1st time mom review series // hospital bag checklist

Here is my original list of items that I had pulled together from various resources including our prenatal classes, Google searches, online checklists, friends and family members - along with notes on what actually happened :)

I know, I know - it looks like I was planning on packing for a month long trip to Europe but I just kept an on-going list while I was pregnant of all the "tips" that people give you along the way. You will quickly see what worked and what didn't.

• Baby "Wear Home Outfit" My mom bought baby Charlotte an adorable Carter's newborn sweatsuit for us to bring her home in. It was a hit and I am so glad we had a special outfit for her that fit ... almost.

• Bathing Suit for Dad My water broke two weeks early so my husband didn't have anything put together for himself. This was not necessary.
• Birth Outfit (PJ pants, sports bra, nursing tank or nightgown) I wore a hospital gown until I thought I was transported to hell because it was so hot, and then I was naked. Don't bother ruining any of your own clothes.
• Birth Plan We only had a few requests and just talked to the nurse when we got to the hospital. Didn't have anything in writing.
• Book/Kobo/Magazines Like there would have been a time to read anyways.
• Breast Pads Unless you have a C-section, you will be home before these are even necessary.
• Breastfeeding Pillow I couldn't be bothered and I only started using mine in the last week or so.
• Breath Mints They say this helps with your dry mouth during labour but they really just helped my husband's breath.
• Camera A MUST.
• Camera Charger A MUST.
• Car Seat A MUST. Install early in the vehicle you will be taking to the hospital. Like a month early just in case.
• Chapstick/Lip Gloss A MUST. For the hospital and when you get home. Your lips will get dry.
• Diapers Play dumb and anything you think the hospital can provide, don't pack. Why not get the most out of your experience?
• Face Cloth I brought but did not use.
• Facial Towels I brought but did not use.
• Fan I didn't bring one but if I knew what my experience was going to be, I would have thought about it because I was so hot while I was pushing. In two minutes I was butt naked and a nurse had to fan me with a piece of paper.
• Flip Flops I brought but did not use. Yes the hospital floor is disgusting but it is cool and feels good on the soles of your feet.
• Hair Dryer/Straightener I didn't bring but wish I had.
• Gatorade/Water We packed a cooler full of drinks and I was so happy to have Gatorade because if not, I would have had to have water or watered down apple juice the whole time. And the water was nice so that we didn't have to call a nurse or venture to the kitchen for more.
• Glasses A must for me.
• Baby Blanket Used one to keep baby girl warm on the way home and another two receiving blankets to use as a head rest in the car seat.
• Ice Paks I brought but did not use.
• iPhone Charger A must.
• Labour Notes We did a series of prenatal classes and I brought all my notes with me. Didn't refer to them much but was glad I had them.
• Loofa I brought but did not use.
• Make-Up I brought but did not use.
• Massager We had a hand massager and my husband used it on me for a bit but it wouldn't have been a big deal if it wasn't there.
• Mom "Wear Home Outfit" New yoga pants and a yoga jacket did the trick for me!
• Music
• Note Pad/Pen I brought but did not use.
• Nursing Bra They suggest going shopping for nursing bras after the baby is born but I had a friend give me two so I brought them with me. They did the trick but oh how I miss underwire!
• Onsies I brought three onesies with me - newborn size. Everyone said to bring a few newborn outfits "just in case" but it turns out she was swimming in all of them so what I really needed was a few preemie outfits.
• Pillows A must for you and your husband/partner. Hospital pillows suck!
• Purse/Wallet Put on the list so you don't forget!
• Underwear It is amazing how much blood there is. Sorry - it's a fact. I bought some extra cotton undies but actually wore the mesh underwear/pad contraptions they give you at the hospital. Some people say
• Robe I was really glad I had a light, cotton robe with me for breastfeeding in the beginning because I had zero clue what I was doing. I would go out and buy some nicer nursing clothes if we plan on a #2 in the future.
• Slippers I brought but did not use. See above flip flop comments.
• Snacks for Mom and Dad I have never been more hungry in my life! Snacks are a must because nothing is open late at night.
• Socks I brought but did not use. See above flip flop and slipper comments.
• TENA Pads Use the hospitals. And take extras home.
• Toilet Paper Use the hospitals. And take extras home.
• Toiletry Bag I always have one ready to go so this was easy for me to grab and it had everything I needed in it.
• Towels I brought but did not use.
• Unscented Lotion for Massages I brought but did not use.

What was your must have for your trip to the hospital?

Are you a 1st Time Mom and trying to figure it out as you go along too? Feel free to leave me a comment with any questions and I will be more than happy to get back to you. Thanks for reading!