What Every Mom Needs To Know Before Packing Their Hospital Bag- What NOT To Bring
So, you've found out What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag. Congratulations! I know that there are so many moms out there letting you know what they packed in their hospital bag, or what they wish they had packed, but I'm here to let you know what you should avoid packing! I've already shared with you exactly what to pack to make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible, but in order for my mission to be complete, I have to share my knowledge about what items only get in the way. Trust me!
As a labor and delivery nurse, when I see what some people are packing and lugging into the hospital, sometimes I cannot believe my eyes. You would think that they were on their way to their summer vacation and just happened to stop by the hospital first.
I'll bet those women go home after delivery thinking, “Man, I wish I had known what I actually needed before I packed my hospital bag”. Lucky you, you're here now.
If you haven't made your way over to last week's post yet, here is the Free Printable Hospital Bag Checklist to make sure you have everything you need when the time comes to deliver!
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You Are Not Alone
First things first, you should know where this is all coming from. Mostly, I made this list after seeing what people bring into the hospital and reading what people suggest you bring. The biggest mistake that people make when packing their hospital bags is assuming they have to think of everything.
You don't.
The hospital provides you with most of the things that come to mind when you think of what you need in labor and postpartum. What you actually have to think about is if you are willing to use what is provided to you. In the Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist that I told you about earlier, I discussed the things that I am certain you're going to want to bring and the things that you might want to bring for yourself.
In this post, on the other hand, are the things that I am certain you do not need to bring. Trust my advice or you'll have to watch your husband lug around 3 suitcases, a birthing ball, 2 pillows, and a comforter. Imagine that happening while you're expecting him to push your wheelchair or hold your hand on your way up to the unit. Not fun.
Let's jump right in to the good (or not so good) stuff, girls. Here are all the things that you can feel confident about leaving at home on D-day.
What You Do NOT Need
For Your Hospital Stay
- More than two bags TOTAL– Bring only the amount of stuff that your husband can carry by himself with something else in his hands. I guarantee there will be something else. Either he's going to be pushing your wheelchair or holding something that you've acquired during your stay. I suggest one backpack for him + baby, and one large duffle bag for you.
- Medications of any kind – including prenatals! Any medication that you need will most likely be at your disposal. Plus, most of the time you won't be allowed to take outside medications while under the care and supervision of the doctors and nurses in the hospital. The reason for this is to make sure there are no medication errors or compatibility issues between what you're taking and what the hospital is giving you.
- A Water Bottle– The hospital provides you with a jug of water that you'll be able to use to avoid lugging around your favorite cup. If you're bringing your own because you plan to never drink the water from the hospital, you are going to bring need A LOT of bottles. Labor is exhausting, you'll be thirsty. Breastfeeding is exhausting, you'll be thirsty. You probably won't be able to bring enough water to last your whole stay so the water bottle might be a little bit of a waste of hand space on your way up.
- Entertainment– Unless you are going in to get induced, you aren't going to have a ton of time for entertainment. You'll have a TV in your room and your phones. That's probably all you'll have time for. Magazines, books, and movies is just wishful thinking that you're not going to be completely consumed in labor, birth, and then a newborn baby. And Dad? His job is to coach, support, and motivate you. If he's on his laptop while you're in pain or pushing, that's not cool. So he'll be a little pre-occupied as well (hopefully).
Related Read: Dads In The Delivery Room: What NOT To Do
- Your own towels – Yeah, the towels at the hospital aren't the largest, softest, most dreamy towels you've ever allowed to touch your silky skin, but they'll do. How many showers do you expect to take? Probably just one. So, although you might miss your towels in the moment, you'll be glad you didn't stuff your suitcase full of towels that you had to keep track of and then bring back home with you at the end of the day.
- Hand Sanitizer– The hospital has hand sanitizer everywhere. If you want all of your visitors to wash their hands before visiting you and baby, there is a dispenser outside (and inside) every room.
- Those mesh undies that everyone is talking about – Yes, they are super convenient and fairly comfortable. But you really don't need to waste your money on bringing these to the hospital. Buy them for home if you need more. But in my opinion, the hospital will provide you with plenty of them.
- Pads– The hospital will provide you with the thickest, longest pads you have ever seen in your life. You'd think your whole uterus was going to fall out by the size of their pads. They also have medium and small sizes for you too. You'll definitely need to stock up on pads for your postpartum recovery kit at home, but until you get there, save your money and use the ones the hospital provides.
- Tucks Pads and Dermoplast – I made sure to put these things on my postpartum recovery checklist. They are super important for recovery. But you absolutely do not have to bring them to the hospital with you! Buy some and keep them in your postpartum recovery kit at home for your 6 weeks of recovery. While you are in the hospital you are going to have access to Tucks Pads and Dermoplast. Just ask your nurse for some.
