Hooray Hooray, your newborn baby is on the way! You’ve probably heard of a Push Present, but before a Push Present, we want to make sure you’ve packed the best Push Pack (aka. Hospital bag). We are here to help when you’re starting to nest and then ready to organize your hospital bag for your big “Labor Day”.
Read on for what we would suggest you put in your Push Pack. It is a good idea to prepare this bag prior to your due date, we suggest around 37 and 38 weeks. This will both ensure you’re ready and to also have your favorite current things at your fingertips. Congratulations in advance; you are about to be a new mom, and a supermom at that!
The Basics:
- Photo ID, insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)
- Cell phone and charger
- Hair tie and hairbrush
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, lip balm and other toiletries you can't live without.
- Loose, lightweight sleepwear and clothing (after baby is born, you’ll still feel pregnant, so keep it comfy!)
- Post birth panties. This is not the time for that cute bamboo thong. The hospital will give you mesh panties that are oh so awful looking. We recommend bringing some soft, breathable full back beige panties, or any neutral color, to hold really big pads. These are going to be panties you will eventually want to find a way to responsibly recycle. See our blog post about textile disposal.
- A go-home outfit for your newborn – the cutest! We suggest two options in case there is an accident where the baby will need a change of clothes.
- Whether you are a small or need XXL hospital socks are a must! We recommend 2 pairs of warm, non-skid labor socks (for walking or dancing the Labor & Delivery halls before and after labor). We love Bombas Gripper socks. They are fantastic quality and we love the the brand donates a pair of socks for each pair you purchase.
- Two nursing bras (aka postpartum bra) and nursing pads so you are ready to breastfeed* your newborn. Check out our alpha sizing range that covers you whether you are a small/small busty to an XL/XL-Busty.
- Nipple balm – we recommend getting an organic option.
- Nursing pillow
- Any medications you may need during your hospital stay
- OPTIONAL: The hospital will provide you a L&D gown but you may want to consider bringing your own. We recommend the Frida Mom Labor and Delivery Gown. While it's not a pretty pink hospital gown or blue hospital gown, for those of you who want to gender match, or a 3 in 1 labor delivery and nursing gown it is very functional and available for an inclusive size range whether you are searching for a plus size labor gown, plus size maternity hospital gown or plus size delivery gown. Frida Mom has you covered.
*Most new moms set out to breastfeed their newborns, and we salute you, mamas! You can read about the many benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby here.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants are exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods for at least 1 year.
As experts in breastfeeding, we’d like to suggest that you start off your breastfeeding journey on the right foot (or right boob) with comfortable and functional nursing bras. Simple Wishes is here to help with our many product options made for the go-getting mama. Simple Wishes is run by a team of entrepreneurial sisters. As moms, we understand the tremendous benefits of breastfeeding and also appreciate the challenges. We've been there. Our mission is to alleviate some of those challenges and empower moms to continue providing the wonderful nutrition of breastmilk to their baby.
The Extras:
- A warm robe or sweater, slippers
- Portable speaker and charger
- Non-perishable snacks (if you’re like me and like to have your favorites with you)
- Breast pump – our sister company Pumping Essentials is a great resource for breast pumps, insurance and more. If you happen to stay in the hospital longer than expected and need help getting your milk to come in, sometimes a breast pump is helpful. You could just keep it in your car in case you need it.
- Comfortable clothes for your trip home like yoga pants, sweats, comfortable shoes. We recommend utilizing your maternity clothes for a bit longer. Bring a few outfits to change clothes to ensure you have a few options.
- Some women prefer their own pillow and a pillow for your partner. Even a blanket would be nice!
- It's always a good idea having an extra pair of eyes...ask your partner to go over the hospital bag checklist ensuring it is all there.
Now that your hospital bag is organized, you may have a whole new slew of questions occupying your mind. We’ve put together some common questions new parents have below and have provided links to answers to help ease your mind a bit. Just remember, all new parents go into this blindly and are flooded with questions. You’re not alone and you’ve got this!
The hospital will provide things such as diapers, wipes, gown for you, blanket for baby, cap for baby, (you are welcome to bring your own) mesh underwear, and sanitary pads.
Note: Your infants car seat should be installed around this time as well.
What’s on your mind?
- How do I know if contractions are Braxton Hicks?
- What’s the skinny on getting an epidural?
- How can I prepare to be a good parent?
- Will my baby be born with blue eyes? Will blue eyes stay blue?
- Will my child be tall?
- When can I hope my baby will sleep through the night?
- How do I know if my baby is teething?
- How do I take a pacifier away?
- Will I ever stop worrying about my child?
- When will my baby hit those milestones like crawling, smiling, etc.
Packing your Push Pack (and everything else) is so exciting. We’ve got you, mama and know you’ll be great!
Happy “Labor Day” to you,
The Simple Wishes mama crew
