12 Things to Bring to the Hospital When Having a Baby

Your ID – Sounds pretty obvious right? Well I did bring my ID, but in the midst of being in very active labor, grabbing my purse before heading in was not top of mind. And guess what? They want to see your ID when you check in. Luckily I had preregistered so I was in their system and I had a husband who was not taking “no” for an answer, but the lack of an ID definitely made things a bit more complicated.
Silhouette Depends Active Fit – New parenthood means diapers for more than one person in the family! In all honesty, this is one of the best recommendations I received on things you will want in the hospital. My water broke at home, so I was wearing these before I even got to the hospital. And it felt like I was changing them every 15 minutes during labor because it was one small thing I could control and made me feel a tiny bit better. I also used these during my hospital stay – they were a bit more comfortable to me than what the hospital provided – and even when I got home. Overall I probably went through 40 or so. Seriously, buy yourself a pack!
Earth Mama Angel Baby New Mama Bottom Spray – Does anyone remember Cucumber Melon Bath and Body Works Products? This spray smells just like that scent to me (memories!), and it just feels nice and fresh. Leave it in your hospital room bathroom during your stay – you’ll be happy you did! Also, it has a very handy inverted sprayer so you can spray it upside down.
A robe – Maybe this is just me (you should see my collection at home), but having a comfortable robe to wear postpartum helped me feel a little less like I was in a hospital and a little more like I was at home. It was easy to tie up when family came to see me or I wanted to walk the halls and to untie when I was nursing or doing skin to skin with Adeline. I suggest a light weight, knee length version.
Nursing bra (or two) – If you are planning on breastfeeding, do yourself a favor and already have a couple nursing bras in your bag. They just make life so much easier, especially with how often your little one will be wanting to nurse those first couple days.
Breastfeeding pillow – This is one I didn’t realize I would want so my mom went all the way to my house to grab it and bring to me at the hospital. Breastfeeding was already challenging enough for me and Adeline, so not having supportive pillows that set her up properly was making things that much harder. I like this breastfeeding pillow because the foam is very firm, and it snaps around your body so you don’t have to keep pulling it back in. I still use this pillow multiple times a day!
Other pillows from your house (at least 2) – Marcus and I brought the worst pillows we could find from our house, and they were still lightyears ahead of what the hospital was providing. And honestly, more pillows = better. This is something you can bring up to your room later in your hospital stay, but have them in the car.
Favorite snacks – I delivered at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, and the hospital food was actually really good. There was a great selection to choose from, and the portion sizes were huge – so much so that that it consistently fed both Marcus and I. However, there is something to be said for having your favorite snack foods at an arms reach. Adeline was born at 2:55am, and by 7am or so while we were waiting for breakfast – I was starving. I was so thankful to have some of my favorites nearby.
Fuzzy socks or slippers
Your own shampoo/toiletries
Outfit for baby – Babies come in all different sizes, so I would bring a couple different outfits to cover all your bases.
Car seat – This is a obvious one, but you’ve got to have it. I say put your hubby in charge of taking care of getting this installed and ready to go.