- Peri Bottle– An essential for postpartum recovery, for sure, but they will provide you with one at the hospital. No need to bring your own. Keep yours at home in your postpartum recovery kit.
- Breast Pump– The hospital has breast pumps for you to use while you are there. Don't worry, you get your own never-used pump parts to use with the hospital-grade pump. Only the machine itself is re-used. So there is usually no need to haul your entire breast pump and all of it's parts to the hospital. You probably will never need to pump in the hospital unless your baby goes to the NICU. If you do end up needing to pump, just use theirs.
- Nipple Cream– Your nurse will give you sample sizes if you need it while you're there. Take advantage of what you can get for free. No need to dive into your bottle at home if you can use up a sample size first. Even if, for some reason, your hospital doesn't provide nipple cream, your colostrum is the most soothing thing you can put on your sore nipples anyway.
- Leggings – I know that they are the best thing on the planet, especially for pregnant women. I'm with you on that one. But they are not the best thing ever when you have a large pad stuffed in them.
- Anything you don't want to get dirty– There is so much happening to your body. So much leaking. You'll be leaking from your boobs and your under carriage and no matter how many pads you stuff places, there is bound to be leaks. Plus, it's a hospital. The general rule of thumb should be if you don't want it dirty, don't bring it to the hospital. If you'd cry if it got stained forever, leave it at home.
For Your Baby
- Your diaper bag– All of your babies things should fit into the bag your partner is packing. You don't need to bring diapers, wipes, or burp cloths. You will get to dirty all of these things for free! Yay! Keep that precious diaper stash untouched until baby comes home.
- Your nursing pillow – I know! Shocking! I LOVE my nursing pillow. But I swear that you do not need it. It's bulky, it's big, it has to be carried in because it doesn't fit in your bag, bleh. Plus, do you really want that thing getting hospital juice all over it? I feel like I wouldn't want to risk it getting dirty.Postpartum units have plenty of pillows to help you prop up baby to help you breastfeed. I'm pretty sure I had at least 8 pillows in my bed by the time I was discharged from the hospital. Take advantage of the hospital's resources. Leave the nursing pillow at home.
- Multiple outfits for baby– I know that these outfits are to die for and you can't wait to get your little peanut in them, but the hospital might not be the place for them. Bring a white onesie and a going home outfit for the hospital. Let that be all. Most of the time in the hospital your baby will be naked for skin to skin or swaddled in a blanket. The hospital usually has little shirts for you if you need to put her in something but there is no need to bring a bunch of outfits.
- Formula and bottles– Even if you choose not to breastfeed, formula and bottles will be provided by the nurses. Call the hospital to find out what kind of formula they use.
You're Going To Need A Lot At Home
All of the items that I listed for you above are awesome products. You will need them, don't get me wrong. I absolutely do not think that you can survive postpartum recovery without pads – lots of them. I just know that you don't need to be packing them in your hospital bag.
So, now that you know everything there is to know about what to pack in your hospital bag, what not to pack in your hospital bag, and have the checklist to keep you organized, now you're ready to make sure your home is ready for Postpartum Recovery at home as well.
There is a lot that goes into having a baby. Don't let taking care of yourself fall to the wayside. Make sure that you are taking bits of “mommy me time” here and there, getting out every once in a while, and staying healthy physically and mentally. You're baby needs you at your best but loves you even at your worst. Congrats, Mama, you're almost there and I can't wait to hear all about your motherhood journey that is only just beginning with this little one.
Leave a comment below letting me know what you packed in your hospital bag when you were having your baby. Are you pregnant now? What do you think is the most important thing that you're going to pack?
Ep. 19. What Every Mom Needs To Know Before Packing Their Hospital Bag- What NOT To Bring
I know that there are so many moms out there letting you know what they packed in their hospital bag, or what they wish they had packed, but I'm here to let you know what you should avoid packing! I've already shared with you exactly what to pack to make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible, but in order for my mission to be complete, I have to share my knowledge about what items only get in the way. Trust me!
As a labor and delivery nurse, when I see what some people are packing and lugging into the hospital, sometimes I cannot believe my eyes. You would think that they were on their way to their summer vacation and just happened to stop by the hospital first.
I'll bet those women go home after delivery thinking, “Man, I wish I had known what I actually needed before I packed my hospital bag”. Lucky you, you're here now.
If you haven't made your way over to last week's post yet, here is the Free Printable Hospital Bag Checklist to make sure you have everything you need when the time comes to deliver.
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What To Read Next:
- The Ultimate Guide To Packing Your Hospital Bag: What To Bring When You're Having A Baby
- 17 Natural Ways To Induce Labor Yourself
- Dads In The Delivery Room: What NOT To Do
- 13 Of The Absolute Best Pregnancy Tips For First Time Moms
- Stop Worrying, We've Got It Covered: 6 Things Your Labor Nurse Wished You'd Let Go Of
I gave my son birth in German hospital. Before that I had got many information from my midwife. There are so many must-does in Germany that I would not make any mistake. However your post is still much in detail. Nice to learn more and thanks.
