Wake up! It’s 4:00a.m., and your baby is on the way! You hurry and grab your hospital delivery bag because you don’t have to worry about its contents. They’ve been packed up and ready to go for a month. Packing your hospital bag early is a great way to ensure you have everything you need for delivery day!

Here is a list of items to include in your hospital bag so that everything is ready to go when your baby arrives. 

1. Delivery and After Birth Clothes

You can wear a traditional hospital gown for delivery, but if you are looking for comfort and a taste of home, a maternity gown provides just that. They can be more stylish than a typical hospital gown and can provide an open-front for breastfeeding. 

For after the birth, a cozy robe can provide a great level of comfort and warmth in a cold hospital environment. Make sure your after birth clothes are something you don’t mind getting dirty and possibly throwing away after your hospital stay. 

2. Camera

Documenting this momentous event is definitely going to be at the top of your list. You can absolutely use your phone for photos, but if you want great quality pictures, a nice camera is a wonderful item to bring. If you are planning to bring your camera, make sure to pack the charger, memory cards, etc. 

3. Toiletries

Toiletries are essential for your hospital stay, especially if you end up staying more than a day. Before the camera comes out to document these beautiful moments, you are going to want to freshen up and feel more like yourself. Pack a small bag with a toothbrush, hair brush, face wipes, and (if you choose) some makeup. 

4. A Nursing Bra 

Nursing will begin right away, so make sure you are prepared! Find a nursing bra that is comfortable (or a bra one size up for bottle feeding moms) to pack in your hospital bag. 

5. Charger (extra-long)

A charger is essential for your hospital stay, preferably one with an extra-long cord! Hospital beds are known for being far away from electrical outlets, so make sure you are prepared with an extra-long charger cord. Make sure your phone stays fully charged for all of the pictures you are going to take to share with family and friends. 

6. Snacks and Drinks

You definitely want to stay hydrated after birth. Pack a reusable water bottle and bring your favorite snacks to munch on. You probably won’t be able to eat before or during labor, but you will definitely want your comfort snacks after giving birth. 

7. Pillows and Blankets

A pillow and blanket are not only a must have for you, but a must have for your partner as well! Hospital pillows can be uncomfortable, so make sure to bring some from home. Your partner will likely be sleeping on a couch or chair, so they will want a pillow and blanket for some added comfort. 

8. Going Home Outfit for Baby

Your baby’s going home outfit needs to be something comfortable for them and something that the car seat strap can easily fit between. Magnetic snap outfits are a great choice for an easy, comfortable going home outfit. Make sure to include socks and a hat if it is cold outside. Also, include a baby blanket for added comfort. 

9. Going Home Outfit for Mom

You will want to change out of your hospital clothes before going home. Make sure to wear something roomy and easy to put on. If you have a c-section, you will want to wear loose clothing that will be comfortable over your incision. Maternity yoga pants and tops are a great option for new moms to wear! 

10. The “Nice-to-Have” Items

You can absolutely get by with the items listed above, but some moms enjoy having a few more comfort items with them during their hospital stay. Some of these items include: lip balm, a tablet for watching TV/movies (mostly for your partner), a book, a speaker with a playlist of songs for during or after delivery, and bath towels. Some moms also pack an extra bag to bring items home with them from the hospital, such as postpartum underwear, extra diapers, etc., that the hospital will most likely provide.

After you have packed your delivery bag, make sure to store it in an easily accessible place, such as your car or by the front door. Now that your bag is packed, you are all ready for your little one’s arrival! 
Next on the to-do list is to go ahead and schedule that newborn session with your local Greensburg area photographer! I believe that it’s important to document all the tiny details while you still can. That’s why I love helping new parents by working with them one-on-one to plan and deliver a custom luxury experience from start to finish, so that you can put all your energy into bonding with your new baby! Reach out and we can chat about it!