Mom-to-be Hospital Bag Checklist
10 Tips from a Gig Harbor In Home Newborn Photographer
Pregnancy can be an amazing experience. In the beginning, you start to feel those first kicks and imagine what your newborn will look like.
Your belly grows, and grows…and GROWS! And at some point pregnancy starts to feel like a marathon you weren’t prepared for.
Labor and delivery can be a challenge, but packing for the hospital doesn’t have to be that hard.
Here are a few overnight bag must-haves for new mamas..
1) B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Pillow)
Hospital pillows leave much to be desired after you bring a tiny human into the world. I was glad I brought my own.
2) Your Favorite Toiletries
I didn’t pack makeup in my hospital bag, but I made sure to pack the facial cleanser and moisturizer, eye cream, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner that I use daily. Getting freshened up each day made me feel SO much better.
3) Cozy Robe
My Mom gave me the softest, coziest robe right before I had my last baby and 3 years later I still wear it every night after I take a shower. I was so happy to have something to wear whenever nurses and visitors popped in and out of my room.
4) Flip flops
If you’d rather not walk barefoot (or sock-footed) to the nursery, these inexpensive flip flops are perfect and lightweight.
Let me save you some time. You won’t need to pack a thong. And if you don’t own comfortable underwear at this point in your life, now is the time. Soft, breathable cotton is perfect in those days following your baby’s birth.
6) Ultra-soft Socks
These soft-as-a-lamb socks were a treat to wear at bedtime.
7) Nursing Bra
Nursing bras and I have a love/hate relationship. But you may like the convenience that a nursing bra offers over your typical one, especially in those first days of motherhood as you’re trying to figure everything out.
8) A precious outfit to bring baby home
This gender neutral option from a local children’s shop in Gig Harbor is so sweet!
9) Lip balm - Here’s one I buy at my neighborhood grocery store from a small, local botanical company. Say no to dry lips!
10) Hair ties/Scrunchies
A few more things to toss in your bag …
Nursing Pads - If you decide to breastfeed your baby THESE are invaluable! They slip discretely into your bra and help keep you dry.
Pad and pen, Photo ID & Insurance Info
Change of Clothes for Mama to Go Home (Comfort is your priority here, so wear what you feel good in, whether that’s joggers or leggings with a tee and cardigan.)
Now go have that gorgeous baby!