What I’m Packing in My Hospital Bag (for Baby #2)

Curious to know what I’m packing in my hospital bag for baby #2? Find out the things I am bringing again from the first time, what I’m leaving, and what I don’t want to forget!

It’s funny how our process changes the more kids we have. With my first delivery, I spent hours pouring over Pinterest to find out what should be in my hospital bag, and had them ready to go by like 36 weeks *just in case*.

I ended up using some of the items, forgetting some, and wishing I had others (all of which I shared in this packing post stating what I would do differently if I could pack my hospital bag again).

And now that I get the chance to, my bag was still sitting half packed at 38 1/2 weeks!

So I figured this was a good opportunity to share what I’m packing this time around, and finally check that item off my ever-growing to-do list before baby arrives. And be sure to read to the bottom because I have a coupon code for you to save big on some of my essentials!

I am anticipating (and praying) for a fast labor and delivery like the first time around, so this is more of a middle of the road hospital bag basics post than other hospital bag checklist.

I want items that will make me feel comfortable but still look decent for photos (we are hoping to have Fresh 48 photos if timing works out around our photographer’s schedule) and a few items to make the start of recovery easier—and to be honest—a few cute things, because sitting in a hospital room all day after a baby is born is prime time to take a few more photos :).

Here is my Hospital Bag Must-Haves for my second pregnancy!

This post contains affiliate links, and Kindred Bravely items were graciously sent for my review and inclusion in my hospital bag.

What I packed in my hospital bag this time around

Nursing Friendly Pajamas

Last time I did a mismatched approach of tops and pants I thought would work well (but didn’t) and so this time I’m making it easier and more stylish! I’m bringing the Davy Maternity & Nursing Pajamas from Kindred Bravely, which are perfect for postpartum recovery, have easy access for breastfeeding, and will look great in photos too.

The fabric is super soft and I just know I’ll be living in these in the weeks to come after delivery. It has been really tempting to wear them ever since I got them, but knowing me they would be dirty and/or I’d forget to bring them if I went into labor if not in the bag so they are staying there until it happens!

I suggest buying them earlier into your pregnancy so you can enjoy them before packing them away!

You can grab your own here and use the code MOMFRIEND20 for 20% off your purchase (bonus—this code will work on both Kindred Bravely’s website AND on Amazon! Woot Woot!

I’m also bringing a nursing friendly gown, as sometimes room temperature fluctuates and/or I may not feel like wearing pants. This one provides a bit more coverage than just a tank top and robe, and has clip down cups for breastfeeding.

A Robe

I seriously think a robe is a hospital must have. It is so nice to be able to throw something on when people come into the room, especially if you are doing skin to skin, learning how to breastfeed, or just want a light layer that is easy to adjust. There are plenty of great maternity robe options, but I just purchased a larger size in a soft robe from Marshalls! This one is similar, however.

Nursing Bras

Although I just said nursing tanks get the job done without a bra, I am still taking 2 nursing bras with me. One is a Sleep Bra (love this one from Kindred Bravely that I showed you on my Instagram and review on Gugu Guru) which will be perfect for wearing under my pajamas or just on its own under a robe (and so comfy to sleep in!) and a comfortable regular nursing bra for going home in.

Socks + Flip Flops

Hospital floors are cold, slippery and let’s face it, gross when you think about how many people go in an out of there! I’m bringing flip flops for walking around and the bathroom (I use them in the shower too to prevent slipping as post-delivery you will be unsteady!) I’m also bringing socks in case it is cold. Make sure they have grippies on the bottom so you can walk around without needing to change! I love these from Kindred Bravely—they add just the touch of humor a delivery room needs!

Zip Up Sweater/Hoodie

Added to my bag this time around is a lightweight zip-up hoodie—last time I brought a thicker cardigan(delivered in November) and I wanted something lightweight but still able to be closed. For some, the robe might work just fine, but I am weird about robes not covering my IV line or being in my way when holding a baby, so I opted for a mid arm length robe instead.

This hoodie is super comfortable (see the trend) and I’m so glad I added it to my cart. A cardigan would work just as well too.

Something to Go Home In

You can easily wear your PJs or lounge pants/nursing tank home and that is perfectly fine. I’m packing a loose maxi dress because pants are not my friend right now anyway (nothing fits right or is comfortable) and I want something loose and easy for the ride home. This one is nursing friendly thanks to the overlapping design (without being made exclusively for nursing) and is what I have in my bag.

Toiletries

I’m bringing the basics, plus a few non-essentials that will make me feel good when looking back at my photos:

• Deodorant
• Travel Shampoo/Conditioner
• Dry Shampoo (because I don’t know when that first shower will get to happen and my hair gets super greasy quickly!)
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Hair ties
• Razor (just for a quick underarm shave if needed)
• Small makeup bag with what I consider my essentials for a 3 minute freshen up
• Hairbrush
• Lotion
• Chapstick <– MUST HAVE
• Prenatals (common misconception that they are only for pregnancy, keep taking them if breastfeeding!)
• Nipple cream (I’m bringing just a tiny sample one I got in a coupon pack as it can be helpful but may not use)
• Face Wash/Lotion

Other hospital bag essentials I am packing:

• Water Bottle with lid/straw
• Extra long cell phone charger
• Camera w/ extra batteries & memory cards
• Nursing Pillow
• My pillow (helpful for contractions on the way to the hospital, and will leave in the car until deemed needed at the hospital for comfort!)
• Snacks (I got so hungry all through the night last time around)

 

Hospital Bag Packing List For Baby

Let’s be honest—the hospital really does have everything your baby needs during their stay (with a few exceptions). But babies are adorable and outfits, swaddles, and accessories are just plain fun. Here’s what I’m bringing for baby #2:

• Car Seat
• 2 swaddles (hospital provides thick ones so I’m bringing lightweight ones for pictures and/or use as burp cloths
• Going home outfit (in newborn and 0-3 months)
• Onesie and/or outfit for Fresh 48 session
• Pacifier (check if you will need to bring your own, some hospitals like mine no longer provide them)
• White noise/heartbeat app on my phone (this was great for the hospital for Charlie and me, as it cut through the hospital silence/sounds and it provided a womb-like environment during the night for baby)
• Baby hat and/or bows

There it is—my hospital bag in a nutshell! Is there anything I’m forgetting? Let me know!

Remember to use the code MOMFRIEND20 to save 20% off your Kindred Bravely purchase on either their website or to use on Amazon!

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