GUESS what’s in my Baby Bag — (Over) pack with me

It’s been just over a month since we brought our newest addition home (the baby, not the bag), and I’m suddenly feeling inspired to write my first post as a mother of 3. ⁣⁣

⁣⁣Today on the blog, I’ll be unpacking all the things I (over) packed for my hospital stay, including snacks (obviously), other essentials, and everything I thought I needed, but didn’t (because apparently I didn’t learn the first (or second) time around).

Each item will be listed (below) in the order it was packed.

Swaddle Blanket and Swaddle Sack

Everyone has differing opinions on swaddling these days, and I personally don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer (do what works for you). All my kids (so far) have loved being swaddled as babies, therefore I decided to pack these along.

The swaddling blanket is by Bebé au Lait, and I did use it at the hospital. However, I did not use the Halo swaddle sack I brought along. While I do currently use the swaddle sack at home a lot, I just found it wasn’t at all necessary to bring to the hospital. As for the blanket, it’s very light and was great to have when baby was feeling too warm from the hospital blankets, but needed that added comfort.

Baby Clothes

Although most of our little guy’s stay at the hospital were spent swaddled in a blanket, I wanted to pack him a newborn hat and couple of onesies for going home in. I packed one short sleeve onesie and one long sleeve from Parade Organics, and left it up to the weather to decide the rest. He ended up wearing the long onesie with his hat on the way home, which I think was the comfiest choice. Highly recommend baby clothing from Parade, btw! Their onesies are so so soft, as they are made with finest organic cotton from India. And although I didn’t use the other onesie, it was still nice to have that option.

Cloth (and Towel) Set + Burping Cloths

I got these beautiful neutral sets from West Coast Kids, and have loved using them so far. To be honest though, I didn’t really need to pack the cloths and towel, considering the hospital provides them, but I preferred the material of the ones I packed, which were quite light and soft. As for the burping cloths, I did not use them during my stay, because let’s be honest, who really gives a f*ck about getting spit up on themselves at the hospital with a newborn? Spit up isn’t even much of a thing yet anyway if the stay is less than 48 hours (at least in my experience).

Changing Mat(s) and Diapers

This time around I got two portable changing mats — one for padding and an extra for any additional mess, which I like to layer on top of the padded one. The top layer mat is made by Kushies and is made of 100% soft and quilted viscose from Bamboo. The padded one is a tri-folding mat, made by Pehr and it’s in the design pebble grey. This mat also comes with an attached pouch for on-the-go diaper storage, which is very helpful.

Now, did I use any of these changing mats at the hospital? No, I did not. Why? Well, because the hospital already has a changing area set up in the room there. I do, however, use both mats several times a day at home.

As for the diapers, I did not use the ones I packed, because my room was already fully stocked with sensitive newborn diapers beside the changing table. Anything easily accessible after giving birth just makes everything a little more manageable, hence why I didn’t end up using the ones I packed.

Bag Insert

Okay, so the bag I used actually isn’t a baby bag, but just a large quilted GUESS bag I purchased from The Bay. I wanted something I could use as a regular bag after, so that’s why I opted for this choice. However, I did buy a large on-the-go pouch from Pehr to help keep things contained within the bag. While some might argue that an insert isn’t necessary, it was extremely helpful to keep everything organized inside the bag.

Toothbrush (Case), etc.

As someone who can’t fathom going even a day without brushing my teeth at least twice, a toothbrush and toothpaste were absolute necessities. The one I use is Clic by Oral B and it came with a travel case, which can also fit a full-sized tube of toothpaste, dental floss, and more (as shown in the second photo below). The floss I use is called Dental Lace and I picked it up from one of my favourite local shops The Soap Dispensary. I also packed some organic wear lip balm by Physicians Formula for a little extra self-care. Happy to report, I used all of the above during my stay.

Gum + Snacks

On a list of must haves, these two take the cake. I chewed gum during every labour with all 3 of my kids. Some people might think I’m crazy for doing so, but it helped with contractions. Don’t ask me how, it just did. The kind I brought is by Pür, and it’s sugar and aspartame free.

As for snacks, I wanted something easily accessible to curb any hunger after the birthing process. Sure, they have snacks at the hospital, but I wanted to bring extras, so I packed some fruit punch Herbaland gummies and coconut, almond RX bars. And yes, I ate them all and got my husband to bring me more (no BS).

Vitamins

After all 3 of my pregnancies, I continued to take pre-natal vitamins while nursing, for the added nutrients. These also make a great replacement for regular multivitamins during that duration of time. I didn’t want to wait until I got home, so I packed some with me by the brand Care Of. They came in an individualized packet with the quote, “Remember that it’s okay (and healthy) to feel your feelings. No matter what they are, embrace them and accept them.” This was a nice reminder for the inevitable emotions and hormone imbalances that come along with the (early) days of motherhood. I also packed some vitamin D3 drops for baby and I, both by the brand Natural Factors.

