Expecting a baby soon and want to make sure you packed everything you need?  These recommendations are from my newborn clients and friends as well as coming from my own experience.  I will admit I am writing this blog post for a little bit of selfish reasons – I’m expecting my third child next month and worried I’ll forget something still!  Some excited moms out there will pack shortly after the beginning of their third trimester, but I would recommend closer to about 36 weeks.

Things you could bring to the hospital:

• Your own pillows
• Extra blankets for you and your husband (I left them in the car just in case – but I always ended up needed them)
• Toiletries (go for travel-sized as much as possible)
  • chapstick
  • face wash or facial wipes
  • pony tail holder
  • hairbrush
  • toothbrush/toothpaste
  • deodorant
  • shampoo/conditioner
  • lotion
  • contact case/solution
  • dry shampoo
• Robe – I prefer knee-length so it doesn’t get in the way while using the restroom
• Clothes easy to nurse in – but I just kept my robe on most of the time so you don’t need much
• Slippers, flip flops, or multiple pairs of slip-free socks
• Nursing sleeping bras
• Nursing pillow
• Few maternity pairs of underwear you’re okay if they get ruined
• Phone charger with an extra long cord
• Sleeping mask
• Ipad or laptop to watch a movie on
• Comfy going home outfit for Mom
• Going home outfit for Baby (extra one just in case)
• Bath towels if you don’t like the thin hospital towels
• Light snacks
• Insurance card & photo ID’s
• Car seat for baby & little blanket for the car ride home
• Eye glasses if you wear them
• Camera

Things you probably don’t need to bring:

• Make-up unless you’re planning on doing Fresh 48 pictures
• A lot of clothes and swaddles for Baby (I just swaddled with the hospital ones and did lots of skin-to-skin so baby clothes weren’t really needed)
• A lot of clothes for Mom aren’t needed if you are bringing a robe
• Diapers and wipes (remember to take home what’s left over from the hospital room)
• Feminine products (you can also take what’s left home)
• Vaseline & gauze if your baby is being circumcised (hospital provides that)

 

Remember, if you think you’re over-packing you can always leave items in the car and send out your partner to retrieve the items as needed.  They’ll probably like getting out of the hospital room for a moment anyway.

Last, but not certainly least, be sure to contact your newborn photographer once you get settled at home with Baby to schedule your session.  I try to photograph newborns between about 6-14 days, but I also photograph newborns a little older as well. Some moms will contact me while they’re in the hospital, but I certainly don’t expect that.

Good luck and I hope this list helps a lot of expecting mothers out there!