When it was time for me to start ordering things & packing bags for the hospital, I did so much research & made so many lists, it was insane. I read every blog post, read all the articles, and made so many notes based on input from people I know. I packed based on a good combination of info I got from all those sources, yet I still over packed.

After being in labor for 24 hours that ended with our sweet baby being delivered via C-section, we stayed in the hospital a little longer than anticipated. We had to have someone bring my husband + baby extra clothes since we didn’t pack enough. So to be on the cautious side, I advise bringing a few days worth of clothes just to be safe. You never know what will happen!

Here is the ultimate list of everything we actually used & what I felt was actually needed + what we wished we would’ve packed. Hopefully this makes things a little easier for you! Next go around, I’ll be referring to this list as my checklist so I don’t forget anything.

What I Packed:

For Me:

• Pajamas – I packed this pair
• Robes – I packed both of these (my fave + this one) and that’s all I wore
• Bras/underwear – I packed these bralettes, high waisted underwear from Aerie, & these briefs. I only wore the bralettes and then ended up only using the hospital underwear they provide you – they were surprisingly more comfortable for me. I have been wearing the Aerie & Bodily ones since being home and love them though – so highly recommend!
• Makeup – just pack your makeup bag!
• Skincare products – I packed my usual products (all linked below).
• Chapstick
• Dry Shampoo – So I didn’t have to wash my hair in the hospital. This is my favorite.
• Vitamins – I brought these (my prenatal) so I didn’t miss a day! They also have a Postnatal and regular Multivitamin.
• Slippers – these are so comfy!
• Socks
• Going home outfit – I wore a maxi dress. It was very comfortable and easy to wear! This is what I wore.
• Sandals – to wear with my going home outfit. So pack whatever shoes to go home in!
• Toiletries
• Scrunchies – these are my fave
• Curling Iron
• Any Postpartum stuff – I purchased all the Fridamom postpartum stuff, including the hospital kit.. I ended up not being able to use any of it since I ended up having a C-Section. I tried using the underwear that comes in this kit when I got home – including the C-section kit – and those products in particular were not worth the hype or money in my opinion. I preferred the free stuff from the hospital. I do think all their other products (ice pads, peri bottle, healing foam, + cooling pad liners) would be good to try.

For Baby:

• Going home outfit – one monogrammed gown, a hat with his name on it, and one monogrammed onesie (I couldn’t decide)
• Extra onesies – so glad I brought extra cause we ended up being in the hospital for 3 nights with baby
• Swaddles – be brought one velcro Swaddleme one and this gingham one. We only used the gingham one. Since being home, Jack literally escapes out of the Swaddleme swaddles and the only one he doesn’t escape out of is this swaddle. It’s the only one that works! ha!
• Pacifiers – we brought a couple different ones, but he only liked this one – which is the one the hospital gives you.
• Boppy – we used this a lot & still do. It was SO nice to have after my C-Section too.
• Blanket – this is his and he still loves it
• Burp Cloths -bring several
• Extra socks
• Bassinet Sheets – I brought these from this set + they fit all hospital bassinets. It was great for pictures!
• Hospital Signs – this one for the door, this one with his name for pictures in the crib, and this acrylic sign to fill in his birth info with
• White paint pen for sign
• His Backpack – filled with diapers, wipes, etc.
• Car Seat – I know, a no brainer. This is ours and we LOVE it.

For Husband:

• have him pack a few outfits + comfy clothes
• Toiletries – glasses, contacts, toothbrush, etc.

General:

• Elvie or pump of choice – I’ve been using this Elvie and love it! I also have this one from my insurance that works good too!
• Two phone chargers (we brought these 6ft chargers)
• Extension Cord – I got this 8ft one from Amazon and it was amazing. We still use it daily because you can plug soo many things in it + USBs only!
• Mini Fans – these were a LIFESAVER for me. I kept them on my hospital rails
• Blankets – one for me & one for husband. We brought this one & this one since they are my faves!
• Wallet – make sure you have your insurance info just in case!
• Bluetooth Speaker
• Roku or Firestick – we had this and watched our favorites movies!
• Tripod – this is how we took all our pictures. This is ours!
• Snacks – this will save your hubby a few trips to the vending machine or cafeteria

What we would bring next time that we didn’t pack:

• pillows – one for each of us + my favorite pillowcases
• sheets – for him to put on the couch/bed they had for him to sleep on
• Nightgown style pajamas instead of regular pajamas
• Portable sound machine – this is the one I want!

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