Hospital Bag Packing for Baby #2: Keeping It Simple This Time

When it came to packing my hospital bag for baby number two, I quickly realized how different it feels the second time around. With my first baby, I overpacked like crazy, thinking I needed every baby gadget and postpartum product on the market. This time, I’m going for much less while still making sure I have my essentials.

Here’s my pared-down, second-time-mom hospital bag list—everything I’ve packed is based on what I actually used the first time, focusing on comfort and postpartum recovery.

Personal Care Essentials:

• Face lotions: Hospitals can be super dry, so I’m bringing my favorite hydrating lotion to keep my skin feeling fresh. Love this too!
• Deodorant: A must-have to stay fresh when you’re not able to shower right away. Use code KEETOWELLNESS for 10% off my favorite from Primally Pure.
• Lip mask: My lips always get chapped in the hospital, so I’m packing a hydrating lip mask. This is my fav – a cleaner version of Laneige.
• Clarins depuffing face mask: Helps with puffiness and feeling refreshed after all the fluids they pump into you during delivery.
• Face wipes: Perfect for a quick refresh when you can’t get out of bed.
• Dry shampoo: Because I probably won’t be washing my hair at the hospital. Linked my fav non toxic!
• Body deodorant wipes: New from last time! Great for freshening up when a shower isn’t an option. EWG certified brand!
• Shower shoes: For those quick hospital showers (trust me, you want them!).
• Hair brush & hair clip: To keep my hair manageable and out of the way.
• Back scratcher: Meds made me super itchy last time, so this is a random but crucial addition.

Postpartum Recovery:

• Vitamins/meds: Focusing on postpartum health with supplements to support recovery and hydration.
  • Important nutrients:
    • B & A Vitamins – I like getting through beef liver capsules. Support energy, mood, and recovery, while beef liver is nutrient-dense, providing key vitamins necessary for healing and milk production.
    • Choline – Essential for brain health, memory, liver function, and supporting breast milk production.
    • Collagen – My favorite liquid for best results. Promoting skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks, and aiding in joint health while also helping to strengthen hair and nails.
    • Omega 3 Fish Oil – Crucial for reducing inflammation, supporting mood stability, and promoting brain health in both the mother and baby through breast milk.
    • Vitamin D (take in the morning) – Essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation, and it helps support the baby’s development through breast milk.
    • A good probiotic – my favorite spore based brand, that survived the trip to your gut (most don’t – especially those refrigerated!). Use code KEETOWELLNESS for 15% off.
    • A good postpartum multivitamin
• Nipple butter & silver nipple shields: Absolute essentials for breastfeeding—silver shields help heal much faster. Use code KEETOWELLNESS2024 for 10% off Earth Mama organic nipple butter.
• Cooling gel pads: These provide soothing relief in the early breastfeeding days.
• Milk maid tea: Extra lactation support for those first days of breastfeeding. Best brand without microplastics!
• Kindred Bravely nursing bra: My favorite for comfort and easy breastfeeding access.
• Moon water energy spray: A refreshing mist to help reset and feel energized. Everything you need here.
• Ice roller & gua sha: For gentle lymphatic drainage and relaxing face massages.

Baby Essentials:

• Pacifiers: Our go-to pacis stay in better than the hospital ones.
• Going home outfit for baby: Simple, comfy, and weather-appropriate.
• Baby photo outfit: For those special first photos, including a “Hello World” sign.
• Ollie Swaddle: The best swaddle for keeping baby snug and calm.

Comfort Items:

• Clearly Filtered water bottle: Staying hydrated is key, and this water bottle filters out toxins. Use code KEETOWELLNESS for 10% off.
• Sleeping eye mask: For blocking out light and catching some rest in the hospital room.
• Sound machine: White noise helped me sleep much better last time.
• Portable fan: Hospitals can get stuffy, so I’m bringing a fan for some cool air. I got so hot last time this was crucial!
• Long phone charger & portable charger: Essential for keeping devices charged, especially with long hospital stays.
• Pillows for me & my husband: Hospital pillows just don’t cut it, so bringing our own helps us sleep better.
• Extra grocery bag: To take home all the extra items and goodies from the hospital.
• Two blankets: One for me, one for my husband—the hospital ones aren’t always cozy.

Hydration & Nourishment:

• Trace minerals & hydration packs: Trace minerals are important postpartum for supporting immune function, energy production, and overall recovery, helping to replenish nutrient levels depleted during pregnancy and childbirth. Use code KEETOWELLNESS30 for 30% off my favorite hydration packs from Goodonya that INCLUDE trace minerals.
• Bone broth: My go-to for quick nourishment when I need something easy to sip post-birth.

Extra Comfort & Relaxation:

• Kindle: A great distraction for late-night feedings or downtime.
• Cooling eye gel masks: To help with tired eyes after labor or sleepless nights.
• Dry brush: For lymphatic drainage and dealing with postpartum water retention.

What I’m Not Bringing This Time:

• Way fewer clothes: I packed too many last time and hardly used any. This time, just a few open-front pajamas for easy nursing and comfort.
• No postpartum care like undies: The hospital provides all the postpartum essentials like mesh underwear and pads, so no need to bring my own.
• Way less toiletries: I hardly got out of bed last time, so I’m cutting back on non-essentials like makeup and hair products.
• No breast pump: The hospital has everything I need for pumping, so I’m leaving mine at home.
• Less food: Since I’m having a scheduled c-section, I won’t need as many snacks as last time. The hospital provides meals, and I’ll have a few bone broth packets for nourishment.
• Less baby clothes: I’m only packing one outfit for coming home and one for a newborn photo—no need for extra changes of clothes since the hospital provides blankets and basics.

By keeping the packing light, I can focus more on rest and recovery while still having everything I need!

Packing for baby number two is all about efficiency and focusing on the essentials. I’m so much more prepared this time, knowing what I actually need versus what I thought I needed the first time. This streamlined list ensures a smoother hospital stay with everything I’ll truly use!