Wow! This is actually really helpful. I do not have any kids and I’m also not pregnant but this gave me a lot to think about in the event I do ever become pregnant.
Great info! And so true… The hospital provides so much, I just bring comfy clothes ha ha and things to help in labor.
nice and simple. I love it!
I love your delivery bag checklist. Its equipped with all of the necessary essentials.
Thank you, Shatoria! I’m glad you like it!
Great advice! We packed so much stuff our first time around, 2nd time around we did way better! Great list and advice for first time Mothers.
Thank you Brigitte! That seems to be a trend. The second time around, you’re a pro!
Very informative and funny! I agree to most everything..lol … It’s all a sleep deprived 2 days usually that you are there and you are exhausted / uncomfortable and in pain… But the hospitals really do provide you with most things. I will shareyour site with a friend on her way to hospital soon!
Thank you sue! I’m glad you found it informative! I hope your friend finds it useful. Wish her luck for me. =]
These are always so handy. I don’t agree with some of the “do not take” but it might be because of different hospital experiences. And you’re totally right, no more than two bags! And ideally just one (but probably not realistic… Ahaha).
Yes! One bag is even better for sure! But I guess since your husband needs stuff too, two bags is realistic. The problem lies in the size of the bags! ?
My son is 16 – I don’t remember what I had in my hospital bag LOL. This is a useful article! Thanks!
Thanks Dominique!
About to have baby #3 in the next couple weeks and I whole-heartedly agree with your “do not bring” list. My hospital provides everything for the baby even clothes and blankets and everything for mom even mesh undies and witch hazel pads. I will say my go to hospital outfit has been black cotton pajama pants (these fit slightly looser than your typical legging. Plus they’re cotton. And dark fabrics are your friend) and nursing tank tops. Then when I head home I just throw a longer flowy top over that and it hides the “panty line” and the nursing tank. All my babies have been born in the spring though so I can’t speak to winter wear.
Good post!
Congratulations on baby number 3! It is surprising what the hospital actually provides for you, isn’t it? I think your go-to hospital outfit is genius! Sounds perfectly comfortable and functional, which is so important. Thanks Megan!
I was not given prenatal vitamins, nipple cream, burp clothes, or newborn diapers when I had my daughter nearly 4 months ago.
I even requested the newborn diapers and burp clothes and they said they only provide size 1 diapers and blankets, so I had to use blankets to wipe my baby’s mouth.
So strange, Katie! Every hospital that I’ve ever worked at provides size Newborn and Size 1 diapers! Nipple cream is usually considered a medication that needs to be requested before they provide it. Prenatal vitamins are definitely given at most (if not all) hospitals! They won’t give you a bottle of them to take home but just like Tylenol, Motrin, Nipple cream, hemorrhoid cream, or any other medication, it will be given to you as prescribed by your doc! If they don’t offer it up to you, just ask!
Our hospital only gives out a small amount of diapers and pads and two pairs of mesh undies. They also said to bring a lot of the things that you mention we don’t need.
I’m in Canada, so our healthcare is covered, which I guess also means budgeting what they give you. The nurse at our tour said they aren’t supposed to give you anything more than what they supply you with at the beginning.
Oh, yeah it might be different in Canada! I’m in the US. In all hospitals I have been to or worked at they give you as many pads, diapers, wipes, etc that you need during your stay! I can’t imagine that if you ran out of diapers they would refuse to give you more. How crazy would that be, right!? Imagine, sending family out to buy diapers so that you don’t make a mess all over the place since they won’t give you more ? I hope that’s not the case!
When my 2nd was born at 10lbs 10oz all they had were nb diapers and she barely fit in them.. the hospital did not have size 1 at all. I also was not provided a prenatal, not that I was thinking about it at the time.
Actually I brought my pregnancy support pillow with me when I had my first son and it was so helpful! Even the nurses mentioned what a good idea it was to have during my long labor. It helped so I could be on my side comfortably while the epidural and catheter did their jobs. I know everyone’s different, but it was worth it to me to have the extra comfort. This time around, I plan on bringing my Boppy (a suggestion I’ve seen on many planned C-Section checklists), but I may save the new covers for the pillow until I get home.
That’s awesome, mama! Whatever works!
Soon to be second time mom here (at the end of the month) and I absolutely LOVE this post and your blog!!!! was scrolling through pinterest for refreshers and your post is beyond refreshing! Thank you for taking the time to write and share your expertise! Simply the best.
You are very welcome! It is my pleasure!
This is a great list for a chronic over-packer like myself!!! Thank you!!!
Girl, I am an over-packer too! You aren’t alone.
