The Over Packer’s Guide To Packing your Hospital Bag

Just to be clear, I’m writing this post in protest to all of the pinterest-y posts on Hospital bag checklists. Do a quick search and you’ll find things like: “Minimalist Hospital bag checklist”, “only packing the essentials for your Hospital Bag”, and “What you really need for your Hospital bag”.

ugh.

Did I try to follow these guides? Yes.

And completely failed. Why, you ask? Well, I’m a classic over packer.

I spent weeks reading these posts and trying to follow these checklists, only to be left stressed and confused.

Don’t get me wrong, they all have good advice. Perhaps better advice than what I’m going to give you today…

But when it came to finally packing my bags, I abandoned the minimalist lists and just did things my way.

Sure, I packed the essentials they mentioned, but I also added things like extra clothes, all of my toiletries, etc. First time mom here, and I just wasn’t sure what i’d really want/need.

We walked in to the hospital looking like we were there for a week’s vacation. (But then again, you should see what I actually pack for a week long vacation…)

Do I regret the way I packed? Absolutely not.

You see, sister, you are about to experience one of the biggest, most important moments of your life.

Why would you stress about packing and preparing in a way that isn’t natural to you?

Bottom line: if packing up half your house and planning for every possible scenario puts your mind at ease, go for it.

Now obviously, I tried to keep things reasonable. I didn’t pack 12 outfits or any heels (although Kate Middleton did, so that’s not entirely out of the question)

We were armed with a medium sized suitcase (no weekender bag for this girl!) stuffed full of clothing, snacks, and things to entertain us. I also had a separate (embarrassingly large) bag for my makeup and hair care, a gift basket of goodies for the hospital staff, and several pillows from home.

So if you’re curious, and are looking for an exhaustive list of what you might need (and then some), here was my list:

Click here to download:

hospital bag checklist

A note on things i didn’t pack:

(based on advice from more experienced mama friends)

1. big mesh underwear, pads, numbing spray, and a peri bottle- my hospital provided these for me. If yours does, take advantage of this and take home whatever they’ll give you!

2. diaper bag- my hospital provided diapers, wipes, baby wash and lotion for her first bath, hat, onsies, and a swaddle. If you’re heading straight home after the hospital, you’ll have no need for the diaper bag. Again, take home whatever baby supplies the hospital will give you!

What I’m trying to say is that In the end, no one will really care how/what you packed. No one will probably even notice, except your husband who will have to carry everything. If he’s anything like my sweet Husband, he’s probably used to your over packing ways and will simply want you to be comfortable. So go ahead, pack whatever and however puts your mind at ease, and focus on a healthy delivery!

Maybe next baby (Lord willing), I’ll pack a bit less. Maybe not…

#packinglist #printables #Hospitalbag #birth #Motherhood