Having a baby is exciting! Packing for the hospital… well that could be a little overwhelming. There are tons of list online sharing what you need and don’t need and I’m adding to the trend. haha. Thankfully, I have a detail oriented sister, Cathy, that has been through the process and shared all her notes with me! Today I’m going to share about the Twelve Little Bag I chose as my Hospital Bag, the list of items I packed (thanks to my sister and the internet) and the little details you don’t want to miss.
Biggest Tip : Plan early and pack while you have the energy! These pics of me packing (taken by Sara) are so adorable but let’s be honest, it can be a lot more overwhelming deciding what to pack! You do you! You’ve got this Mama!
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE BAG
The bag that I chose for my Hospital Bag is the PEEK-A-BOO SATCHEL IN TOFFEE from TWELVElittle! This bag is so versatile and can be used as a diaper bag, a travel bag for baby (my plan for the future), or a Hospital Bag (which is what I’m sharing today). Below are some of its amazing features, but first I want to highlight my favorite feature!
This bag is called the Peek-A-Boo because of its special pocket in the front (see photos below). This easy to use magnetic flap unveils a space to put wipes for easy access. I mean, who doesn’t need easy access to wipes! It comes with a branded clear wipe pouch for baby wipes but it’s also large enough to use an actual package of wipes from any brand. This is genius and I wish I came up with it myself!
- Made with 100% vegan leather.
- Two front bottle pockets.
- Front mag snap wipe pocket with opening for wipe pouch (included); Can also be used as a regular pocket by moving the center mag snap divider.
- Multiple exterior and interior pockets for maximum organization.
- Vegan-leather top handles and a padded long webbing strap.
- Complimentary machine-washable diaper pad.
- Complimentary clear wipe pouch for baby wipes.
- Free of harsh chemicals such as PVC.
- Spot cleaning recommended. Dry clean only when necessary.
TWELVElittle has lots of great resources on their Instagram that goes over each of the features of all of their bags. I’d highly recommend looking these up! They are so helpful when deciding which bag to go with. This bag was graciously gifted to me, but all opinions are my own.
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE CHECKLIST
FOR MOMMY
TOILETRY BAG
Tip from Cathy: Buy travel everything, so you don’t have to pack what you use everyday and it can be ready early.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face Wash
- Moisturizer
- Facial Wipes
- Hair Ties / Headbands
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Body Wash
- Shampoo / Conditioner (just in case you can’t go another day with dirty hair!) Anyone else planning wash day around delivery day? Haha
- Pooperi (if you plan on having visitors haha)
CLOTHING
- 2-3 nursing tanks/tops – If you’re choosing to breastfeed these will be essential for you. It will make life much easier especially when guest come to visit you.
- 2 nursing bras
- 2-3 dark loose lounge pants – Dark, because you will bleed and loose because you’ll need to slide them off and on to use the restroom.
- Loose dress for the day you leave the hospital (if that’s your vibe) Just choose something comfy.
- Cute comfy socks
- 2 Cute Robes
- Larger underwear than you normally wear and that you wont mind throwing away if you get blood on them.
- Nursing cover (not essential, but helpful if you’re modest)
- Nipple Cream (the hospital may provide, but just in case)
- Nursing Pads (just in case)
I packed everything in these cute packing cubes that my friend (Crissy) bought for Brooklyn! haha. They are mine till she’s here!
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE LITTLE DETAILS
These are things you don’t want to forget to prepare!
– Birthing Music Playlist – Helps you stay focused/ calm during the process (worship music for us)
– Have your insurance card and number ready to let them know you gave birth
– Driver’s License for both parents
– Know the name of your baby and the spelling you want (hehe) , you will be filing out a lot of paperwork, including birth certificate information.
– You need to choose a pediatrician before you give birth. Once you do, the hospital will let them know that you have given birth and a rep from the office will come and check out the babies vitals. You will need to visit the doctor’s office a couple of days after you get out of the hospital. (More paperwork)
– The hospital will be giving the baby shots, checking hearing, eye sight throughout your visit. Be aware that you can say no to any shots that you are not comfortable with.
– Do a hospital tour before you give birth. It may help you mentally prepare yourself for the whole process. Almost like a dress rehearsal. So you will know where to enter, what to expect, how the birthing room will look like. This will be the time to ask questions. (I’m not able to do this for our birth because of the global pandemic so we are going to wing it haha)
– Most hospitals have birthing classes. It’s highly recommend it, for a first time birth. I’m not able to do this either but I’ll update this blog with online resources that can help if you can’t attend a class.
CATHY’S ADVICE FOR BABIES BAG AND DADDY’S BAG
FOR BABY
– Boppy – This helped me when I was breastfeeding or holding her. Less pressure on my back.
– Clothes for leaving hospital
-Clothes for cute photo session
– Mittens (I didn’t have any and she scratched herself)
– Socks (I can’t remember if hospital provides them or not…probably so)
– Blankets – You don’t need to pack them unless you want to have some specific ones
– Baby beanies, not necessary, but cute for personalization pictures, hospital provides them
– Bows/headband are good for pictures
– NO DIAPERS/ DIAPER CREAM
– NO WIPES
– NO BATHING ITEMS FOR BABY
– NO TOWELS
– NO PACIFIERS (the hospital does provides that)
FOR DADDY
Bring clothes, toiletries, pillow and blanket. The hospitals don’t take care of Daddy, usually. If you live close to the hospital, Dad may want to run home for a shower and come back if it’s easier. Our hospital experience will look different as Ramiro wont be allowed to leave once we are checked in.
This is an exciting time! Plan early so you’re not stressed out. It will help you and take a lot of added pressure off of both of you. Happy packing!
