In case you missed it, I wrote a blog on what you really need to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery. I way over packed for the birth of my son. I found there were several things I brought that I really didn’t need. Here’s a list of what not to pack in your baby hospital bag for labor and delivery, and why so you can make the call!
In case you missed it, check out my original blog post: what you really need to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery.
My list of what NOT to pack in your baby hospital bag for labor and delivery:
Nice clothes for the hospital stay – I packed two nursing tanks and two pairs of lounge pants in my weekender bag and only used them to wear home. I found that wearing hospital gowns was the most practical option while in the hospital. Aside from in my room, I didn’t do a lot of walking around so the coverage the gown provided was fine for me. I was nursing and pumping so easy access was important. You’re also sore, bleeding, and going to the bathroom a lot, so you really don’t want to wear anything that’s tight, requires a lot of work to take on and off, or you’re attached to because it might get ruined. When visitors came I just covered up with a blanket.
**For my second delivery I was in much better shape afterward and I did eventually put on loose pants and a nursing top. If you’re unsure bring 1 set. It will be plenty.
A robe – I packed this in my baby hospital bag and again, I didn’t use it. Looking back it seems like something I would have wanted but I didn’t use it so clearly it wasn’t needed. My hospital also provided robes so I didn’t need to bring one. **Again, I did end up using the hospital robe for my second delivery.
Books/Magazines – Packed both, never took them out. Thinking is hard when you’re that tired. You just want to mindlessly watch something on TV when you have downtime. Also, sleep. Always sleep when you can.
Video Camera/Camera – I thought I’d use our video camera, which ideally I would have, but I just ended up taking videos on my phone because it was always close by.
Shampoo + Conditioner +body Wash – Now, I’m not super picky when it comes to hair care products for short term trips. If I’m going somewhere for just a couple days and I need to pack light, this would be something I would skip. I took 2 baths while I was in the hospital and only washed my hair once using the toiletries they provided. If you’re someone who needs specific hair care or body wash, you might want to pack this. Packing tip: get refillable mini bottles and fill them with your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Nursing Pads – These are small, pack them if you want to be safe, but you most likely won’t need them. Your milk won’t come in while at the hospital unless you have an extended stay so there won’t really be anything to leak. Of course this changes if you’ve been leaking leading up to labor and delivery. If so, pack them.
Slippery Shower Shoes – I was lucky enough to give birth in a brand new remodeled birth center at our hospital. I don’t think I would have needed shower shoes had I taken a shower. If you toured your birth center (which you should) and felt it looked clean you also won’t need them. I feel like rubber flip flops grip the floor well but when they get wet your feet tend to slip in them. From a safety standpoint that worries me. Also, if you have a natural birth you’ll likely want to take a bath if your room has a tub. Soaking is highly recommended to relieve lady parts pain and relax a super tired momma. If you had a C-section they won’t allow you to take a bath so a shower will be your only option.
Non-Slip Socks – These are a must, especially before you give birth, but the hospital will provide them. I personally loved these and even took them home.
Pads – Oh, don’t get me wrong, you’ll need pads. But you’ll need the mother of all pads and hospital provides all you could need or want. They also have smaller pads if you’re bleeding lightens while there. Save yours for home and take all you can from the hospital, you’ll need them.
Big Underwear – Based on others suggestions, I packed a few pairs of Hanes Bikini and Hanes High Waist underwear in my hospital bag for labor (I read you might need high waist if you have a c-section). I didn’t use them. The hospital provides disposable underwear which is just a better option when you’re bleeding heavily. If you normally spend a lot of money on nice underwear, like I do, you’ll want some cheap options at home you can toss down the road. More on that in my Post-Partum Must Haves blog.
Pillows and Blankets from Home – I did not pack these but I know a lot of people say you should. Yes, hospital pillows are flat, but they will give you all the pillows you could possibly want. Just stack several and you’re good to go. Things also get a lot messy when you’re bleeding heavily and living in a bed for a few days. You eat there, feed the baby there, and basically everything else. Don’t risk having your nice things ruined. Plus, hospitals are full of germs and bodily fluids which I don’t want my nice pillows and blankets exposed to. If you’re like me, use the hospital stuff.
Diapers + Wipes – The hospital provides nice diapers and wipes and will even give you some to take home. They have all sizes so mo matter how big your baby is you’ll be covered.
Pacifier – This is a much-debated item this early on. I packed one in our baby hospital bag just in case but never took it out. The last night we were there one of the nurses suggested a pacifier since he was a little fussy and not hungry. I said I had one with me but didn’t know if it was too early to start using it. She said it was no problem to give him one and that they had some we could have. He ended up with a teal green Soothie that he took to while there. Fast forward 3 1/2 months and he’s fine. Didn’t have issues breastfeeding, no issues taking a bottle, not attached to pacifiers in the least (though he does love his “Wubby” for snuggling).
Swaddle – A must-have but the hospital will give you one to use while there. We were given a fleece Halo Sleepsack Swaddle and loved it so much more than other brands we had purchased. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing a second Halo to have on hand for when they blow out the other. It’s not a matter of if that happens but when. Read more on the Best Swaddles to get Baby to Sleep: Halo Sleepsack Swaddles on my blog.
What did you NOT need to pack in your baby hospital bag for labor and delivery that didn’t make my list?
Add to my list of items you DON’T need to pack in your baby hospital bag by commenting below. Everyone’s different. Include why you didn’t need the item to help other moms decide if they need to pack it!
Did you actually need any of the items listed above in your baby hospital bag?
If so, help a fellow momma out; let us know why you needed them in the comments below!
Until Next Time, Happy Packing!
XO
Meghan
I am of the opinion to have it and not need it, than not have it and need it. You never know what can happen. My husband had a whole list of things that he had to bring that we did not think we needed. Pack the pacifier and the extra pads and clothes and your own body wash and underwear and and and…. We ended up having baby in ICU and extended stay for me and those comforts from home just made it a little easier. Not just practically, but emotionally as well.
Thanks for the comment, Anne!
I totally agree, better to have it and not need it. Which is why I way overpacked and why I tried to break down why I didn’t need the things I didn’t need, so you can make the call and do what you’re comfortable with! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and helping our fellow mommas out!!
XO,
Meg
I’ve always tended to over-pack to be prepared haha! I packed using my Vera Bradley weekender bag but I think I should’ve used a small suitcase. I don’t believe that I was given non-slip socks, but luckily I had packed my own. I loved bringing my own blanket and pillow. I get cold easily so this was great and it made me relaxed knowing I had familiar items to comfort me. I was hesitant on using a pacifier at first, but I packed 2 different types of pacifiers incase baby liked one over the other. She actually liked both!