What I packed in my Hospital Bag for Baby #2

Boy oh boy did I pack my hospital bag just in time! I was 37 weeks and 4 days when my water broke and I packed this bag 4 days before that. At least this time I wasn’t unpacking and repacking my bag! With my daughter, I woke up at 630a to mild contractions, but she didn’t make her appearance until 1159p that day. After they finally transferred out room at 4a with almost no sleep, to say I was exhausted was an understatement. While packing this time around, I knew I wanted to keep it light since I used almost nothing in my bag last time since I was so tired. Also as long as baby is healthy, we’ve kept our hospital stays very short.

What I packed for baby

This section will depend on what your hospital or birthing center provides for you. At mine, they supply the basics like diapers, wipes, wrap shirts for easy changes, some formula if that’s your route and even offer you access to a hospital grade breast pump. So realistically for me I know that I can save space by forgoing all the basics.

I did pack 2 going home outfits in 2 different sizes. From the ultrasounds, I know baby boy won’t be super large so I have my 1st choice outfit in Newborn and an old Preemie outfit just in case. My daughter ended up being so small that her going home outfit was comically big and with no pants. Good thing it was the middle of spring.

Other than the outfits, I packed a cute muslin blanket to swaddle for photo opts and bringing my boppy pillow. The pillow is honestly not my favorite, but it’s nice to have that extra support breastfeeding when your body is just so exhausted.

That is literally all I’m packing for the baby. Extremely minimal, but I honestly used nothing that we brought for my daughter.

What I packed for Myself and Husband

The goal packing for yourself is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. This is obviously different for all of us. Our experiences of labor and birth are completely different. This was just what worked for me knowing my first time was spent in a zombie survival adrenaline rush.

When I had my daughter, I was so exhausted that I don’t think I changed out of the hospital gown until I was close to being discharged. So I tried to focus on packing light layered clothes that are still easy for breastfeeding. After can be messy, so I also packed things that I didn’t care if I had to get rid of. I ended up packing 2 camisoles, a sleep nursing bra, a regular nursing bra, camisole nightgown, lounge shorts, slipper socks and a robe. I also packed a cardigan and stretchy joggers to leave the hospital. You’ll be anywhere between your 6 month stomach and 9 month stomach. So don’t plan on going home in a pre-pregnancy outfit.

I also packed basic toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, and shower items.

The Extras

I packed a tube of nipple cream for obvious reasons and lip balm since I’m addicted to it. I also have our DSLR camera bag ready to go with both batteries charged. We enjoyed being able to take our own pictures with our daughter.

The essentials of our phones charging cord, my license and insurance card will be thrown in during the early stages of labor as well as my husband’s change of clothes. I threw in some snack bars and tea bags as my just in case items. The car seat is set to go in our main vehicle.

That’s all I packed!

My first experience really opened my eyes to how I’d adjust packing for the second time and you know what? I honestly overpacked clothes since I stayed in the hospital gown for most of my stay. You may look at what I packed for my second time around and think I’m crazy for not packing more. That’s okay! If you’re going to find more comfort in bringing more entertainment stuff like a book, go for it! You want to bring more of the baby essentials that suit you? Do it! I’m comfortable using what the hospital supplies during those first few days while I adjust.

I’m usually the type of packer that needs to be prepared in every situation, but this time I’m sticking with my normal come what may personality. If all else fails, we have family that now live 5 minutes from our house and can grab things for us if we need or forgot something.

What thing are you packing with you that’s absolutely necessary to you? Are you trying to be minimal in packing or going the be prepared for everything route?