Today’s post is from a blogger that I had the pleasure of spending time with in real life!! We met at the Blissdom conference in Nashville, and had a ton of fun stuffing our faces with baked goods, eating at an awesome Mexican restaurant, and…okay, so I guess we mostly ate a lot together. In her defense, she was very pregnant. In my defense…I was hoping to get pregnant soon so…I was storing energy?
Caroline from chocolate and carrots is not only a totally adorable pregnant person, but she’s also sweet and amazingly talented. Her photos are gorgeous and her recipes are a good combination of healthy and junk food-ey. I’m so excited to have her here, sharing her hospital bags with us!! Her baby is due at the end of the month, so she doesn’t have long to go.
Good luck, Caroline and I can’t WAIT to see that adorable baby!!
Hey there! I’m Caroline from chocolate & carrots and I am a self taught baker and food photographer. I’m also a wife and a very soon-to-be mommy! I’m due on May 26th and I thought it’d be fun to show you what’s in my hospital bag!
Now, packing is not my favorite thing. I tend to take 24 times longer than the average human because I’m a planner. So, this whole ‘you’ve gotta have everything pack weeks in advance, because you don’t know when this baby will pop out’ thing is right up my alley. It’s only taken me 2 weeks to get everything in there. Don’t laugh, I’m being totally serious. I also always tend to over pack. You know, you have to be prepared for every situation. And since I have absolutely no clue how this whole popping-a-baby-out thing is going to work, I’ve got a lot of over packing to do! 
So, I ended up deciding on both a bag for me and a bag for the baby (and my husband has a bag too, but his stuff is boring so we just won’t show you that).
Exhibit A: My bags…well, momma and baby’s bags.
I packed my bag in my Gaiam yoga bag and the baby’s things are pack in my Skip Hop diaper bag.
First up…the diaper bag. I have absolutely no idea what I actually NEED to bring, but I thought I would exhaust all my options, just in case.
1. White receiving blanket (I still have no idea what a receiving blanket is…anyone explain?) that my grandmother handmade for me. I too was brought home in one just like this, except it was pink! 
2. Blue newborn onesie, in case it’s a boy.
3. Pastel newborn onesie, in case it’s a girl.
4. Yellow hand mittens. I’ve heard they can scratch themselves with their claws and it’s good to have a pair of these (as if it’s a werewolf or something). They’re nice and light weight too, since it’ll be a billion degrees Fahrenheit outside when we bring the little one home.
5. The softest little baby socks I’ve ever felt. No lie.
6. Polka dotted burp cloth, which I’m sure will be gross by the time we make it the 25 minutes home.
7. White little hat.
8. Cute ducky bib, just in case of spit ups. Eww.
9. Disposable nursing pads for momma. I don’t want to even think about that yet. TMI.
10. The smallest diapers I’ve ever seen! I can’t believe that baby will be that small!
11. Some wipes…just in case we need to change the diaper in the car? Just kidding. I actually don’t know why I packed those, other than to wipe my sweat and tears while leaving the comforts of the hospital to face the real world of parenting.
12. Cute pillow cases that we’re bringing to distinguish our pillows from the hospitals. Yay Target!
And yes, I’m also bringing this Green Day onesie for our little punk rock baby. It’s quite big, so I’ll only put it on him/her if he/she is a big thing! And can you believe that my mom bought this for our baby? She going to be a rockin’ grandma…I mean, mother of a mother. (She’s sensitive right now, geeze.)
Next, we have the contents of my bag. Let’s just say I jammed a lot of stuff in one bag.
Oki doki, let’s get started.
1. Disposable, yet cute gray flip flops for the shower. I’m a germ freak people. I don’t trust the sanitation of anyone except myself. (I even asked the nurse teaching our birthing class when the first available time would be for me to take a shower after delivery. I hate being dirty. Eww…I guess that’ll change pretty quickly, eh momma’s out there?)
