Hospital Bag and Sibling Bag Checklist
As of this Friday, I will be 34 weeks pregnant with baby Hailey. This means it's time to start packing go bags for the hospital. This time we have an extra person to pack for. T will be spending time at grandma's while mom and dad are at the hospital. This will be his first overnight away from home, so we want to make sure he is as comfortable as possible. I have thus created a hospital bag and sibling bag checklist. The first is a list of items for Mom, Dad, and Baby, and the second is a list for the older sibling(s).
Mom and Dad
Must-Haves:
Your Insurance card, id card, hospital forms unless you are pre-registered and they are not required, and birth plan (if you have one)
A couple pairs of warm, nonskid socks - these are for walking around the hospital before and after labor. Those floor tiles are cold!
A warm robe and nightgown that you don't mind getting dirty. You are going to have a bunch of visitors for the next few days so it's nice to be able to change out of that hospital gown.
A maternity bra, nursing pads, lanolin cream, nursing tank tops, a breast pump, cooling gel pads, and a nursing pillow. If you are like me, you've been wearing a maternity bra for a while once your boob size increased.
Lip balm because your lips will dry out. Maybe a tinted one for all those pictures with the new baby!
Toiletries and personal items — hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution
Headband or ponytail holder because you are going to want your hair out of your face!
Cell phone and charger - duh! You are definitely going to have people to call and of course new baby selfies!
Pen and paper - in case you need to write down any information from the doctors
Change for the vending machines and snacks - in case you get hungry and the cafeteria is closed.
Camera, extra memory card, and battery with charger - This is kind of a no brainer. You will definitely want pictures of this occasion.
Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes. You just went through labor, you are going to want to be comfy.
A change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner
Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor
An extra bag for the gifts and goodies people may bring to the hospital. People may bring gifts and stuffed animals, so you'll want a bag to take them home in. You'll also be getting products from the hospital like diapers, cream, blankets, etc.
Flip flops - for the shower
A personal DVD player, iPod, and a good book for entertainment during your stay and/or distraction during labor.
Numbing spray. Dermoplast is a numbing spray for the nether regions. MAKE SURE ITS THE BLUE KIND. The red cap actually aggravates the area . Another brand is called Lanacane found here. You just spray it on the area that is causing pain and it numbs it for you. Some hospitals provide this, however, others don’t.
Might Want:
Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
Hairdryer
Tucks pads - to soothe your nether region
Heavy flow sanitary pads or Depend's adult diapers . The hospital provides pads, but you may have a brand you feel more comfortable in.
A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined. Again, the hospital provides underwear, but you may find them gross or uncomfortable.
Memory book - To jot down notes and stats on your new baby. You may even be able to get a foot print when the nurse footprints the baby.
Takeout Menu - in case you are not a fan of the hospital food.
Belly Bandit - this helps with back pain and abdominal pain following labor. It also helps get your stomach back in condition.
Related Post: Getting Ready To Go Back To Work After Baby
Baby
Approved car seat
A coming-home outfit
A warm blanket (for the ride home)
Nail clipper or gloves so they don't scratch themselves
Seasonal outer clothes - for winter, you'll need a snowsuit and hat, for spring and fall maybe a light jacket, a lighter hat for spring, summer and fall.
Diapers and wipes - although the hospital like likely provide you with these
Older Sibling(s)
In addition to providing the caregiver with the bag, include things that will make the sitter's life easier — especially if he or she doesn't have children! Here is a list of what we are including as well as suggestions for older or younger children.
Shirts
Pants
Socks
Shoes
Diapers or pull-ups or underwear (depending on where they are in the pottying spectrum)
Wipes
Car seat or booster seat - depending on age
Favorite DVDs
Sippy cup
Favorite Snacks
Favorite Toy
Toothbrush/kid-friendly toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.
Special hospital outfit — perfect for photo ops with the new baby!
Tot's schedule and any must haves. For example, my son has swim class on Mondays at noon and dance on Saturdays at 10 am. He also drinks chocolate milk every morning with breakfast which is usually cheerios or oatmeal. You may want to include a list of favorite foods ahead of time to the caretaker so they can stock up.
List of any allergies
Emergency information and note of medical consent
Any bedtime essentials like a blankie or stuffed animal or nightlight
Gift for the caretaker
Present to bring baby when visiting the hospital
I hope this list is helpful!! This is pretty much what we will be packing up this weekend in preparation for D-day. If you have any tips, leave them in the comments!
If you want a PDF version of this hospital bag checklist to print out, just fill in the form below and I can email it to you! Just fill out the form below:
Cheers,
Emily
P.S. Never miss a post by signing up for my weekly newsletter here. Not only will you get notified of the latest blog posts, but you will also get discounts, freebies, and info only for subscribers!