Jordan Ellis
Packing a hospital bag can be overwhelming, but with a little preparation and organisation, you can ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free hospital stay. Hospitals will provide most of what you need, but you may want to bring your own swaddles for your baby to use during their stay. This is a great opportunity for the nurses to show you how to swaddle your baby correctly, and you can take cute photos of your baby in your own swaddle designs. You may also want to bring a receiving blanket, which can be used to keep your baby warm on the car ride home and during skin-to-skin contact after delivery. It's recommended to bring two bags: one for the labour and delivery room, and another for the postpartum recovery room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of swaddles to bring to the hospital | One or two |
| Other items to bring to the hospital | Clothes, nursing pillow, glasses, lip balm, snacks, a camera or smartphone, a charger, a hat, socks, burp cloths, a nursing pillow, a car seat, a bag, etc. |
| Items the hospital will provide | Swaddles, diapers, wipes, pillows, bottles, formula |
| Items that are good to bring from home | Personal items like shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a makeup bag, a blowdryer, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Hospitals provide swaddles, but you may prefer to bring your own
Hospitals will provide swaddles for your baby, but you may prefer to bring your own. Swaddling is important for your newborn's comfort and safety, and it's also a great opportunity for those first photo opportunities.
Bringing your own swaddle can ensure your baby is wrapped in a blanket you love, and it's a chance for the nurses to show you how to swaddle your baby correctly with the blanket you will use at home. There are many cute designs to choose from, and you can select a soft, comfortable fabric that you prefer. You can also use your swaddle blanket as a receiving blanket to keep your baby warm on the car ride home.
If you do bring your own, make sure to wash the swaddle blanket before packing it in your hospital bag. You may also want to bring a second swaddle as a backup, as newborns go through a lot of diapers and you don't want to be caught off guard by a diaper blowout.
When packing your hospital bag, remember that the hospital will provide most of what you need, but there are some personal items you may want to bring from home to make your stay more comfortable. This includes comfortable clothing and loungewear, your own pillow and blanket, and any toiletries or cosmetics you may want. Remember to also pack any items you'll need for your baby's journey home, such as a car seat and a going-home outfit.
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Pack a receiving blanket for the car ride home
Packing a hospital bag can be overwhelming, but with a little preparation and organisation, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free hospital stay.
One item you should definitely pack is a receiving blanket. This will be useful for the car ride home, keeping your baby warm as you leave the hospital. Receiving blankets are versatile and can also be used to cover your baby during skin-to-skin contact after delivery.
You may also want to bring your own swaddle blanket, as these can be useful for keeping your baby feeling safe and secure, as well as providing cute photo opportunities. Nurses can show you how to swaddle your baby correctly using the blanket you will use at home. However, many hospitals do provide swaddle blankets, so you may not need to bring your own.
When packing your hospital bag, it's important to choose a bag that is sturdy, durable, easy to carry, and easy to clean. You may want to bring two bags: one for the labour and delivery room, and another for the postpartum recovery room. It's also a good idea to bring a smaller tote bag or backpack to use as a day bag during your hospital stay, which can hold items like a book or tablet, snacks, and a water bottle.
In addition to receiving and swaddle blankets, there are several other items you may want to pack in your hospital bag. These include:
- A car seat, which is required by many hospitals
- Clothes that you will feel comfortable sleeping, nursing, and lounging around in
- Toiletries such as shampoo, a toothbrush, and toothpaste
- Makeup and a blow dryer
- Entertainment for your downtime, such as a book or tablet
- A camera or smartphone to capture those first special moments with your baby
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Bring a hat and socks to keep your baby warm
It is important to keep your baby warm, as they are vulnerable to the cold and cannot regulate their temperature. Hospitals will often provide hats and socks to keep your baby warm, but it is a good idea to bring a few of these items, as well as a swaddle blanket, to ensure your baby's comfort.