2. Slippers for walking the halls during labor and the rest of my stay at the hospital.
3. A super soft and light weight gray robe. Yet again, from Target.
4. Two really cute pj’s from Victoria’s Secret. They’re button down, so good for breastfeeding!
5. Teal nursing top from Motherhood Maternity.
6. Dark grey sweat pants. I don’t think I can wear these if I have a c-section (please, dear lord, don’t let me have a c-section) because of the waist line.
7. American Airlines sleep mask, because I have to have it pitch black dark to go to sleep. So, maybe that’ll help between contractions? Eh?
8. Washable nursing pads. Again, don’t want to talk about it.
9. Black nursing bra from Motherhood Maternity. You wouldn’t believe how long it took for my husband, the employee helping us, and myself to find one that fits. It’s hard to buy a bra where you’re trying to guess how ‘big’ you’re going to get. Ugh. Anyway. I let my husband pick the color. Might as well still feel sexy, eh?
10. Going away dress. I’m pretty sure it’s the most comfortable and cool dress I own. I have it in 3 colors. That’s how awesome this dress is.
I also packed some undergarments, but we’ll just leave it at that.
Now for the goods.
1..Nook color: I need some entertainment and there she is. I’m currently reading Bringing up Bebe. It’s really good. We’re going to ‘try’ the French-style parenting. We’ll see how that goes.
2. My baby, the 13 inch mac book pro. This is where chocolate & carrots comes to life! I’ll also use it to try to update ya’ll after the baby arrives!
3. iPhone 4S: I don’t think a food blogger can go anywhere without a smart phone. It’s our constant lifeline to our world. I decided to be all cutesy too and put a photo of the whole grain strawberry baked donuts that I recently made on my screen. Mmm!
4. iPod and Bose (I call them Boss, just because they are the bomb as far as headphones go). Gotta have some music to get me through labor, right? Any favorite music as far as labor is concerned? Anyone?
5. The lens cap to my camera (I can’t take a photo of my camera when I’m using my camera to take the photo. Sheesh), which we will be bringing to capture these precious first moments as a new family. I shoot with a Canon 7D…with a 50mm f/1.4 lens.
6. Mints. I’ve heard sucking on hard candies helps during labor since you can’t eat anything? I’m also thinking about buying some jolly ranchers, too. Good idea?
7. Water bottles. I don’t know, just in case the hospital doesn’t have water!?! Haha…just kidding. I have no idea.
8. An assortment of snacks: GoSqueeze applesauce, Annie’s granola bars, and some homemade trail mix.
9. Hair ties and a head band, because this is labor, ya know.
10. Listerine: gotta keep that mouth clean with all the kisses this baby’s gonna get!
11. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash, because I’m sure the hospitals is gross even though we’re paying thousands of dollars to stay there. I’d rather stay here.
12. Revlon 12 hour colorstay eyeshadow in sterling rose. I only ever use the black and the light champagne colors, though.
13. Pads. Enough said.
14. Toothpaste. I’m a freak when it comes to teeth too. I’ve had braces twice and still wear two permanent retainers and one removable one at night. I floss and brush my teeth very regularly. Let’s just say that my dentist loves me!
15. Lotions…for my feet and body. Momma’s gonna need massages!
16. Dove deodorant. Because no one wants me to stink. Floss. Again, teeth freak.
17. Razor. I’m a venus gal, but this is one of their disposables. I’m leaving my good one at home!
18. Mascara: I use Maybelline’s Colossal Volume in Glam Black.
19. Eye liner: Clinique’s Quickliner in Really Black. My favoriteeeee!
20. Chapstick. I’ve heard the hospital gets you pretty dry. The magic toothbrush.
21. Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies (this isn’t the recipe shown in the photo, but the one I’m going to make). If I have time, I’m going to make some for the nurses before I go to the hospital. Baking is soothing for me, so I’m hoping it will be a good pain coping mechanism. Plus, they’re going to love me.
