CARLY WHAT’S IN MY HOSPITAL BAG AS A SECOND TIME MOM (2024)

FAQs

When to pack a hospital bag for a 2nd baby? ›

It's a good idea to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go by the time you reach 36 weeks of pregnancy. This will give you plenty of time to double-check your checklist and make sure you have everything you need.

Toiletry bag – I filled with good hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup remover, cotton pads, cleanser, moisturizer, mini shampoo/conditioner, mini dry shampoo, soap, aquaphor, light makeup. Kindle – I love my Kindle for some downtime, but it also helps me fall back to sleep if I have any time to rest.

Usually, you'll only need to bring one outfit for your baby – a coming-home outfit to wear for the trip home. Most hospitals provide a newborn hat, long-sleeved shirts, and swaddling blankets for your baby to wear during your stay. Wear something comfortable to the hospital, such as maternity leggings and a loose top.

For your baby:

Clothes: 3 x vests, 3 x babygros, cotton scratch mitts and a hat (most babies will wear a hat for the first 24 hours until they can maintain their temperature). An outfit to take your baby home in (appropriate to weather conditions). Blanket to cover your baby in a car seat.

A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester. A checklist can help, so we created this one to make sure you don't forget any essentials for baby's arrival!

There isn't really a right or wrong time to get all your bits and bobs together, however, if you have reached 30 weeks and haven't started to think about it, now may be a good time to start thinking about it!

Babies are unpredictable. They come when they are ready to come. But if you're a planner like me and want to be ready for your little one's arrival, I'd suggest having your hospital bag packed between 36 and 38 weeks.

Too many clothes.

You'll likely be in your nightgown for most of your stay, so you won't need a lot of clothes. Pack a going-home outfit that is comfortable and easy to put on, like leggings and a loose shirt.

It might be a good idea to get your hospital bag packed at least 3 weeks ahead of the due date, so that you're all ready to go if your baby decides to make an early appearance. Our emails include common pregnancy topics like this and much more.

Some women get so hot they go it in the nude! But, if you'd like to cover up a little bit and keep your larger breasts supported, wearing a nursing sports bra is a smart choice during the hours (or sometimes minutes!) of labor.

Do I need to pack baby bottles in my hospital bag? ›

And, bonus: You won't have to remember when to take your medications because they'll be brought to you! Diapers, diaper wipes, bottles, nipples and (if you decide to use them) pacifiers. Everything your baby will need during their hospital stay is provided. You only need to pack for the trip home.

The hospital will supply you with a gown, slippers, disposable underwear, and basic toiletries. While it is nice to have your own clothes with you, labor and the first few days postpartum are most often a very messy time, so you may not want to wear your brand-new lingerie.

What do babies wear immediately after birth? Typically, hospitals provide basic clothing and swaddles for newborns. Many hospitals recommend just bringing with you a going-home outfit for baby, although you're welcome to bring baby her own clothes to wear throughout your stay.

Small babies need little

In the hospital, blankets and onesies are typically provided. If you'd like to bring baby his/her own clothes to wear during your stay or a special outfit, please do so, but it isn't required. Don't forget a seasonally-appropriate outfit for baby to wear home!

It's a good idea to have your hospital bag packed and ready from around 35 weeks of pregnancy.

Of course, if you want to get a jumpstart on things, by all means start earlier—when to pack a hospital bag is up to you! But it's a good idea not to leave it for later than 38 weeks: You want to have that hospital bag ready to go whenever baby decides to show up.

Ideally, you should try to have your bags packed by around 32/33 weeks pregnant (juuuust in case). You'll feel more relaxed and prepared, knowing that you have everything you need for your tiny-human's arrival.

You will also need to get a few other things sorted, such as a car seat to bring your baby home in and essentials for the early days. It's a good idea to have everything ready by no later than 37 weeks.