Im in Canada, with my 1st they gave me everything minus stool softener and my medications, with my 2nd they gave me nothing but a peri bottle and pads…. they didn’t even clean up after delivery, I was so glad I brought a 2nd sleeper and a few diapers and wipes just in case! This time around I am bringing enough for 48 hrs and if we are there longer, my hubby can pick up more from home
I also bring my own medications because I can’t miss a day of them and they never seem to figure that out, so I tell them exactly what I have and when, they don’t tend to argue.
This is a fantastic post! I’m a soon to be second time mom myself I’m also a pediatrician who rounds on newborns. I will add that one of the smaller units where I work is very stingy with their breast pumps. We use them in the hospital after baby is born if we are having trouble with latch, watching glucoses or wet diapers or jaundice ect.. I do think most hospitals are better about this but I would ask if it’s available if desired on a hospital tour if possible.
Oohh. Good tips! If you anticipate needing a to pump while in the hospital, you might want to look into this!
So true! My city is quiet small and they don’t give out pumps or formula if they don’t have to. I have a few premade Enfamil bottles in my bag incase they don’t want to give them to me and try to argue with me for the 3rd time to bresstfeed. Many medical professionals are fabulous but it just takes 1 to make your stay a nightmare.
Thank you so much for your advice. It’s my 1st baby and I feel a little lost with what to bring… and is giving me some stress + COVID 19.
You are very welcome, Stefania. I understand the stress of COVID 19. It’s a time full of uncertainty. The good news is that there isn’t much change in what you should pack for the hospital. Bring all of the same stuff that you would bring even if there wasn’t a pandemic to worry about. The difference might be that you have less visitors and you might be staying at the hospital for a shorter period of time after birth. You’ve got this girl. Stay strong and be confident in the decisions that you make! Let me know if I can help in any way.
As a momma delivering during COVID, I will probably be breaking a lot of these rules. I’ve been told by my doctor that no visitors are allowed (other than my husband). She warned me that if he leaves my room he may not be allowed back in and he definitely will not be allowed back into the host if he leaves the premises to get food or other items (no visitors so nobody can bring anything in for us). Plus no on site tours to see what might be in our rooms. I figure there is enough uncertainty delivering in this weird situation that I’d rather err on the side of looking like I’m moving in and have the nurses make fun of my 3 bags than risk not bringing something.
Luckily, none of these are rules. Just suggestions. It’s very true that during this pandemic, hospital rules and regulations have changed a lot. On the unit that I work on, we are only allowing one visitor for the entirety of the hospital stay and that visitor cannot come and go. So, in this situation (until the COVID-19 regulations are lifted) we are recommending the support person to bring the bags (still the same amount of stuff, honestly) up to labor and delivery the first time he comes up. We also recommend that he brings food since he won’t be able to leave the unit. Other than that, it’s all the same! Do whatever makes you comfortable. It’s all about you at this point. My goal is to always give recommendations and suggestions that help you make decisions for yourself that you won’t regret. Whatever that means for you, go for it!
Not all medical centers in the us are this resource rich. There are still rural parts of the country that will not hand out nipple cream and mesh undies on demand. Some places have one or two breast pumps per floor so women take turns. Its great that you clearly work in a big thriving hospital but some country clinics where women give birth are not this equipped.
Thanks for the thoughtful response!
WOW. This is amazing advice! I’ve been reading other posts and I’m thinking “do I really need to take all of that because I’m sure the hospital provides that..?” This info was REASSURING and so HELPFUL in my confidence that I don’t need to be overly prepared to enjoy my newborn and hospital stay. Thank you!
I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Yeah, over-packing is the worst. Just contact your hospital to make sure that they provide the things that I’ve listed because every hospital is different. But for the most part, this is what is common! Good luck!
I agree on most of this but I’d bring my nursing pillow it sucked without it and wished I brought the first time. The hospital pillows aren’t great no matter how many you have.
Thanks for the input, Jessica!
Can tell you are from the US 😂
Nearly everything on this list you have to take yourself in the UK. If you need a towel, it’s a small one that only just goes around you wide enough to cover your torso.
If you need pads they only provide small ones (in my opinion ones that are for lighter flows)
They will not provide baby milk unless you were adamant to breast feed and can’t.
The pillows and blankets in UK hospitals are quite nice though.
You’re advised to take your own medication but as I wasn’t on any I don’t know if you use if or if they provide extra.
Agree with the bags,I used 1 *carry on* sized suit case. 😀
Isn’t it crazy how it can be so different in different parts of the world? Thanks for the insight!
Yes, the hospital provides you with all the medications y oh will need after birth but, they will also charge you ridiculous amounts for it. I remember looking at my bill and seeing a charge fir $10 for a dose of Tylenol, $7 for an iron pill, $7 for stool softener. Bringing your own meds may be frowned upon but, I say do it. Refuse the hospitals and take your own.