So, yeah! That’s that. What am I forgetting? Or what do I not need? I still have a couple weeks before the big day…I think. Help a new momma out!
Thank you for listening and come visit me anytime at chocolate & carrots!
Wow this is taking me back. If you’re nursing, don’t forget a boppy pillow. Trust me, it’s convenient and much easier to get the hang of in the early days using that thing. Most hospitals will provide diapers, wipes and pads for you… remember to snag any extras before you leave the hospital too! Free is good. You probably won’t need the nursing pads in the early days… it takes a few days for milk to come in. Make sure your husband has essentials packed for him too.
Really, the only things you absolutely need are car seat and clothes for the baby to go home in – everything else is just a bonus. 
What a great idea…I never thought to bring the boppy to the hospital, but it totally makes sense!
Pillows everywhere! 
I love your diaper bag! So cute! Thanks for giving us a peek inside. I’d leave out the stuff the hospital will give you: diapers, wipes, water, nursing pads, pads. Those pads look a little smaller than what you’ll be needing
Maybe add a magazine in case you want to read something not on a phone/computer screen? And a hairbrush. Adding jolly ranchers sounds good too! An don’t forget your phone and camera chargers!! Good luck an I hope you have a great birth experience!
Haha, the pads I was thinking the same thing! My hospital gave me some of the giant ones when I left though, but honestly I wasn’t ready for those tiny things for a while, sorry TMI…
A magazine is good too, because I was unable to concentrate for long enough to comprehend what was going on in a book, magazines have pictures and short articles. You may want speakers for your iPod, I don’t think I could have dealt with something in my ears like earphones.
Oh and last thing ask for your epidural on the way in (like as you are walking past the nurses’ station) Especially if it’s a weekend. Who knew it could take up to an hour for the darn pain doctor to get there- I don’t care that it’s Sunday, lady, I’m in pain over here! Sorry flashback.
I’ll definitely have to bring bigger ones. Ugh. Haha!
And noted about the magazines and epidural. Ouch!
I had Victoria’s Secret pajamas in the hospital, too. Best decision ever!!! They’re so comfy and are really convenient for nursing. I agree with what Tiffany said about the pads. They’re uhhh, pretty small. I’ll just leave it at that. Congratulations and good luck!!
Haha….I just didn’t want to admit that, just yet.
Haha! I have some bigger ones I’ll bring too. Thank you Nicole!
Definitely get the jolly ranchers!! They’ll be tasty as well as handy for throwing at people when they are driving you crazy dusting labor…..throw them with a smile of course
Just a thought….I brought a guest book. I know it sounds strange, but you’ll most likely have a lot of visitors, especially if you have a c-section, and its fun to go back and read the sweet little messages our family wrote to the baby!
Haha…I love it!
And I’m definitely going to have to bring a guest book…what a great idea!
I had 2 c-sections. You can totally still wear your cozy sweatpants after. The incision is WAY lower than your waistband! And the pads? You might want to pick up some “overnight” ones. Imagine your worst period and double (or triple) it. That being said, the hospital WILL have all you need for your visit…just have some for when you return home. Husband’s really don’t want to have to go out and buy them! ;oP
Good to know. Thank you!
Cute article, Caroline!!! We are so excited to meet Baby Edwards… Here are my suggestions for your bag… skip the jolly ranchers and go with life savers. Jolly ranchers seem like a joking hazard for a mom in labor
Consider packing socks for you, chap stick and maybe pearls for those mommy & baby pics. As for baby, condsider a gender neutral, old fashioned baby gown to bring him/her home in (again for photo ops!)
I’m so excited for you to meet Baby Edwards too!
I can’t believe it’s so soon!
So cute!! I think you did great!
Thank you Ashley!
I don’t have any advice but I’m impressed that you’re bringing a razor.
