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Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag for mom? After birthing twins, I now know the real maternity hospital bag must-haves.

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I checked into the hospital on the way home from a two week trip. Unbeknownst to me, I’d be staying there until delivery.

Fortunately, I had a suitcase full of stuff, but most of it was not ideal for a maternity hospital bag. When I found out I could Amazon Prime to the maternity ward, I was saved!

What to Pack in Maternity Hospital Bag for Mom

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What to pack in maternity hospital bag for mom? As a general rule, pre-delivery you’ll want things that make you feel like yourself: real clothes, makeup, comfy stuff. For post-delivery, you’ll want to pack things that make you feel like a human being: dry shampoo, fuzzy socks, a nice robe.

Now let’s dig into the details of what you need in your maternity hospital bag for mom!

1. Nice Robe(s)

When you have visitors in the hospital, or are walking down the public hall, there’s no quicker way to look decent than to throw on a comfy robe. It’s a lot easier than trying to put together an ‘outfit’ or strategically tie together two hospital robes in the hopes you don’t flash anyone.

I bought a few, but this one from Baby Be Mine was my favorite. In fact, I still wear it five months later, and it’s been mistaken for a wrap dress. (Though it’s possible my babysitter was just trying to make me feel better about still-wearing my robe in the afternoon.)

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Pro Tip: You can get away with wearing these comfy dresses as a robe/pajamas/day/night wear. At least, I think I got away with it and isn’t that the important thing?

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2. Warm Slippers

Flip-flops are essential for the shower, but some nice slippers (that kinda look like shoes) will make you feel warm and cozy. I primed these from Home Top, and still wear them around the house five months later.

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3. Comfy nightgown that works for nursing/pumping and labor outfit

I ordered several options, but this midi cotton gown from Skylin was generously sized and cute. It channeled a more sophisticated Little House on the Prairie when I wore it with my sweet robe. 🙂 I also still wear this and my husband swears it passes for a dress. It’s also great to wear after giving birth.

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4. Dry Shampoo

Lots of dry shampoo. This made me feel less like a greasy corpse under the flourescent hospital lights when I had visitors. Especially when they don’t let you shower. Buy a six pack and thank me later.

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5. Extra-Long iphone cord

All alone in the hospital is the last time you want to go device free. Order an extra long charge cord so I could stay connected. I’d also recommend a little hub or power strip so you can simultaneously have your ipad, macbook, etc charging.

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Hospital bag must haves for special situations

Here are a few additional hospital bag must-haves for special situations.

Hospital bag checklist for c section

If you’re having a c-section, there are a few more things you may want to consider.

• you may be in the hospital longer, so be sure to pack items for two to four days
• Something loose that won’t press on your incision, like this dress that was everything to me. This is great to wear after giving birth!
• Some kind of binder or wrap. I was told five hundred times that the hospital provides this, but mine didn’t. So do your research.

What to Pack in Hospital Bag for Baby

What should I pack for the hospital for baby? You really don’t need much for baby. The hospital generally provides what you need. You’re paying for it, so you might as well take advantage.

The only thing you really need for baby is a going home outfit and photo props. I would recommend getting a custom hat or outfit for the inevitable hospital pics!

What to pack in hospital bag for Dad

Things that make him feel like home. Things that entertain him or allow him to be productive.

That said, here are some ideas:

• Pillow from home
• Laptop, ipad, cords. All the cords.
• Comfy clothes
• Books

What to pack in hospital bag for labor

For actual labor you don’t need much. Bring the aforementioned robe/dress thingy for after.

Best Hospital Bag for mom

I found the best hospital bag was a hard suitcase where I could keep things organized within the bag.

YMMV, but I liked this one which made it easy to stay organized.

I could have skipped these items:

There were a number of recommended items I should have skipped. Here’s what I’d leave out next time.

Special underwear–I got sucked into the ads for the special C-section ones, but they didn’t do it for me.

Lots of snacks–The hospital feeds you three squares a day, and friends and family will likely bring you food, too. On top of all that, you’re not really that hungry.

Nursing bras–YMMV on this one. Since my fellas were in the NICU, what I actually needed were pumping bras. Five months later, I still have unworn nursing bras.

“Real”clothes–I got dressed a few times, but honestly it wasn’t worth it. Better to wear one of my everything dresses for easy access and comfort. Plus they have the best socks at the hospital. I haven’t found ones warmer and gripper than theirs!

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Other miscellaneous items to pack:

In retrospect there were a few more hospital bag must-haves I should have brought from home.

• A comfy towel. (The hospital ones were thing and terrible.)
• My own medications (you should ask if this is allowed). Things in the hospital move slowly, so if you need a Tylenol you have to wait a long time for it.
• More dry shampoo. Did I mention this one already? 🙂

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If you’ve been stuck on bed rest, which were your most-used products? Anything I should have tried? Let me know in the comments!

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Hospital Bag Must-Haves Resources

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