Packing a hospital bag can be exciting and stressful all at once. As we prepare for our third child delivery, we’re making sure we include the essentials.
It wasn’t always like this.
When we packed our hospital bag the first time around we were unsure of what we would need. After some research, we found out we’d have to pack an outfit for the baby and me for when we’d be given the OK to go home. That part was easy. I brought flip flops with me and a blanket in case the hospital was too cold. I also thought about purchasing adult-sized diapers for myself — you just never know if you’ll have a heavy flow after your first child.
I also purchased two granny panties to help with keeping my body in shape. The hospital gave me waist trainers to help support my back after my C-Section. I used them again after my VBAC in 2015.
What We Actually Needed (And Didn’t Bring)
We didn’t think of carrying cash or change during our first hospital stay, yet this was something that would’ve come in handy. Having cash/change on hand will help when you need a snack from the vending machines in the middle of the night.
Although I had packed an outfit for my husband, I didn’t think about carrying extra of anything for him. I remember he needed an extra pair of undershirt the first time around and I hadn’t packed one for him. Fortunately, he was able to come and go from the hospital.
What We Left Behind
After our first hospital delivery, we learned that there were a couple of items we didn’t need the second time around. The blanket wasn’t necessary since they offer you one at the hospital (and their socks are quite comfortable). We also didn’t need to bring extra clothing items for my husband.
Now that we had a little one at home, my husband couldn’t really stay overnight with me. This allowed him to bond with our big boy.
You can read more about what we decided to bring with us for our second hospital delivery here.
What We’re Bringing With Us
Now that we’re preparing ourselves for our third hospital stay, we’re planning to carry only the necessary items and leaving the things we know we won’t need.
This time around we’re bringing the essentials: clothes for the baby and me when we leave the hospital; extra change for the vending machines; a blanket for the baby; underwear; and our toothbrushes.
Do you remember what you brought with you on your first hospital delivery?
19 responses to “Third Time’s A Charm: Packing Our Hospital Bag”
I don’t have children but I can see why this post is very important. I don’t think I would have any clue on what to put in the hospital bag. It’s great that now, at your third child, you know exactly what to bring and what to leave at home.
I had the opposite problem, I did not pack enough items. By child number 5 I got better at packing.
This is such a useful post for Mum’s to be I bet it can be so hard knowing what you will and won’t need.
I do remember being in an absolute flap about getting my hospital bag kitted out for all eventualities but you don’t need half of it. Nappies, baby grows, clothes for you, muslin cloths – those were the basics.
Oohh… let me think if I can still remember what I brought in our first hospital delivery. I remembered bring all my medical records relating to my pregnancy, I got some cash, change of clothes for me and the baby (not for hubby, lol)… I just that’s it. 😉
That was almost 10 years ago. Haha
How exciting! It’s sounds like you are perfectly organised this time round!
This is definitely very helpful for anyone who is a mom to be. I will have to share this with my friends who are pregnant.
Sounds like you are ready to go!!! I was not this prepared ever!!
I am glad that you got things figured out! This has been really helpful.
It took me a few times to figure it out as well. I love this post concept.