When it’s almost time for baby to come there seems to be about a thousand things that come up that need to be done before baby is born. While I always had the list of things that would be easier without baby, I always prioritized figuring out my hospital bag situation.
With my son everyone had convinced me he was going to come early. From the way I was carrying him, to when I found out I was pregnant, virtually everyone I knew was telling me he’d arrive anywhere from a month to a few weeks early, so I packed my hospital bags 6 weeks early “just in case”. Naturally, kiddo had to be induced well past his due date and I awkwardly had bags sitting in my closet for two months, but whatever. I was ready y’all.
With baby two, I had learned my lesson and although I was hoping for an early birth again (I’m not a huge fan of pregnancy), I knew I might end up with a late one again, until my Dr told me she was definitely-for-sure coming 2 weeks early, and then she didn’t. I had another late one with a crazy 5 minute birth story.
As I got ready for the hospital both times I packed and repacked those bags until I figured out the ideal way to pack for the hospital.
Related: How I pack my hospital bags
I found it was easiest to pack 3 bags, this makes things easier all around. My bags were:
- Labor & delivery room
- Recovery room
- Diaper bag
Packing them this way ensures you don’t “overpack” and makes sure you only have what you need, especially in the tiny delivery rooms. You don’t need as much for the labor room, maybe a small book, a granola bar and things of that nature.
However, the recovery rooms tend to be a bit larger, and you’ll be spending more time there, hence the need for another bag filled with more than you needed during labor.
Lastly, that diaper bag I always bring empty, aside from a cute going home outfit. The hospital gives you so much paperwork, free diapers, onesies and more, you’ll need a bag to carry them all home in, and you new, empty diaper bag works perfectly for this!
As you’re organizing your bags, and getting them packed, I thought it would be helpful to have a printable that lists out what you’ll need and when you’ll need it.
You can download your free hospital list printable here. It will help you keep organized with what you’ve packed and what you haven’t so you have one less thing to worry about as you prepare for the big day!
As a special bonus, I also have a few free gifts for you from one of my affiliates.
If you plan to nurse, you can get a free nursing cover using the code: BEAUTY1 – You only pay shipping!
You can also get a free nursing pillow for free using the same code: BEAUTY1
I hope between those free products, and the printable checklist, you’ll feel all set for your big delivery day!
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