What to pack in your hospital bag - St. Louis fresh 48 hospital newborn photographer

The big question every mom thinks as you are nearing your due date is "What should I take with me to the hospital?" How stressful! I remember that feeling of thinking I'm going to forget something or not have something. When my daughter was born guests were very limited with covid protocols so it wasn't very feasible for people to bring us things. I started packing pretty early on just incase we were sent over to the hospital side from one of our appointments. I suggest packing the earlier the better, so you will not feel rushed and forgetful. However, if you take your time and baby decides its time to come before you're ready, you will survive! The hospital will have all of the basics that you will need for both of you. Just remember to buy a car seat. All other items that you pack along will be for personal preference or for comfort.

For those that are unsure what types of things the hospital can provide, don't worry I gotchu!

Hospital Provides:

Now, every hospital is slightly different; but in general these are items that were offered to me, or friends/clients in our local hospital groups (Mercy, Missouri Baptist, St. Lukes, etc). To double check feel free to call ahead to be sure if a general item is available. When I had my daughter I wasn't even told about my in room breast pump until day three, when the NICU asked where I was storing my pumped milk. Don't be like me; be informed before you go!

The Big Green Pacifiers
Diapers (generally Pampers)
Wipes (generally Pampers sensitive)
Rags to use as Burp cloths
Receiving / Swaddle Blankets
Hospital Grade Breast Pump and parts
Medications you are on or will need
Premade Formula in 2oz bottles (if you’re not breastfeeding or need to supplement)
Baby hat and little shirt with easy access to security bands
Diaper cream
Bulb Nose sucker
Toiletries for mom - shampoo/bodywash/mouthwash/toothbrush/toothpaste
Comb
Lotion and Soap for bathing (typically Johnson and Johnson brand)
Lanolin (great for chapstick, hand cream (although greasy) and nipple barrier)
Pads and mesh undies for mom
Tucks / witch hazel
Peri Bottle
Drinks / limited snacks in the kitchenette
Pillows and Blankets for mom and dad
Tummy Binder for c-section mamas
Ice Packs
Vasoline
Nipple Shields
Water Cup

Things to pack for baby

Baby is pretty simple since they provide a lot of the items already. They even sent me home with extra formula and diapers to stock the diaper bag while I was there. So most of these items are optional!

Diaper bag
Coming home outfit
Fresh 48 session outfit if you hire a photographer
Additional outfits if you want to dress baby (2-3)
Mittens
Alternate brand diapers/wipes- My daughter was allergic to the wipes provided
Boppy
Car seat + car seat cover if its cold
Personalized items or name announcement props
Swaddles if you want to try something different than the hospital has

Things to pack for mama

Packing for mom is a little more challenging. Sometimes we don't know what we will want, or are indecisive. I am very much an overpacker, by nature. So there may be a lot of items I wanted but you won't need! I also had a baby in peek wedding season so had to be prepared incase I needed information for one of my wedding clients/backup photographers - sooooo I brought work with me (and I'm glad I did).

Bodywash / Lotion / Shampoo / Conditioner - if you want something specific
Nursing Pads
Hairbrush / Hairties / Clips / Loofa
Deodorant / Chapstick / Dry Shampoo
Long Cell Phone Charger
Glasses / Contacts
Robe / Comfy PJ / Sleep Mask
Comfy Large Post Partum Undies / Nursing Bra or Bralettes
Lounge Pants - loosefitting / Shirts / Leggings
Non Slip socks / Flip Flops or House Shoes
Your coming home outfit
Makeup / Hot Tools if you want to prep for photos or guests
Haakaa
Special Blanket or Pillow
HeadPhones / Laptop / iPad + Chargers
Personal Camera / Go Pro
Snacks and drinks - hospital items are generally $$ if not provided in the kitchenette
Toilet Paper (Sounds silly, but I was so thankful someone told me this!!!)
Something for downtime - for me I brought a coloring book and color pencils
Essential Oils - lavender / peppermint etc were basics for me

Things to pack for dad

Sometimes dads can come and go. So this may not be as dire or strict to pack for. My husband stayed with us almost the entire time and we had a c-section and nicu stay so he didn't want to leave.

Flip Flops / House Shoes
Cash for vending machines
Shirts / Shorts / Pants / PJ / Undies
Outfit if you have photos scheduled
Snacks / Drinks
Toiletries - Hair Products / deodorant / tooth brush
Phone Charger
Laptop / Tablet / Headphones
Medicines
Pillow / Blanket
Power Strip to charge all the things

Don't forget, many things you pack; you have to bring home with you! I swear we looked like we moved in, the transport person when we left was laughing at us. Although we did have a 5 day stay during covid (no extra visitors); and didn't take things down to the NICU before we discharged; and had all our photo gear from a wedding that weekend. So we were a little extra. I also packed for 4 days JUST IN CASE we had a c-section; which no one ever wants unexpected; but I'm glad I did because we had an emergency cesarean and a bonus day stay. So we used nearly everything we packed and sent hubby out for more drinks / snacks to save a little extra money. ALSO a rolling suitcase makes it much easier to get things in and out.

You can bring as much or as little as you would like; there is no wrong way to pack.