With Nolyn, I feel like I packed our entire home with everything I could have needed. This time, I definitely know better. The hospital has anything you could ever want if you forgot or was not picky. Of course, there are some things that I am packing for convenience and that more “homey” feeling but just know, a lot of what I packed is not necessarily a NEED.
Mom
- 2 cheap pillows (target)
These came in handy since the hospital pillows are super flat. Also helpful for nursing since I did not bring a boppy/nursing pillow- and am glad I didn’t! - Towels
Hospital towels are the about the dimensions of 12 in x 12 in, or at least it seems that way. Having a nice normal size, plush towel was great to have! - Shower Caddy with shampoo, conditioner, face wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, etc.
- Makeup (including Lip Balm— Summer Fridays saved me here!)
We could not have visitors due to COVID so there was zero reason for me to put on makeup but I did put on makeup before we left the hospital and felt so much more human - 3 sets of PJ’s (these, these, & these)
- Robe
Mostly to cover the diaper butt - Slippers
- Flip flops/Sandals
For the shower - Going home clothes (joggers, nursing tank, zip-up)
- 2 nursing bras
- Pads, Diapers, Peri Bottle
*These are items that I know the hospital will provide and I usually do take advantage of the pads/mesh undies when I am there but I bring a few of the Always Discreet diapers as I just prefer those and wear those home. I also know that we are provided a peri bottle while inpatient, but I was spoiled and received the Frida Mom peri bottle after Nolyn and it was SO much more convenient. I actually bought a very similar one from amazon (linked here) so I can have one on each floor of our house when we get home! - Extra long phone charger
Honestly, don’t need to get a super pricey one here since it is just an extra. I found a 2 pack for under $10 and it worked great for our needs. - SNACKS
For obvious reasons!
Baby
- Swaddle
- Gown and bow
- Going home outfit and bow
- Mittens
- Paci
- Sound machine
*I did not bring this with Nolyn and am so glad I did this time- I feel like it did help her calm down at times! - Name announcement sign
- Baby book and prints kit
- Car seat cover
I did bring my iPad and headphones but ended up not using those at all! We were also there for only 2 days instead of 3 this time so I really only used 1 of my PJ sets since I wore the hospital gown the first night after surgery. I also packed a few newborn diapers and wipes since our hospital only provides size 1 but honestly didn’t use them at all.