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

I am an over-packer. Always have been, and let’s be serious, probably always will be.

When we travel, I always push the limits of my luggage, barely leaving enough room for souvenirs. Try as I might, I am no minimalist. A girl's gotta have options.

Sadly, the overpacking doesn't just stop with travel. When Morley was born, this overpacking also applied to her hospital bag. I packed way too much, and definitely learned a thing or two about what was a necessity and what could stay at home.

What I'm Packing in My Hospital Bag for Baby #2

Now that number two is on the way (like any day now), I will be taking a lesson from my own play book and planning accordingly for what I bring with us to the hospital.

Here’s what I’ve got this go around. (Also scroll to the bottom for a list of items I plan to leave at home, ask what I packed, but didn't use, for baby #1.)

For Mom During Labour

Small toiletry bag: Lip balm, face wipes, deodorant, contact solution with case, extra hair ties and bobby pins
Sports bra: To wear during labour, because hospital gowns are hella uncomfortable
Socks: Because mama needs a fresh pedi, and oddly your feet get cold during labour
Reusable water bottle: Big enough for ice cubes - they will be your friend (also because you can't eat after you get an epidural)
iPhone plus charger: For all those photos you'll want to take, games of Candy Crush you'll want to dominate while waiting and music you'll want to listen to to distract yourself

For Mom Post-Partum

Nursing bra: I'm loving these comfy ones from Thyme Maternity
Additional toiletry items: Shampoo, conditioner, brush, toothpaste, toothbrush
Makeup: I literally could not have cared less what I looked like for Morley’s birth, and wore no makeup for my stay at the hospital - the same will apply to this babe, but I’d rather have it than not
Towel: Trust me, you will want to take a shower
Depends: Yes, as in those disposable underwear you think are only for old ladies
Maxipads: Google "padsicles", you'll thank me later
Nursing pads: To prevent the leakage from ruining your nursing bras and shirts
Underwear: Granny panties will become your best friend post partum
Clothing: Loose fitting pants/leggings, cardigan, tank tops, extra socks, slippers and/or flip flops
Going home outfit: Maxi dresses will be comfortable during the summer heat
Snacks: Hospital food just doesn't cut it
Pillow and blanket: For some comfort from home
Medical info: ID, health card, etc. - just in case

For Baby

Hat: Even in the summer, babes will need to wear a hat
Mitts: Believe it or not, this is for your safety and theirs as they come out with long nails
Newborn socks: Fresh babes get cold easily
Size N or 1 diapers: Depending on the size of babe, you'll need to bring your own
Wipes: We're loving the new Pampers Pure Collection!
Breastfeeding pillow: Can double as a pillow when not in use by baby
Swaddle blanket(s): Aden + anais are my favourite!
Newborn to 3 month sleepers and onesies: Since we don't know the gender, we're loving the gender neutral selection at Carter's (they must also have animals on them)
Going home outfit: For those cute photos of course
Baby and big sister gifts: Aka a peace offering

And last, but definitely not least, we can't forget about dad...

For Dad

Change of clothes
iPhone and charger
Toiletries (tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, etc.)
Sweater
Pillow and blanket

Here are the items that I brought with us for baby #1, but that didn't even leave the bag. Safe to say, they will be staying at home this time.

Items I'm Leaving at Home

Camera and charger: Unless you are a professional, your phone will do just fine
Robe: I found a long cardigan/sweater worked just as well when I needed to walk the halls
Birth plan: Let's be honest, you can plan all your want for how you want your labour to go but there's a good chance that plan will go right out the window once it begins