If my husband asked me if I wanted to pack a razor for my hospital bag, I’d laugh in his face. And I had to look up what nursing pads were because I didn’t even know that leakage was an issue. Oh well. At least you’re prepared! And I love the ducky bib. My non-existent babies are all going to have ducky everything. 
Haha…you’re so funny Erin!
You are so cute, love the Green Day onesie!!
Thanks Lauren!
Haha! Gotta love a rockin’ baby!
You look pretty set! I’ll second the Boppy Pillow, I (tried) nursing with my first, and didn’t with my second (he was also in the NICU for a week after an emergency C-section at 37 weeks), but those things are amazing… definitely helps you cuddle the baby longer without your arms falling asleep
Don’t forget a camera charger or extra battery! You never know how many pictures you’ll take
Both times I delivered the hospital provided me with plenty of industrial-sized pads, so I wouldn’t worry too much. They also gave me the annoying mesh underwear to use them with… but I had brought my own underwear that was a) intended to be thrown away and b) larger than normal, and full on granny panty coverage. Not the most comfortable, but it helped. They also gave me as many diapers (though only size 1, which if the baby is teeny newborn size might work better), wipes, aspirators, etc as I needed.
I also brought a 6 pack of Diet Coke bottles. The hospital gave me whatever I wanted, but I liked not having to bug the nurse every time I wanted a drink if my husband wasn’t there. With my first I actually followed the ‘no caffeine’ thing (yeah, totally didn’t bother with the second) so I was DYING to have one after delivery!
So I’m guessing from the first picture you don’t know what you’re having- how very exciting!!! I wish I had the willpower to wait until delivery… but there’s no way I could! I still think it’d be the neatest thing to find out in the delivery room!
Good call Diana. I’m definitely going to have to bring the boppy. I want to be a pro at nursing.
And yes, we’re waiting to be surprised! I’m so excited! 
Earplugs to try and get some rest in the hospital, it is noisy!
Never thought to bring earplugs, but that is genius! Thank you Julann!
Haha I was laughing at the er, smallness of the pads. The hospital usually gives you a bunch to start off with anyway. A receiving blanket is just a blanket to wrap the baby up in, same as a swaddling blanket I guess.
Dont forget the car seat- majorly important 
Good luck!!
Trust me you wont be thinking of a shower after having the baby. Youll want to just relax and enjoy your bebe!
To have in the house (or maybe even bring to the hospital) I’d recommend some Lanolin cream if youre breastfeeding. Best cream out there. We dont have to talk about it, just a recommendation
Definitely bring the chap stick. And Im not sure about your hospital/drs policy but I couldnt eat anything at all, only ice chips that they gave me. Dont think the water is necessary, they have plenty in the hospital, but maybe keep 1 bottle for the way there? Or the car ride home? And the razor, you may be too tired, but if it makes you happy bring it
Thank you for the great tips Rena!
I love, love, LOVE that y’all don’t know if it’s a boy or girl!! I wish more people did that these days!! Best of luck to your family!!
I know, right!
We’re so excited to find out…such a wonderful surprise!
You’ve got it covered, that’s for sure! =) I do have a few thoughts though:
#1. I’m definitely echoing some of the other girls on the pads. The ones you pack will definitely not be big enough. The hospital will send you home with extra, just ask. You’ll be glad you did.
#2. I also packed my own PJ’s because I figured I would want to be comfortable. But what nobody told me was how often the nurses come and check you… and that whole post-birthing situation. I’m talking every 2-3 hours. It ended up being easier just staying in the hospital gown.
#3. I’m so glad you are breastfeeding! It’s hard at first, and can be painful, but stick with it and it gets a lot better and it’s sooo good for baby! You’ll definitely want some kind of cream or oil to avoid cracking. I, personally, could not use cream because it hurt SO bad to try and rub on. I ended up using Vitamin E oil and it was the best thing to ever happen to the girls!
Good luck! Try to enjoy the whole experience, no matter what!
