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Baby’s Hospital Bag Guide (Giveaway)

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I am a very Type A prepared person, so you’d better believe I had my hospital bag packed and ready to go a month before my due date. I seriously laugh at what I packed now, as I had way too much stuff – for both me and Isla. If you’ve picked a good hospital, you’ll get most of your essential items while you’re there (diapers, wipes, sanitary napkins, etc.). Most hospitals offer tours during which they’ll explain what you really need to bring for you and the baby. I would say the most important thing to remember is the car seat, as they won’t let you go home without it!

Although I am by no means an expert mom already, I do know what I’ll be bringing to the hospital for baby #2 – just the essentials (i.e. not 6 different outfit options like last time!). My friend, Julie, raved that her large L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag is perfect for a baby’s hospital bag. L.L.Bean kindly sent me one to try, and I agree with Julie – I love it. It is really sturdy, has a top zipper, and fits everything you need to bring (even the Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow!).

When it comes to baby’s clothing/accessories, Carter’s has the best selection of every single baby essential item, which includes swaddle blankets, mittens, hats, socks, sleeper gowns, long-sleeved onesies, footed pajamas and pacifier clips. Even if you’re ‘against’ pacifiers like my husband once was (he’s definitely changed his opinion now!), I recommend bringing a few MAM pacifiers just in case. Trust me: This is all you need. I’ve listed a few optional items below as well, but if you stick with the ‘necessities’ list, you’re golden.

Necessities

Optional Items

  • Monogrammed slippers or blankets – we love Seaside Stitchery!
  • Personalized baby book for guests to sign (and to photograph!) – we love Emily Ley’s!
  • Diapers, wipes, rash cream (or use those provided by the hospital!) – we love Honest Co.!

LLBeanAnd the best part of all is that L.L.Bean, Carter’s, Dr. Brown’s and MAM have all partnered with Snapshots & My Thoughts to offer one lucky reader an entire baby hospital bag set, which includes every single ‘necessity’ item. The winner will get to choose between the boy or girl options (or gender neutral) and pick the color and monogram of their L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag. I’m so jealous! I would have loved this for Isla! The giveaway ends on Friday, April 24 at 11:59pm. Good luck!

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In My Hospital Bag

I have read no less than 20 lists of what to bring in one’s hospital bag – some are extensive, others are more minimal. I tend to overpack, so I’m probably in the former category (especially with all of Isla’s outfits – whoops). Whenever I travel, I pack outfits into gallon size Ziploc bags – helps keep me organized! So naturally, Isla has 12 outfits organized in baggies.

DSC_0960Ready to go!

It’s hard as a first-time mom to know what to pack, so it’s helpful to read others’ suggestions on what to pack when heading into delivery!

Some of my favorite lists:

Hook Thread and TinkerSimply Sadie Jane, and Workman Family

So, what’s in my bag? And Isla’s? And Sasha’s? Well, some things are still ‘to-be-packed-when-contractions-start,’ but the lists are as follows:


My Hospital Bag

1 old throw-away robe

2 pairs of pajamas (one Target nightie and one cute pair from Anthro, which I will likely regret?)

6 pairs of Hanes full-coverage underwear

2 Bravado nursing bras

1 pair of Lululemon Still Pants (per Mara’s suggestion!)

1 Motherhood nursing tank

1 pair of Old Navy yoga shorts

1 pair of Gap maternity leggings

1 Pickwick and Weller t-shirt (so comfy)

1 Loft maternity t-shirt

3 pairs of old socks

Slippers

Rainbow flip flops (from college! Still love them)

Belly Bandit (judge me if you wish!) – will be wearing this Wink one after a few weeks!

Travel Size Toiletries (Toothbrush, Soap, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Conditioner, etc.)

Hair Brush, Hair Dryer, Curling Iron, Headbands

Makeup (including Eos Lip Balm)

Aveeno Lotion

Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads, Lanolin and Nursing Pads

Kotex Maxi Pads

Boppy Pillow and this cover

Non-white pillow cover and comfy pillow


Isla’s Hospital Bag*

Honest Co. Diaper Wipes

Honest Co. Newborn and Size 1 Diapers

Mittens (these J. Crew ones in different sizes and colors and plain white ones)

Heart J.Crew onesie and Stripe J. Crew onesie (Newborn and 0-3 Months)

Assortment of Gap Baby onesies

2 pink caps

Infant nail file

Newborn Aspirator

2 Aiden + Anais swaddle blankets

1 Summer Infant SwaddleMe

*Packed in my Kate Spade Stevie Diaper Bag


Sasha’s Hospital Bag

Blanket (in case hospital is cold!)

Pajamas

Toothbrush

2 iPads

iPad, iPhone, Camera chargers

Camera

Snacks (Sugarfree candy, gum, crackers, water, etc.) and change for vending machines


Any experienced mothers out there with suggestions on things to remove or add? I have two weeks left (convinced it’ll be more like three), so plenty of time to order additional items or repack! It is helpful to bring your own pump to the hospital with you? Any and all advice is welcome.

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