Top 10 Hospital Bag Must Haves

When you are preparing to have your newborn baby, there are so many thoughts going through your head. As an Idaho Falls newborn photographer not only do I provide my clients with stunning newborn images, but I also give you all of my experience and resources! This way when you are feeling overwhelmed with all the thoughts of how to prepare for your new bundle of joy, you have a refuge of information! Today I want to share some uncommon, as we as a few obvious, hospital bag must haves!

For Mom

Heating Pad

This item is overlooked far too often! And I swear it is the secret to surviving those painful contractions! Heat is a wonderful way to combat the uncomfortable nature of labor contractions. A lot of the time when you are giving birth in a traditional hospital setting, you will be laboring on your back. So having a heating pad in your hospital bag will give you a convenient option for labor.

Gum

Many hospitals do not encourage eating during labor. Which can get difficult when you have been there for a while! By having a stick of gum in your hospital bag you can settle your hunger for a few minutes. It also serves as a decent distraction from the labor.

Chargers

This one is a bit more obvious. But it is still worth mentioning! Bring a charger for phones, cameras and any other device you choose to bring with you. You never know how long you will be at the hospital, and you don’t want to be without a way of entertainment and communication.

Laptop

Like I said, you never know how long you will be at the hospital. Whether it is a long labor or your newborn needs a bit of extra attention. By having your laptop in your hospital bag you have access to completing a bit of work, watching a movie on bigger screen than your phone, or really whatever else you do on the computer!

Pillow & Blanket

Having a piece of home with you as you labor can bring the comfort that you need! And because you will be spending a good amount of time in your hospital bed you might as well get comfortable with your own pillow and blanket. When you pack this in your hospital bag, you are basically packing a piece of home with you.

Nursing Pads

You never know when your milk will come in, and with that you want to be prepared! Pack a few pair of nursing pads in your hospital bag just in case! I suggest investing in the reusable type, as it will save you money in the long run. These ones are easy, comfortable and easy to wash with the rest of your clothes.

For Baby

Hand Mittens

Newborns are born with the most thin and sharp nails! I am not sure what it is but newborn babies, but they always end up scratching their sweet little cheeks in the first few days of life. To avoid this discomfort for your new baby, pack a pair or two of newborn sized mittens in your hospital bag.

Cute Swaddles

Your hospital will provide swaddles for your newborn, but I always suggest bringing your own! We stock up on the cutest items for our newborns, but before we know it they out grow it all. So I say, bring your cute swaddles and use them as soon as you can! Because before your know it your little baby will be the next size up!

Baby Book

I love having a record of my children’s birth stories and first few days of memories with them. You will have plenty of down time at the hospital, so take advantage of it and write a bit in a journal or baby book! You will love looking back on those precious memories, and your baby will one day enjoy it as well.

Gender Neutral Clothing

Technology is amazing! And when predicting the gender of your baby, they are usually right. However, every once and a while they get it wrong. Bring something gender neutral in your hospital bag, just in case! It isn’t the end of the world if you bring your baby girl home in something blue, but it is nice to have an outfit that is more fitting.

I love to serve my clients! You are going through an amazing, yet overwhelming time planning for your newborns arrival. I would love to help you in any way, but especially in your newborn photography! Reach out and let’s book a date to capture these precious and fleeting moments!