Second time mom- What’s in my hospital bag?

Hey mama! if you’re here, It must be time to pack your hospital bag! You are getting so close to meeting your little one and I am so excited for you!

I packed my hospital bag around 36 weeks and had it ready to grab for when it was go time. For my first baby and now this one, I tried to pack as light as possible and we still ended up filling three bags- one full bag for me, one for my husband/baby (they shared), and one for pillows and blankets.

Below is everything I am packing for baby number 2! I hope this list helps you pack your own bag(s)!

Hospital Gown

This is obviously something optional to buy yourself. The hospital will have hospital gowns available for you. And you can have as many as you need if they need dirty. I will say this Kindred Bravely Universal Labor and Delivery Gown is VERY nice. It is way softer than what the hospital provides, and surprisingly more labor friendly with all the velcro- it made monitors and epidural way more accessible. I recommend getting a darker color- I got the grey!

Robe

For my first baby I packed this lightweight robe because it was summer. This time around, I went for soft and cozy, and packed my Ugg robe. Having a robe is a easy thing to throw on so you’re not completely bare during skin to skin with baby and easy for breastfeeding. I also found myself getting cold in the hospital so I also used it as an extra layer to throw on if needed.

Pajamas

I lived in my pajamas after delivery and plan to do the same this time around! I packed two different pairs. A long sleeve/pants set and a short sleeve nightgown. Both are button-down for easy breastfeeding. The nightgown is nice to have because its easier for the nurses to check on how you are healing and for going to the bathroom.

Going Home Outfit

Cute but comfy is the goal! Because it is winter, I am packing a knit sweater set. I’ve had mine for a while, so here are a couple similar ones- Button Down Sweater Set, and Hoodie Sweater Set. Again, I recommend grabbing a darker color!

Nursing Bra

With my first baby I did not purchase nursing bras until after he was born, so I spent the majority of my hospital stay braless. This time I am packing one of my favorite nursing bras. They go on sale often so keep your eye out and purchase then!

Black Underwear

The mesh underwear the hospital give you are fine to use immediately after birth, but after a while they began to irritate my skin. This time around I am going to bring black cotton underwear to wear with the pads. I think black boxers would work great too!

Grip Socks

The grip socks that the hospital provides are one size fits all and they were huge! I packed these for both births and they were great to have! I brought a few so I could change them after I showered or walked around without slippers.

Pillow

I am the type of person that always travels with my pillow. I don’t sleep the same without it! If you are like me, grab a pillow protector and bring it with you!

If you are on the hunt for the best pillow ever, I recommend mine!

Blanket

The blankets that the hospital provides are not very soft and thin. I packed two of my go-to fleece blankets– one for me and one for my husband. These are so soft and will keep you warm!

Footie Pajamas

With my son I quickly learned that little outfits are cute, but a pain to have babies wear because of all the diaper changes. Footie pajamas is where its at for the newborn stage! I packed a newborn size and 0-3 size for the hospital. PS. Bamboo pajamas are absolutely the best!

Velcro Swaddles

In the hospital the nurses will show you how to swaddle your baby with a swaddle blanket. Its nice to learn this skill, but not necessary. We loved these velcro swaddles with our first and are bringing some to the hospital this time.

Burp Cloths

I noticed with my first birth that the hospital didn’t have any burp clothes for us to use, just the standard hospital blankets. So this time I packed my favorite organic burp cloths to have on hand.

Nipple Flange Measuring Tool

If you plan to pump at all, having this flange measuring tool will help you find the correct flange size for your pump! Taking this to the hospital will be helpful because you can have the lactation specialist fit you. They may have some one hand, but for only $3 I figured I’d just bring my own. It is also possible for your nipples to change size during your pumping/breastfeeding journey, so having one of these on hand in general will help you when ordering new supplies.

Baby Blanket

I’m packing a blanket to bundle baby up on the way home. I’m bring this adorable Winnie the Pooh blanket that matches our Classic Winnie the Pooh nursery.

Tripod

A Tripod is not a necessary thing to pack, but nice to have to snap some newborn photos! Or if you ask nicely, I’m sure your nurses will snap a few pictures too.

Slippers and Shower Shoes

In addition the the grip socks I mentioned earlier, I recommend bring some slippers for when you are up and walking around the mom and baby section of the hospital. Its nice to get out of your room and stretch your legs a little! I also recommend grabbing some flip flops or some sort of shower shoe.

Phone Charger

Chances are you are going to need charge your phone in the hospital and the plug is going to be out of reach from the bed. Bring a long corded phone charger is a must!