Hats are placed on newborn babies' heads immediately after birth to maintain the warmth and comfort of the womb. They are especially important if your due date is in the fall or winter, as they help your baby maintain a stable body temperature. Likewise, socks are important for regulating your baby's temperature and keeping their delicate skin warm.
Bringing your own swaddle blanket can provide extra comfort for your baby, and it is a great opportunity for nurses to show you how to swaddle your baby correctly. You may also want to bring a receiving blanket, which can be used to keep your baby warm during the car ride home and to cover your baby during skin-to-skin contact after delivery.
In addition to keeping your baby warm, it is important to consider your own comfort during your hospital stay. You may want to bring a robe, slippers, and warm socks for yourself, as hospital floors tend to be cold. It is also a good idea to pack comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any other personal items that will make your stay more relaxing.
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Choose a cute, comfortable going-home outfit
While the hospital will provide most of what you need during your stay, it's always nice to bring a few personal items from home. You might want to bring a favourite pillow and blanket to make your hospital bed more comfortable, as well as a robe for when you have guests.
When it comes to choosing a cute and comfortable going-home outfit for your newborn, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, comfort is key, especially for the exciting and overwhelming journey home from the hospital. Opt for something soft and cosy, like a bodysuit or a one-piece sleeper. It's a good idea to bring a couple of outfits in different sizes, as it can be difficult to predict how big or small your baby will be. You might also want to bring a hat and socks, especially if it's cold outside, to keep your baby warm.
While a special outfit isn't necessary, many parents like to choose something memorable for the big moment. You could opt for a charming and practical outfit from a brand that specialises in newborn clothing, such as Posh Peanut. They offer a range of comfortable and stylish options for your baby's journey home.
Don't forget to pack an extra outfit in case of any accidents! You might also want to bring a receiving blanket to keep your baby warm in the car ride home and during skin-to-skin contact after delivery.
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Bring a nursing pillow to support your baby's head
When preparing for your upcoming arrival, one of the most important things to get ready is the bag that you will bring to the hospital. While the hospital will provide most of what you and your baby need during your stay, there are several things you may want to bring from home to make your time there more comfortable and relaxing.
Bringing a nursing pillow is a great way to support your baby's head during feeding time. Nursing pillows are cleverly designed feeding accessories that can be used to support your body when nursing or feeding your baby. They are shaped to support your body as you feed and can be used as a cushion in various breastfeeding positions to help you hold your baby and bring them to your breast. Nursing pillows can also be used by carers who bottle-feed and can be useful aids if you do not have the strength or stamina to hold your baby for long periods.
Nursing pillows can help to improve your baby's latch and make it easier to explore different feeding positions. They can also provide essential support for your back, neck, and shoulders during feeds and help to support your baby's head. For example, the Boppy Best Latch Nursing Pillow has a comforting plush fabric that is functional for longer-term use. Once breastfeeding is established and the baby grows enough to have head control, you will no longer need to use both hands for feeding, and the firm side of the pillow won't be as necessary.
When deciding whether to bring a nursing pillow to the hospital, consider your main aim for using one. For example, you may want to pump and breastfeed or have multiple babies to hold. Choose a nursing pillow with features that are important to you and that will help you to feed your baby comfortably and efficiently.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals usually provide swaddles, but you may want to bring your own for comfort and to take advantage of photo opportunities. It's also a great chance for the nurses to show you how to swaddle your baby correctly using the blanket you will use when you get home. It is recommended to bring at least one swaddle to the hospital.
Some hospitals provide everything you need and even send you home with a couple of outfits and plenty of diapers and wipes. However, you may want to bring your own diapers and wipes, a hat, socks, burp cloths, a nursing pillow, bottles, and your formula of choice. You should also bring a safe car seat for your baby, as most hospitals won't let you leave without one.
You may want to bring your own pillow and blanket for comfort. Other suggestions include comfortable clothes, a robe, slippers, socks, a camera or smartphone, a charger, glasses (if you usually wear contacts), lip balm, and hydrating products.
