Hospital Bag-What to pack

You are entering the last few weeks of your pregnancy and it’s almost time to meet your new little one! Now is the time to start thinking about what you will need to bring to the hospital. I used a large duffle for my hospital bag and totally over packed, we probably ended up using about 10% of what we brought, eek :). Most hospitals will provide almost everything you need, but here is a list of some items that you may want to bring from home. I packed almost everything in the bag we were planning on using a couple of weeks before my due date and kept a note on the top with a list of things that I still used on a day to
day basis and that would need to be added at the last minute. When the time came, my husband grabbed the things on the list and we were out the door!

For you –
-Picture ID, insurance info, completed hospitals forms and birth plan (if you have one).
I was really grateful that we had all of our paperwork completed and ready to go, we were able to just hand over our stack of paperwork, sign a couple of forms and get right to focusing on having our baby.
-A couple of pairs of warm socks or slippers and an old robe.
You may want to spend time walking the halls before and after delivery and nonskid socks/slippers and a robe that you don’t mind ruining will keep you a little more comfortable.
-A couple of old nightgowns or comfy clothes.
If you know that you will not want to wear the hospital gowns after delivery, bring a couple pairs of nightgowns or comfy clothes that you don’t mind having to toss at the end of your visit.
– Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras.
Whether or not you are planning on breastfeeding, a good bra can provide some comfort and support.
-Toiletries – Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hairbrush, hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and lip balm.
You will want to take a shower, trust me! Hospitals can also be very dry and it’s nice to have lip balm to use during and after your labor.
-Glasses, contact lens case and solution.
Even if you usually wear contact lenses or glasses, you may find that one or the other is more comfortable during and after labor.
–Cell phone, camera and chargers/batteries/memory card.
Have a list of people (and numbers) that you would like to notify that you are in labor and after the baby is born.
–Whatever will help you relax and items you are planning on using for labor.
A pillow, music, pictures, items for massage (tennis balls, lotions) and anything else you find reassuring. If you’re going to be induced, think about bringing something to read or watch because it may be a while before labor starts.
-A going home outfit.
Comfort is key! Think of options like maternity yoga pants, a nursing tank top or bra and a comfy top.

For your partner-
-Comfortable shoes, a change of comfortable clothes and basic toiletries.
-Quick and easy snacks.
It’ll be nice to have a few options so that you won’t have to go far to refuel in the middle of labor!

For your baby-
-Baby book pages for foot prints and birth details.
If you are planning on keeping a baby book, bring the book or the pages that you will want to fill out right away.
-A going home outfit with hat and booties.
Make sure to have options that won’t interfere with buckling your new little one into their car seat and will keep them warm and comfortable. Zutano has so many options for that first outfit! The newborn booties are a must have, they are warm, stay on and oh so cute! Toss the standard hospital cap and add a soft newborn beanie hat for a splash of color. The kimono tops are perfect for newborns, the side snaps make dressing extra easy and the wrap style creates an extra, protective layer for baby’s chest and won’t irritate the umbilical cord area. The Cozie Cuff Pants are extra warm and the cuffs can even be tucked into the booties to keep baby’s ankles protected.

A great layering item for winter, Zutano’s Cozie Elf Suit has an adorable pointed hood and fold over cuffs to keep baby warm. Made from our soft sherpa fleece it snuggles baby from head to toe.

–A couple of warm blankets.
Check out Zutano’s adorable selection of blankets. Cotton Interlock Blankets are soft, perfectly-sized baby blankets and indispensable for the first days in the hospital and for transporting baby home. Made with two coordinating prints of our incredibly soft cotton Interlock on front and back they are warm and cuddly for you new baby. Zutano Just For Aden Swaddle Blankets are a perfect lighter option and are so versatile, they can also be used as a swaddle, stroller cover, tummy time blanket, burp cloth and more!
–A properly installed car seat.
Install your car seat a couple of weeks before your due date so that you have time to make sure it is installed correctly and you don’t have to worry as you and your new family are leaving the hospital.

Congratulations and best wishes as you welcome your new little one!