What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag When Having a Baby

As an Indianapolis newborn photographer, mamas in their third trimester will often ask what to pack in your hospital bag when having a baby. Every hospital is a little different and so it can be helpful to ask what your specific hospital supplies. In order to help answer this question for you, I turned to Instagram to ask moms what they found most helpful to pack before delivery.

What to pack in your hospital bag when having a baby?

For you and your partner

• A cozy robe– You never know whether you’ll feel hot or cold after delivery (and in my experience you may swing back and forth) so having a nice robe your can snuggle into is heaven! The also make nursing baby a breeze.
• A night gown– this one from Dwell and Slumber is amazing and you can even grab a matching robe!
• Comfy clothing– While most moms said they stayed in night gowns and robes, you’ll need something to wear home. Leggings and a cozy tee will be your best friends! Don’t forget your partner! They’ll likely need 2-4 outfits depending upon your delivery
• A charging cord– Bonus point if it’s extra long like this one
• cozy socks– You’ll want to look for socks with grips to prevent you from slipping on the floors. I am obsessed with reading socks from Barnes and Noble! They are amazingly warm and comfortable and hold up for a long time.
• Snacks– Labor can be lengthy, and while you may not be allowed to eat your partner will likely need something to snack on. Packing snacks so they can stay with you is a great idea!
• Your toiletries– I recommend grabbing travel sized items or travel sized containers to fill. If you typically have an intricate skincare routine I would cut it down to the basics for your stay. Don’t forget a hairbrush, chapstick, mascara, and hand lotion!
• Postpartum underwear & nursing bras– While the hospital will provide you with mesh underwear these are far more comfortable in my experience as well as the moms that responded on Instagram!
• Extras– While these may not be absolute necessities they are nice to have!
  • White Noise machine
  • Pillow from home
  • Towel (the ones at the hospital tend to be not great…)
  • Quite a few moms mentioned also bringing a book or their laptop, especially for their partner

What to pack in your hospital bag for baby

• Going home outfit– Newborns can really throw even the most seasoned OBs for a loop when it comes to their size! Veteran mamas suggest bringing a couple different sizes just in case baby ends up being larger or smaller than expected.
• Car seat– On the subject of going home, you will need to bring a car seat. The hospital will want to look it over and ensure baby is properly buckled in before you leave. This carseat is a favorite of my mamas!

That’s really all you’ll likely need for baby! Always ask your hospital, but most hospitals in Indianapolis provide everything else baby needs. Diapers, wipes, clothing, blankets, hats, pacifier if wanted, formula if needed, and a hand pump if needed. Most will also provide a small tube of nipple cream, pads, mesh underwear, ice packs, a peri bottle, and a water bottle.

I hope this list of what to pack in your hospital bag has been helpful! Our goal for 2023 is to help more Indiana mothers with tips and practical advice for all things motherhood and motherhood photography! If you have any questions please reach out! I would love to help!

Interested in booking a session?

Brittney Lear Photography specializes in maternity, newborn, and family photography serving the Indianapolis area including Avon, Brownsburg, Carmel, Danville, Plainfield, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, and Zionsville. 

Brittney offers professional hair and makeup as well as a selection of gowns for BLP mamas to utilize. She believes in offering an experience that is as stress free as possible for you. Your custom portrait session should be a joyful and exciting experience where you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.

If you are looking for an Indianapolis newborn photographer and would like more information then please click here to read more about our portrait experience. Our clients plan to invest $1500+ on their custom portrait session. If you would like to secure your session date please click here to fill out our contact form or email Brittney directly at brittney@brittneylear.co Finally, be sure to follow along on Instagram to see more glimpses and behind the scenes.

Sessions are booking well into 2023, to ensure availability, please reserve your date early.

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