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Baby Talk: 36 Weeks + Packing My Hospital Bag

Hi, friends! I know I’ve been a bit MIA the first part of this week and frankly, I’m just worn out. The weekend was incredibly hectic, pretty much the exact opposite of relaxing in any way, and my energy level is taking a hit. Also, I’m getting totally overwhelmed now that we’re in the final homestretch. It feels like there is so much left to do (mainly to get things squared away on the work front) and I find myself wishing we had a few extra weeks. Then there’s the fact that oh, I don’t know, we’re having a baby in a few weeks and that’s enough to be overwhelming in and of itself. Speaking of things to do, I’ve finally gotten around to starting to think about packing my hospital bag. I need your help! I’ve been watching YouTube videos aplenty (as I do as my preferred form of research these days), but I’d love to hear from you. What do you consider essentials? Luckily we live less than two blocks from the hospital so if we forget anything it will be easy to send someone home to retrieve things, but I’d like to be pretty much set if possible. So, fill me in! Especially those of you who have had c-sections. What do I need to pack?

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag from @cydconverse

[For information and shopping links, be sure to click through to check out all the details after the jump!]

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1. LeSportsac Large Weekender – So I doubt that I’m running out to buy a new bag just to pack for the hospital, but if I were, I dig this one. The size is great, it’s super lightweight, the pattern options are fun and bold, plus I love the simplicity and durability of LeSportsac bags.

2. Aerie Robe – I don’t generally own or wear a robe as I usually just layer up in a baggy sweatshirt if I need extra warmth, but I know a robe will be handy in the hospital. Something simple like this one looks really comfy to me, especially when there are visitors in and out.

3. Maternity leggings – I’ve pretty much been living in these exact leggings for the last couple of months. I bought a whole bunch of them (the price can’t be beat) when I made my one big maternity clothing purchase. They’re really light and comfortable so I plan to bring two or three pairs to the hospital.

4. Aden + Anais swaddles – I was excited that we got a bunch of Aden + Anais swaddles at our baby shower so I plan to bring a couple with us to the hospital. I know you oftentimes don’t need them, but I’d like to have them with us in case we decide that we prefer to use something of our own other than the hospital provided receiving blankets.

5. Cosmetics bag with toiletries – I have a similar valet style cosmetics bag that I’m planning to stock with a few very very basic makeup staples in case I want to look or feel more human (such as mascara, lip gloss and under eye concealer) and travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.

6. Side-snap onesies – I know most hospitals pretty much keep baby swaddled while you’re there, but I’m going to pack a few basic onesies and/or sleepers just in case our little one doesn’t take to swaddling. Everyone seems to love this style with the snaps on the side so I’m going to make sure to have a couple with us.

7. Bath towel – Some people say to skip a towel, but I know I like a good, large towel when I shower so I’m going to be sure to pack one with me. I’m kind of leaning toward better safe than sorry when it comes to anything I think might make me more comfortable.

8. Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter – Speaking of small comforts, this body butter is the thing. I love the smell of Soap & Glory products and I know hospitals can be really drying so I am going to make sure to have a big thing of body butter at the ready.

9. Batiste dry shampoo – I live on dry shampoo regularly (since it has gotten so long I generally only wash my hair 2 to 3 times a week), so I will for sure by packing some with me. Depending on how things go and how long our stay is, I may not wash my hair at all.

10. EOS lip balm – Again with the dryness factor. I am never ever without lip balm anyway, but everyone keeps telling me to remember to bring lip balm of some kind so that has me a bit paranoid and prepared to pack all the lip balm things for the hospital stay.

11. Goumikids mitts – I’ve heard amazing things about these baby mitts, apparently they’re almost Houdini-proof when it comes to little ones being able to get them off. Also, they come in really adorable patterns so, you know, I’m sold!

12. Knotted baby hat – All wee little babes need a hat or two and I’m really into the simple, knit knotted caps from June & January. The colors are super bright and fun, too! I also have a smaller hat we received at our shower as a gift that I’ll bring as a back-up in case her head is little.

13. Ankle socks – Everyone says to pack warm socks for the hospital, but I actually loathe socks. I just can’t see myself wanting some huge, thick socks on my feet. I’m going to take the sock advice, but I’m opting for a smaller, thinner ankle sock instead of anything fluffy.

14. Slippers – I do see myself wanting slippers for sitting around or walking the hallways. These little slip-on ones are really cute and I like that, again, they aren’t overly insulated or fluffy. My toes like to breathe!

15. Pillow + blanket – I’m super picky about pillows and blankets, so I’m going to do myself a favor and bring a pillow and a blanket (or at least a throw) from home. People recommend not using a white pillowcase if you do bring a pillow from home (so it’s not confused with the hospital pillows accidentally) so I am going to keep that in mind.

Now it’s your turn to spill! Other than the obvious things like pads, granny pants and nipple cream (oh my!), what other things would you recommend I pack? This is one of those things I find overwhelming for some reason so I’d seriously appreciate your input. School me, friends!

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Lauren

Thursday 5th of November 2015

I wish I would've thought to bring a towel last time. That first shower after giving birth feels amazing and then the hospital gives you a thin, hard, wash-cloth sized towel. I will definitely pack a nice large towel for next time! I would add a book or an iPad to your list, just in case it takes a while for your contractions to start. I had to go to the hospital when my water broke and it took 5 hours before contractions started. There's only so much Law & Order you can watch.

Amy | Delineate Your Dwelling

Wednesday 4th of November 2015

I'm not even having a baby and this all looks so warm and inviting! Great roundup of items to pack for the big day. ;)

Cyd Converse

Wednesday 4th of November 2015

Thanks, Amy! I'm trying to keep it cozy and comfy, because I know that's where I'll draw the most emotional/mental comfort. The last time I stayed in a hospital I really was not a happy camper, I just felt so ick and out of sorts, so I'm trying to ward that off as much as possible! xoxo

Bre Bertolini

Wednesday 4th of November 2015

Eek can't believe the babe will be here so soon! So excited for you. I clearly have no input and am just taking notes from all your baby posts so I'm prepared ;)

Cyd Converse

Wednesday 4th of November 2015

Take all the notes you want, Bre! lol I've been watching YouTube videos for months (I wish I were joking) and have absorbed as much knowledge as I can.

Jeleen

Wednesday 4th of November 2015

If you plan on breastfeeding, having a nursing cami is great!

Cyd Converse

Wednesday 4th of November 2015

Thanks, Jeleen! Target seems to have some basic ones that look pretty nice without being crazy expensive. Have you ever tried those?

Dana

Tuesday 3rd of November 2015

Looks like you have it covered! When I was freaking out my mom told me the baby just needs food, somewhere to sleep, and something to wear. Everything else will fall into place!

I was super swollen after my unplanned c-section, so even some of my maternity pants weren't fitting, thanks to being pumped so full of fluids since I spiked a fever during labor. Fun fun!! So make sure you take your roomiest pants, just in case! I 2nd the flip flops and nursing pillow! The only thing I would add is maybe a small nightlight. The hospital lights are very harsh. My nurses that came to do vitals and checks like every hour were happy to leave the overhead lights off and the nightlight was nice for us to get around the room. And don't forget the chapstick, my lips were the driest they had EVER been during labor and recovery!

You will do great! Stay on top of your meds, let the nurses take care of you as much as possible, get walking (more like shuffling like a 90 year old woman for me) as soon as you can, and soak in every last moment with your precious babe! It's the best and ALL 100% worth it!

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