When I had my first kid, I had spent hours scrolling through Pinterest trying to curate the perfect pregnancy board full of articles and photos I would need to help design his nursery, plan the baby shower and pack the perfect hospital bag. All of that when out the window when my water broke two weeks early, and I had to rush to pack my hospital bag.
I know most people pack their hospital back at like 35 weeks, and unfortunately, I am not that person. I will plan but getting to the execution is an entirely different story. I didn’t even finish Ryder’s nursery until he was three months. I will, however, say that in the rush and panic of packing my hospital bag, I did learn a few things that you need and things that you don’t, even though those Pinterest lists will tell you, you do. So today, I am sharing my hospital bag list as a second-time mom.
For Mom: Top Four
Depends
Honestly, this goes without saying for the second time, moms, but it can be hard to believe that you would be wearing adult diapers for the first-timers. Sorry to break it to you, but you will most definitely need these bad boys. (Tip: Bring a couple of pairs of tight boxers your husband no longer wants. I found these so comfortable and helpful, so it didn’t feel like I was wearing a diaper).
Breast Pump
Breastfeeding is freaking hard. Yes, sometimes babies latch with ease, while others like mine refuse to latch entirely. So bringing a breast pump with you will help get you started until your little one finally decides to latch. Also, it’s a great way to start learning to split up the duties.
Slippers
By the time I got to the hospital, my stretchy slip-on running shoes were destroyed, and I had nothing else to wear. Luckily the hospital gift shop sold slippers, which were terrific and easily washable. I highly recommend purchasing a good pair of washable slippers that you can use to walk around the hospital during your stay. When you get home, through them in the wash and keep using them around the house!
IPad or Other Distractions
Sorry to say, but giving birth is not like in the movies. The episode of Friends where Rachel is waiting hours to start pushing is more accurate. So make sure to bring some things to distract yourself. I forgot my Ipad in the mad dash of packing but was happy Austin remembered to bring it along later. It made the waiting a little easier.
Other Items to Pack for Mom
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Chargers (phone and iPad)
- A Book
- Camera
- Robe
- Comfortable clothes
- Nursing tops and bras
- Toiletries
For Dad: Top Three
Food
Hospital food is expensive and although mama gets her meals provided to her, dad, unfortunately, doesn’t. So try to make sure you pack lots of snacks for dad, especially as you’re waiting for the baby to make their debut.
Pillow and Blanket
The hospital’s primary focus is making sure mama and baby are comfortable, because hello, it’s hard work. So, unfortunately, when it comes to sleeping arrangements, dads are given the short end of the stick. Make sure to pack a pillow and blanket for dad to be comfortable on the bedchair he’s provided.
Slippers
Dad needs to be comfortable as well. So make sure to pack him a washable pair of slippers as well. No one wants to spend a day and a bit walking around in shoes, so make sure you get him something comfortable to wear.
Other Items to Pack for Dad
- Pajamas
- Toiletries
- Socks
- Phone charger
- Change for vending machines
For Baby: Top Three
Easy Swaddles
Your girl did not know how to swaddle, even though half of her friends are nurses and tried to teach her. So instead, I purchased a pack of easy swaddles ( the ones with the velcro) and, let me tell you, game-changer and made life so much easier.
Bottles
As I said, breastfeeding can be challenging and having dad bond with the baby is excellent as well! So bring bottles just in case, every baby is different, and you never know how they’re going to take to either.
Baby Shampoo and Wash
If you choose to, you can bathe the baby at the hospital. So make sure to bring the shampoo and body wash you want to use on the baby. My personal favourite was the Live Clean baby products, it never dried out my son’s skin, and they’re plant-based.
Other Items to Pack for Baby
- Diapers
- Diaper cream
- Burp cloths
- Change of clothes
- Carseat
- Carseat cover
Whether you’re a first-time mom or a second or third, you can use this guide to help you pack the perfect hospital bag and avoid over packing. If you want other mom tips, like balancing your relationship with a newborn or how to perfectly split time during the holiday’s I have you covered. Keep your eyes peeled for other blogs about being a second time mom, I will be sharing my journey all on here!
