Before Baby P arrived, one challenging experience was packing for the hospital for the first time. I didn’t want to look like we were moving in, but I didn’t want to forget anything important. After much research, and surveying experienced moms, I packed accordingly.

I did pack for a vaginal birth, but I did end up having a c-section. Everything I list below is for my stay after the c-section.

When we finished, we packed all of our items in one carry-on wheeled bag and one half-full backpack:

Mom’s Items:

• Two pajama sets: I made sure both had nursing-friendly tops. Here are links for my two pajamas: Eve Alexander | Due Maternity
• Slippers for the hospital: UGG
• Shower shoes
• A comfy robe: Ralph Lauren
• A going home dress: I highly recommend a dress heading home. I definitely didn’t want to mess with pants this early postpartum. Also make sure you have a nursing-friendly under garment to wear. Old Navy | Tory Burch | Medela
• Extra long phone charger: The 10ft charger came in handy. My phone could charge and still reach my bed. Just Wireless

I also had a small toiletries bag:

• Small mirror: This came in very handy when putting in my contacts and throwing on makeup. Amazon
• Makeup bag: I included tinted moisturizer, blush, eyeliner, and mascara. It really felt good to put some make up on when heading home. It made me feel/look like me after spending so much time in the hospital.
• Face-cleansing wipes: This came in handy when I stayed in bed and still wanted to feel fresh. Neutrogena
• Extra contacts, contact case, and glasses
• Face wash
• Dry Shampoo Not Your Mother’s
• Actual shampoo and conditioner
• Hairbrush
• Lotion
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair ties
• Cute hair bands

Dad’s Items:

• Different pants: He brought comfy shorts, sweatpants, khaki shorts, and jeans. He wanted to be prepared for any type of weather. This ended up being good because I kept the room VERY cold! Nike | Hurley | Dockers
• Slippers: UGG
• Different tops: A long-sleeve tee, a short-sleeve tee, and a nicer polo shirt for coming home. Under Armour | Under Armour | Puma
• A last-minute sweatshirt: This came in very handy. I don’t think he ever took it off.

The Backpack (filled with Baby P’s items):

• Three sets of newborn clothes: This included an outfit with matching beanie and socks.
• Mittens for hands
• Three swaddle blankets
• Two burp cloths
• Our nice camera for snapping all our visitors

In the Car:

We left some items in the car in case we needed them. Fortunately, we were glad we did! We didn’t bring these things with us initially, but Super Dad went and got them as needed:

• A blanket for Dad’s bed: This is a must! The hospital provided sheets for Dad’s bed, but with the room being so cold, he needed more coverage!
• Two pillows for Mom and Dad: It was nice having our own pillows, especially after staying at the hospital so long.
• Baby P’s carrier: We didn’t need this until we left the hospital, so we left it in the car. Britax
• An extra bag: We actually didn’t end up using this extra bag because everything fit in the backpack. We took all of the items the hospital provided us – I mean we already paid for it! This included the leftover diapers and wipes, the suction bulb, and more. If you don’t have any room left in your bags, I recommend keeping a spare bag in the car to pack when leaving the hospital.

I hope these lists help any future first-time moms when packing, and I wish you all the most wonderful experience with your labor and delivery!