In October, Bump Club and Beyond’s BCBumps Expectant Moms Dinner covers Labor, Delivery and the Secrets of the First Weeks at home. Part of this preparation for moms-to-be (and a question often asked) is ‘What do I pack in my hospital bag?’
While a checklist lives at bumpclubandbeyond.com, some of our favorites (which are often not thought about) include:
Lip balm
No one tells you this beforehand, but it is VERY dry in the hospital. Be prepared with your favorite lip balm. (Eos and good old Vaseline are favorites at BCB.)
Flip flops
You won’t want bare feet when you are at the hospital. This includes your time in the shower. Flip flops and slippers are easy to slip on to go to the bathroom or to take a walk to try to get moving before you go home.
Nursing tank
This will become a wardrobe staple once baby arrives. Nursing tanks are easy, provide coverage and support, and—most importantly—are incredibly comfortable. Bravado’s Essential Nursing Tank is hands-down the best.
Personal effects
No matter where you deliver, the hospital is no Four Seasons Hotel. Read: bring your own toiletries. You will want them after baby is born for when you shower, or just to make you feel more comfortable during your stay. You can pick up trial sizes at Target or Walgreens, or Push Pack makes a prepackaged bag filled with all of the personal items you need.
Photo accessories for baby
Grab a cute hat or blanket to personalize your baby’s first photoshoot! Twinkle Twinkle Little One (2007 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago) has a great selection including this football hat, which also comes in pink.
Loose-fitting clothing for mom
A lot of people don’t talk about the fact that you are not back to your pre-baby clothes when you walk out of the hospital. Often mom is swollen, uncomfortable and still bleeding. It’s important to bring comfy clothes for your stay and your way home. Loose fitting pants and zip-up sweatshirts are easy for nursing. The Nursing Poncho by Molly Ades is portable and great for your hospital stay and afterwards. If you get any cute pajamas at your shower, save them for when you get home.
Big bath towel& pillow
The towels are small, and extra pillows can be hard to come by in the hospital. Bring your own for maximum comfort while you’re there. (If you’re planning on nursing, grab your nursing pillow, too. This way you can have the hospital lactation consultants help you out in the exact manner you plan to feed at home.)
