Hospital Bag - What to Pack

Task for the day: Pack up the hospital bag.

When I packed my hospital bag last time, I WAY over packed. All the lists online and in my pregnancy books are ridiculous. Here is what I am packing this time:


A few hours before
Kenzie was born

Baby Stuff:

• Nail file - They come out with sharp little nails and mittens do NOT stay on at all.
• Receiving outfit - One outfit to bring him home in.
• 1 Newborn Swaddle Sack - I am not great at swaddling with a blanket, so I am going to save myself some grief this time and bring one of the 10 swaddle sacks I have at home.

My Stuff:

• 1 short sleeved night gown - No pants, lesson learned last time when I had to keep taking them off. Short sleeves because of the pokes, blood pressure cuff, etc.
• 1 bag of giant super sized pads - which are still significantly smaller than the diapers the give you at the hospital. If you think I am kidding, I am not. They are actual baby diapers instead of pads.
• Toiletry bag - with makeup, for pictures.
• 1 maternity dress to wear home - I am excited to see my feet again, but I know I will still look 5 months pregnant when I leave the hospital.
• Sleep mask - To attempt to get shut eye at the hospital, even though I didn't sleep at all after Kenzie was born until she turned 6 months. 
• Breastfeeding Shield - Last time I was hoping they would tell me I had to formula feed because I was in so much pain. This $10 shield is my saving grace.
• List of items to grab that day - some items like my glasses, phone charger, ipad, computer, & phone will need to be packed that day so I have a written list on the dresser.
• Snacks - Yogurt pretzels, granola bars, chips, mmm...

What NOT to bring:

• Pants - Do not bring pants, unless you want to get in and out of them over and over and over.
• Something to wear during labor.  Why would you ever want your clothing ruined by the mess of labor? Use the hospital gown during labor and before you take a shower.
• A bunch of stuff for the baby. You will get shirts, diapers, blankets and hats at the hospital, so do yourself a favor and pack light.

That's pretty much it. Short and sweet. Kind of like that baby I will be holding soon!

A few hours after Kenzie was born.