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Anonymous User
5 months ago
Hospital bag
Hey my wife’s 37 weeks tmrw and I’m finally packing her hospital bag. How many outfits do we need for the baby? Should I bring the nursing pillow or skip it? It takes up a lot of space. Not sure what the hospital will have that I don’t need to bring. Trying not to forget anything important. What saved you during your stay? Anything you wish you brought but didn’t?
Anonymous
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5 months ago
Every hospital is different so I recommend seeing if you can check with them (or, maybe someone here has delivered where you’re going?). My unexpected lifesaver was one of those cheap handheld fans with a mister. I was just so hot and uncomfortable during labor, it just made me feel soooo much better. My hospital had a nursing pillow, but it wasn’t as good as the one I had at home. Could be something you throw in the car. We also had family who had keys to our place come the next day to drop off some things we realized we needed/wanted later—blankets for ourselves, another charger, laptop to get started on paperwork stuff, little things. None were critical, but it was nice to have that little backup plan and comfort.
Anonymous
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5 months ago
For baby outfits, I think 2–3 should be plenty. Our baby was swaddled in the hospital blankets up until the last day, and then we changed her into "real closes" only to bring her home. There's always risk of an outfit getting dirty, so definitely bring a backup or two. But it'll really just be one instance of dressing the baby in real clothes. (I'd love to hear others' takes on this too) The nursing pillow was nice to have, but wasn't critical for us. There were extra pillows in our hospital room, which we used most of the time. We did have our boppy too, but rarely used it. We were exclusively bottle feeding, so I'm not sure if this would change for breastfeeding. Also, definitely bring shower shoes/flip flops if you'll be there for more than a day or two. It was SO nice to take a shower.
Anonymous
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5 months ago
The one thing we did was keep a lot of the recovery stuff in the car until we moved to the postpartum room. I had a C-section though so didn't have to be in a room laboring so may be different for y'all! +1 to ,[object Object], rec about a portable fan! I am pretty sure I brought a blanket from home which was nice (I can barely remember the hospital stay lol) And definitely, definitely, listen to@Brian Weinsteinabout shower shoes (& he forgot to mention a change of clothes). Despite being encouraged to bring them multiple times, he didn't and had to run home because we were in the hospital for a few days 😂
Anonymous
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5 months ago
Oh and I'm sure you've read this everywhere but take alllllll the hospital things home! I had a ton of stuff for myself and baby we were able to get home (RTF formula, diapers, etc)
Anonymous
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5 months ago
Wife is 36 weeks and we just packed bags. I subbed to an online Dads course that included a huge excel packing list. I assume you have the basics covered, so here's the non-obivous stuff (e.g., don't forget multiple days of clothes for you, your wife, and baby!) that we took from it:
  • All the stuff above (incl BF pillow) plus
  • Pillows, towels, blankets for both of you
  • LONG cell phone charger cord for 1 or both of you
  • Doula suggested bringing pump because some hospitals' lactation people will teach you how to use (case by case - check rules in advance).
  • Fan (as noted)
  • Speaker
  • Cash for vending machines.
  • Her favorite snacks (plus yours), mix of salty/sweet/etc.
  • Stick all this, plus whatever else you bring, inside suitcases that are only like...75% full. Because that's where the stuff you take from the hospital (mostly for Mom) goes on the way home.
Anonymous
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5 months ago
"The hospital is the most expensive, lowest quality hotel you'll ever go to. Make sure you get everything you're entitled to!" - Our doula, re taking supplies home with you 😂😂
Anonymous
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5 months ago
Ok glad I wasn’t alone on the blanket thing! Just thought of another one—pumping bra. Breastfeeding was never easy for me physically or mentally, and we spent some hospital recovery time trying to build supply with their heavy duty pump. Sitting around staring just holding the pump cups sucked (pun!). Going hands free with the bra when I got home was at least less brutalizing.
Anonymous
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5 months ago
Thanks for all the advice! I've been getting this Instagram add from this dad who has a baby gear excel spreadsheet for sale. Didn't want to bite the bullet and buy it. Feeling vindicated by all the amazing answers here. This is so helpful. I was thinking of packing light but that wont be happening! Thanks again.
Anonymous
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5 months ago
Repeating some of the above but summarizing as I just went through this and sent to a friend who is expecting ! For Mom: Clothing: • 1 set of PJs (if you don’t want to wear hospital gowns) • Button-down shirts/tops for easy skin-to-skin and breastfeeding access • Loose, comfortable clothes for recovery • Slippers (hospital provides grippy socks, but slippers are nicer) Breastfeeding Essentials: • Nursing pillow not necessary but can avoid neck strain mom feels from looking down so much first few days • Nipple cream or soothing items (latching can be painful in the early days) • (Optional) Nursing bras – but going braless may be easier if you’re not expecting visitors Comfort Items: • Eye mask (especially useful during labor if you are in active labor and want darker room and for resting because there are a lot of people / nurses coming in and out of recovery ) • Big water bottle for hydration • Snacks for after delivery (for middle-of-the-night hunger) • Flat sheet, pillow, and blanket for partner comfort Toiletries & Prep: • Basic toiletries if you want your own shampoo etc but our hospital provided ⸻ For Baby: not much !! • Only bring a going-home outfit • Hospitals usually provide diapers, wipes, onesies, and swaddles ⸻ Check with Your Hospital: • Some places (like Weill Cornell) are well-stocked with postpartum supplies (mesh underwear, pads, peri bottles, etc.), so no need to overpack and take extras home. Thank you care for staff / nurses!
Anonymous
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4 months ago
Random last second / real time add - a frustrating # of delivery places (at least in LA) don't send plastic cutlery with their food anymore, regardless of which option you choose at checkout. Bring some and your life will be easier!