Top 10 hospital bag must-haves { Cedar Rapids baby photographer }
What to pack in your hospital bag when you’re having a baby can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re a first-time parent! The thought of bringing along everything you and your newborn could need for a few days is stressful – and if you’re a chronic over-packer (like I am!), you can end up with a couple full suitcases before you even realize it. I polled my private client group, as well as some of my friends who are seasoned pros, and came up with a top ten list of must-haves for your hospital bag.
- By far, the most named item was chapstick! Labor can be long, and the air in most hospitals is extremely dry. Don’t forget to throw some in for your partner, too.
- Clothes for mama: nursing tanks, zip-up hoodies or a robe, black yoga pants, and grippy socks or slippers. If you’re having a c-section, some high-waisted underwear is necessary – you don’t want anything rubbing against that incision!
- Your own pillow and blanket – lots of mamas found this really comforting. Be sure to put a dark pillowcase on beforehand so it doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital laundry though!
- Your phone, camera, and an extra long charging cord or extension cord.
- Snacks (in case food service takes their time getting your meals to you), and a big water bottle if your hospital doesn’t provide one.
- Toiletries: soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, makeup, ponytail holders, and whatever else you’ll need to feel human again after having a baby.
- Breastfeeding pillow (Boppy was mentioned, although I know there are others out there as well!)
- For baby: a going-home outfit and maybe some footie PJs, a blanket for the car ride home, and a velcro swaddle if your hospital doesn’t provide one. Don’t forget the car seat too – most hospitals won’t let you leave without one!
- A baby book to put footprints in, plus write down all of those little details you would otherwise forget in the haze of birth.
- Your newborn photographer’s email or phone number so you can let them know when your little one has arrived. 🙂
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