By Alicia • 10 Comments
There are some must-haves for your hospital bag when you are having a baby and I am not just talking about the obvious ones. Of course you know that you need clothing for yourself and your new little one. You know there are things you need to be careful not to forget, like phone chargers and the camera. But I want to focus on the must-haves for your hospital bag that are not often thought of but desperately needed and appreciated once you are at the hospital. It is my goal to help you think of little things you will really enjoy and use during your hospital stay.
Consider non-slip house slippers one of the must-haves for your hospital bag. You do not want to have on house slippers that slip easily while you are carrying your precious little one around. Also, it pays to remember that most hospital floors are slick when you have the wrong type of house slippers on. Simply look at the bottom of your house slippers to make sure that they are non-slip ones. The last thing you want to add to your hospital stay is an injury from a fall.
Lip balm is a must. Think about it. A lot of times when you are in labor or recovering immediately after delivery, fluids are restricted. This can make your lips dry out. Having a good lip balm on hand can help to combat this.
You want to look lovely after you have your baby but you know that you are most likely not going to have the time to do your makeup like you normally do. Bringing along what you need to do your five minute face is the solution. If you don’t have a five minute face makeup plan, let me enlighten you. It is usually made up of concealer, powder, a bit of blush, mascara and lipstick. The remaining makeup items such as eyeliner, eye shadow, foundation, lip liner and any other makeup you wear are optional.
I don’t know about you but I am usually unlucky when it comes to hospitals carrying my favorite brand of water and snacks. Of course, I may be just a tad picky. I have always found it best to take my preferred water and snacks with me anytime I have to visit a hospital. This is doubly true when you are a patient. It will also save you a lot of money by taking your own.
That being said, it is always good to have a bit of change on hand. You never know when you are going to have a craving for a candy bar or other non-healthy treat. You may decide that you want to purchase a newspaper or other small item, as well. While most machines make change from bills now, it is still a good idea to have coins on hand for those that don’t. If you don’t use it, you can always take it home.
Being an avid reader, I never go anywhere without reading material. This was true even when I had my babies. I distinctly remember lying in bed, holding my newborn daughter in one arm and a new mom magazine with the other. My motto is it is always better to have reading material and not have the opportunity to read it than be stuck somewhere with nothing to read. Having nothing to read is a nightmare for me.
Body lotion feels so good on your skin at any time. This is especially true right after you have had a baby. I am not sure if it is that your body is just so super-sensitive to touch at that time or what the reason is. Whatever the cause, you will be so thankful you brought along your favorite body lotion. It is also a layer of fragrance that isn’t overpowering for your visitors that are sensitive to fragrance.
These seven items are all must-haves that you may not have considered. What not-often-thought-of but very important items did you pack for the hospital that you were so thankful you did? Share your knowledge!