Packed Bag
The Real Essentials: What I Actually Packed in My Hospital Bag (and Why I Brought My Own Makeup!)
I started packing our suitcase in my second trimester. I am so glad I didn’t wait! I enjoyed organizing, adding and removing, and getting it just right. It was something I could control!
My water broke when I was out of town so I was so glad I had already packed and my husband just had to grab the suitcase and go!
I knew I’d be exhausted, but I was determined not to ‘look dead’ in those first pictures! This list is for the mom who wants comfort and a little bit of glam.
Mama (Comfort, Beauty, and Recovery)
| Item | Why I Packed It |
| Nursing Gown & Light Robe | Much more comfortable than the hospital gown. The robe was cozy for walking the halls. |
| Sweatpants | To wear home! Something loose and comfortable for the ride. |
| Fuzzy Socks & Eye Mask | Hospital floors are cold! And the eye mask was a lifesaver for sleeping through the checks. |
| Satin Pillowcase | A little luxury from home. So much better than the scratchy hospital ones. |
| Travel Curling Brush Dryer | Quick, easy styling for those first photos. |
| The “I Don’t Look Dead” Kit | Face wash, compact, concealer, and blush. A little bit of color goes a long way for a tired mama! |
| Scrunchies/Hair Ties | You’ll need a dozen of these—trust me! |
For Baby (Snuggles and Style)
- Two Egyptian Cotton Swaddles: Soft and breathable—we skipped the thin hospital ones and used these for better snuggles.
- Two Sleepers & Socks: Simple is best! We kept the baby in simple sleepers most of the time.
- The Going-Home Outfit: Every baby needs a special outfit for the big debut!
- Lounge Clothes: To stay comfortable during the long hours.
- Comb: Quick fix for bedhead.
- Extra Blankets and a Pillow: Hospital cots are rough! This was the key to a semi-decent night’s sleep for him.
