Archives for August 2013

So… I’m one of those weird people that likes to really research things and make extensive lists especially when it comes to packing. I was the kid that would write out a checklist of what to pack before going on a school trip. Really.

You know those crazy lists of random things they give you before Girls Camp that most people are annoyed by?? Yeah, I loved those! I was in packing list heaven! So obviously when it came time to pack mine and Klara’s bags for the hospital I went all out! I asked for help on what to bring on Instagram. I pinned tons of ‘what to pack’ posts on Pinterest. I made a list and checked and rechecked it.

I even had high hopes of taking a photo of our completely packed bags ready and waiting beside the front door… But then I went into labor two weeks early and that didn’t happen… We barely talked ourselves into taking the bags with us because I wasn’t sure I was in labor!!! haha… So instead, here’s a list of all the things I packed, needed and didn’t need.

Klara’s Hospital Bag:

• I was told not to bring diapers and wipes because the hospital provides those and they do, but I still brought a few anyway. At one of my showers I received a SafeFit Portable Diaper Changer. Moms to be… If you aren’t gifted one, they are entirely worth the purchase! It makes organizing the diaper bag so easy! And they’re really handy for just grabbing out of the diaper bag for a quick change, or carrying along with you for a walk. Highly recommended!! I fixed mine with diapers, wipes and baggies (for dirty diapers) and stuck it right in the center pocket of Klara’s bag.

• Two going home outfits. A cute little dress with bloomers and a onesie/pants outfit in case the weather was rainy or something. Plus it’s just fun to have a couple of options.
• Hair accessories to match her outfits. {I didn’t actually use these because the hospital put a cute little flower in her hair.}
• A couple of burp rags. You can never have too few of those… Never know when you might need to wipe up something.
• Swaddling blankets. I packed two, these are our favorite! They come big enough to actually swaddle your little one, some that you buy at the store don’t… And they’re a light weight muslin for the hot AZ weather.

And that’s it… That’s all we needed and didn’t even need all of it. If you’re like us and don’t live far from the hospital, you don’t need much. If you live further away you might pack a little heavier for baby.

My Hospital Bag:

• A lightweight robe. It’s nice to cover up when you have company and it’s good for keeping you warm in the chilly room.
• Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brush… your normal shower necessities. One thing though… Don’t forget your razor! I didn’t pack mine and went to the hospital with harry pits and legs (TMI, sorry) and really wished I would have taken one! Remember we were caught off guard and went in early, so don’t assume you’ll have time to shower and shave before going to the hospital!!!
• I really recommend taking one of those hanging makeup bags with all of your bathroom necessities in it! There’s not a whole lot of room in a tiny hospital bathroom, so it was nice to be able to hang my bag on the towel rack and have everything right there, easy to grab.
• Nursing tanks! I didn’t have these prior to going into labor, so my mom went and bought me one while I was in the hospital. I have since bought more and wear them practically everyday! So much more comfortable than a nursing bra and they keep your tummy covered while nursing!

• Hair ties! You probably won’t want to take the time to straighten or curl or do whatever to your hair while in the hospital. I didn’t! So it’s nice to just throw it up in a ponytail or bun. You’ll feel like you tried, but won’t waste the time really trying…. hahaha.
• Going home outfit. I wore a big t-shirt and workout sweats. Comfortable, but a tad better than just pajamas.
• Some people recommend packing a change of clothes and shower necessities for dad, but we didn’t. We live about 15 minutes from the hospital so Nate just went home to change and shower. BUT I would seriously consider packing dad a sweater. Nate did stay over night with us at the hospital and he was freezing his bum off… Just a thought!

So, that’s what I packed and what I used. Lots of ‘what to pack’ lists suggest bringing entertainment and snacks. I didn’t have them ready before I went into labor, but my labor was so quick it didn’t matter. There was no walking around the hospital, or waiting periods in the room for us so we didn’t need them. After Klara was born there were people in and out to visit, I was sleeping or nursing so I didn’t really need any entertainment afterwards either. The TV in the room sufficed. Oh, and I packed everything in a carry-on sized rolling suitcase, which worked out perfectly!

Your turn: What was the number one thing you were glad you packed when going to the hospital, or what was something you wished you’d taken??

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