Things You Can Skip in Your Hospital Bag

The packing of your hospital bag can make everything seem real. Your baby is finally here after months of planning, preparing, and possibly even panicking. This carefully packed bag by the front entrance (or in your car, just in case!) It’s like your ticket for the next chapter. Things You Can Skip In Your Hospital Bag

You want to be prepared for everything. If you have already started Googling what to pack in a bag for the hospital, you will probably find a long list of items that can be overwhelming. There are many suggestions, from nipple cream to Bluetooth speakers to snacks and slippers.

Some of these recommendations are helpful. What about the others? You won’t miss these people if you don’t take them with you.

After speaking to many mums and reflecting upon my own experiences (three births, thank goodness), I have come to the conclusion that Keep it Light. Packing for the birth of a child is not like packing for a weekend away. If you forget anything essential, someone will likely be able to bring it back within a few hours.

In order to save you space, your sanity and the unnecessary pain of carrying a huge overnight bag, we’ve listed six items you can safely leave out of your hospital bag.

6 Things You Can Skip in Your Hospital Bag

1. Just Let It Go: Pre-Pregnancy Clothes

Imagine that you’ve just given birth to a child. You are sore, exhausted, maybe stitched, and still look about six to seven months pregnant. This is how it works. It’s not as if your uterus just snapped back into place.

If you’re not a magical postpartum unicorn, or Kate Middleton in a tailored dress and glam squad waiting outside the Lindo Wing, it is best to leave your old jeans at home.

Bring comfortable maternity clothing. Bring comfortable clothes. Think of soft, stretchy leggings with a high waist, loose cardigans and nursing bras. You will want to wear clothes that are gentle on your body and practical for feeding, relaxing, and cuddling the new baby.

Please, do not bring anything that you would be embarrassed to have a little blood, milk or baby goo touch. Birth is beautiful… but a bit messy.

2. Snacks to Fill a Buffet

You’ll be told to pack snacks to “keep up your energy” during labour. It’s technically good advice if you’re hungry. But here’s a thing: Labour doesn’t care as much about your snack plans.

When I had my first child, I was prepared with everything from jelly beans to electrolyte beverages. My partner appeared to be preparing for a multiday hike and not childbirth. Once labour began, I felt so sick that the thought of food made me gag. Many mums have reported feeling nauseous, uninterested in eating, or too focused on their contractions to look at even a granola.

After work, you may feel as if you could eat a whole pizza by yourself. This is valid. Pack a few non-perishable, light snacks to help you recover (think fruit cups, crackers or chocolate bars if you are like me). But , you don’t have to stock up on food. You will be fed by the hospital. If you have a craving for something in particular after birth, someone will likely be able to get it.

Keep the snacks for Netflix at home.

3. Shoes that Need Hands to Put on (Or Core Workouts)

Imagine you’ve just had abdominal surgery or pushed out your baby. You feel pain in places that you never knew could hurt. You’re unable to sit or squat, much less bend over and tie your shoes.

You’re now trying to squeeze your swollen foot into cute ankle boots or lace-up shoes?

Just No

Pack a pair of slip-on shoes that are easy to put on. You will want to wear something comfortable, hygienic, and easy.

Bonus: You’ll likely be puffy all over if you had a vaginal birth. Included are the feet. You’ll be glad you didn’t try to squeeze them into something tight.

4. Books (Because LOL You won’t be Reading Them).

I know. It seems like an excellent idea to read a book. Theoretically, it is perfect for early labour and a lengthy postpartum stay. You might even have a chance “to finish” that novel you’ve always wanted to read.

Here’s the truth: You will not be reading any books.

You will be too busy to think about a plot twist. Between the contractions, paperwork at the hospital, visitors, feedings of your baby, diaper changes, trying naps, dealing with your sore bits and responding to messages from people who have just learned that you gave birth, your brain won’t have enough bandwidth.

The same story is told by every mum who has packed a book: “I haven’t opened it.” One mother even said, “I’d trade that book for another five pairs of granny underwear and maternity pads.”

If you are not one of those rare people who can read in the middle night or during contractions, then leave it. You can find plenty of entertainment on your phone if you need it.

5. Don’t buy a wardrobe of baby clothes

It’s very tempting. Pack a dozen adorable outfits for your baby. It’s your first opportunity to display your adorable bundle, and the newborn clothes are irresistibly sweet. Here’s the reality:

• You have no idea how big or small your baby is going to be.
• Most of the time, they’ll be swaddled or napping in their hospital bed.
• You’ll be too busy and tired to dress up your baby.

My first child was 4.2kg long and 57cm tall. The hospital bassinets made him look like a toddler. He didn’t fit into any of the 000-size onesies that I had brought. I have also spoken to mothers whose babies were born earlier than expected or who needed sizes 0000, even preemie.

Choose 2-3 soft, easy-to-change onesies, in at least two sizes. Zip-up suits are the best option. Keep the matching accessories, fancy outfits and scratchy fabrics for home when you feel more human.

You can also throw in an outfit for going home, but don’t expect to be a part of a fashion show. The onesie must be clean and fit well.

6. Your entire makeup bag (unless you’re filming a reality show)

It’s not wrong to want a little lip balm and concealer when you have guests over or take your first baby selfies.

What about a complete makeup kit? Primer, contouring sticks, setting sprays, eyebrow pencils, etc.

You probably won’t use this.

A mum told me that she had packed her entire cosmetic bag without touching a single product. She laughed. She laughed.

After birth, you are in the newborn bubble. You are sore, you’re sweating, your face may be stitched, and you have only 47 minutes of sleep. You will not prioritise eyeliner.

Pack the essentials to make you feel young: lip balm, mascara, or tinted moisturiser. Be honest with yourself. The real, raw photos of your baby with you might be more beautiful than any “touched-up” versions.

Final Thoughts – Pack Light, not Heavy

It’s a tradition to pack your hospital bag. It is exciting, nerve-wracking and full of all the excitement that comes with anticipation. You don’t have to go overboard.

You’ll find that the hospital has a lot more to offer than you thought. From pads to blankets for babies, what if you forgot something? You won’t have to be in the middle of a jungle. Someone will bring it.

When in doubt, go for the practical. Pack for comfort and not Instagram. Prioritise essentials over flat-lays that are worthy of Pinterest. Focus on what makes those first, intense days easier. Not what looks pretty in a list.

It’s not just stuff in your hospital bag. Preparing for an event that will forever change your life is what this bag is all about. When you hold your baby for the first time, it’s unlikely that you will be thinking of the unopened book you haven’t read or the contouring stick you forgot to use.

You will think: I did it. I’m here. This is only the beginning.