Nipple Butter + Stretch Mark Oil

Both of these products I used within the first 24 hours of giving birth for the soothing properties they provide.

The nipple butter is made with nourishing ingredients, such as mango butter, and carries immense relief to sore and/or cracked nipples while baby learns to breastfeed.

The mama mia stretch mark oil is a combination of almond and rose hip oils, and it quite honestly just feels nice. I want to be clear that by using this oil, I’m not trying to magically wash away my stretch marks, nor do I want to. I’m all about embracing the stripes I was given that serve as a beautiful reminder of carrying and producing life. The application of the oil is more so of a comfort thing.

Baby Balm (and Powder)

These are two essential items I’ve always used with my babies upon diaper changing, right from the very beginning. The Smooth as a Baby’s Bum Balm is made with nourishing coconut oil and calendula to prevent and/or sooth potential diaper rash. The Sweet Cheeks Baby Bum Powder is a talc-free powder that keeps baby’s bum soft and protects against rashes caused by sweat — a Summertime must-have.

Hand Cream (and Sanitizer)

While the hospital is obviously fully stocked on all the hand sanizer, it’s nice to have one within reach, especially after giving birth and not wanting to get up every 2 seconds after. The kind I use is a rejuvenating “glow mist” by Touchland, made with aloe and rosewater.

The hand cream is by COCO Magic, which I use to keep my hands soft and smooth, especially with the frequent use of sanitizer.

Deodorant

There’s an ongoing debate on whether deodorant is necessary to put on after giving birth, and while I was in no immediate rush to put it on, it personally made me feel better when I did get around to it . The kind I use is a natural, non-toxic deodorant by the brand Routine in the scent Cat Lady. After all, I did say if I never had kids, I would become a crazy cat lady. I more so picked this one though, because I love the subtle musky vanilla scent of it. It smells like a pineapple upsidedown cake, as described on the product.

Shampoo + Body Wash

I don’t know about you, but a nice warm shower is essential for me within the first 24 hours after giving birth. I packed my favourite sweet almond shampoo by The Honest Company, which doubles as a body wash and can be used for both mom and baby. This is what I used not only for me, but for my littlest one’s first bath, as it’s very gentle and nourishing on the skin.

Hair Tie (and Brush)

There’s no way I was going to have my hair in my face during the labour and birthing process, so I packed an extra hair tie, which I ended up using, along with my Tangle Teezer brush to prevent any knots trying to make their way in. Highly recommend both!!

Face Wipes

Some women apply make-up the minute they feel contractions starting, and while I have nothing against that at all, the idea of mascara running down my face, while giving birth just isn’t for me. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my make-up and I happened to be wearing some before knowing labour was going to begin shortly after. However, to avoid my face from melting off during the birthing process, I used these coconut face (and make-up remover) wipes on the way to the hospital. Highly recommend if you prefer a face free of make-up during this time.

Maxi-pads

When Nancy from across the street says you can never have enough maxi-pads after giving birth, believe her. While the hospital will be stocked with many, and all the postpartum underwear to go with them, it’s not uncommon to run out quicker than expected. I packed a few extras for this very reason, and did end up using some of them. For added comfort, I got the 100% cotton ones by the brand L.

Phone (Charger)

For all the phone calls you’re too exhausted to make and all the incoming texts you eventually might respond to, a phone (and it’s charger) is essential. I used mine several times during my hospital stay to provide the important updates to the important people in my life.

Newborn Stuffy

Almost every baby is quick to receive their very first stuffy before they can even actually play with it. With that said, I don’t necessarily believe the first stuffy has to be brought to the hospital. So why did I bring one? I don’t know, I suppose I thought it was cute? Regardless, it didn’t take up much room.

Baby Wipes + Wipe Pouch

Unlike the diapers I never ended up using at the hospital, I did use the baby wipes I packed. The ones I got are by The Honest Company and they are ultra soft and gentle. I packed these in a wipe pouch by Skip Hop that clings perfectly to the back of my baby bag. I love this pouch, because it fits a decent amount of wipes without being bulky. The wipes also come out nicely, unlike some pouches, where the whole pack tries to fly out in one go (if you know, you know).

Wallet

Last, but not least, my wallet. Although, I didn’t make any purchases during my stay (not even an $8.00 Starbucks drink), it helped to have my care card on hand if need be.

Unimportant fun fact: this wallet comes with a strap to convert into a crossbody purse, you know, because I had every intention of walking up and down the hospital hallways during active labour with it like that.

Well, I guess that’s everything! For more visual details, view my highlights on IG @haveyour.c.a.k.e

Xoxo

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