Thank you for your advice Shandi! I’m definitely going to invest in that Vitamin E.
I’d suggest gum instead of hard candies (my doc wouldn’t let me have anything but ice because you make too much saliva – whatev’s), Tuck’s wipes, and definitely earplugs. I had a roommate when I had my first – she drove me blinkin’ nuts! Good luck to you, dearie!
Interesting. I’ll have to bring a pack of gum, just in case! Thank you!
I agree with the boppy pillow! I forgot mine at home with my second, and made my husband go home to get it! And with the pjs, I would just make sure that you won’t be crushed if you have to throw them out when you get home. There’s quite a bit of bleeding, and you never know what will happen! (Plus, they come in to check you a lot, so sometimes the hospital gown is easier, although not as fashionable or comfy…) I’m impressed at how prepared you are!!
Good to know, thank you Deborah! I’m so excited for you too….expecting your third!
Yay!
OMG, laughing laughing laughing at those “pads.” Uh, not heavy duty enough. At least for a vaginal birth. I don’t really know about bleeding after a c-section, but those pads wouldn’t hold a minute’s worth of postpartum bleeding. You may want to get some thick overnights instead.
Will do…thank you Amy!
Even with a C section you bleed like a MoFo for a day or two… not as much as with a vaginal birth but still way more than a panty liner could handle.
Receiving blankets are used to swaddle babies. But now many hospitals are encouraging mothers to use a Halo that is a sort of swaddle thing with velcro. I use my old receiving blankets to diaper my baby! But your grandmother’s is too nice for poo.
New borns like to be wrapped up nice and tight as that is what they are used to.
You have hair ties but don’t forget your hair brush! One mistake I made with my first child is I didn’t take shampoo and soap and I didn’t shower (we got home and my husband said I smelled like rotten meat…:( he still loves me though!.) Shower every night after everyone leaves. Trust me it will make you feel soooo much better. Also if no one has told you yet, have the nurses take care of the baby in the nursery overnight, except maybe for feedings. You’ll need the sleep! Best advice anyone gave me about the hospital stay. And TAKE A WATER BOTTLE. The nurses are busy and forget sometimes to bring you water. I never got so thirsty as when I delivered both my children. What they don’t tell you is if you have an epidural you can’t have water. So if you decide to go that route drink up before. One more tip. I love love loved having a nursing tank at the hospital. It’s hard to nurse in those gowns…or a t-shirt and the transition from not nursing to nursing feels awkward at first. If you don’t have a nursing tank go buy three or four. You’ll love wearing them under your shirts. And if you figure out something you need but forgot, just have your husband get it for you!
Phone charger! The one thing everyone forgets.
(and a folder for you and for the baby for all the papers they give you, trust me there will be a TON.)
Blessings on the birth of your baby!
What great advice Diana! Thank you! All noted and packed.
Yay!
Is that dress from Target?? If so I have it in 2 colors and I have loved it during pregnancy! what a lifesaver! I want that blue color!
Yep!
I’m a Tarjay shopoholic….and it doesn’t help that there’s one within a mile of my house. Oye! 
I’ve been to 3 Targets in the past 2 days!
I’d add your baby book, the nurses can put babys footprints in it when they do the birth certificate prints!
Will do…great idea Kassidy!
Loved this post and man o man seems like just yesterday that I was a new mom! My oldest of 3 is FIVE! Yikes…
You really packed everything that you will need.
These are 2 things we did with the last 2 babies but didn’t know about with the first.
Heating pad or these disposable heating pads they last for like 30 minutes or something. After you have the baby you will have contractions every time you nurse as your uterus shrinks back down… they are killer. And as if breast feeding for the first time isn’t hard enough… those contractions make it worse! Heating pads helps SO much!!
Make sure to bring blankets for hubs. Our hospital only provided ME with pillows and such… husband always froze his buns off.
Ooo…I hadn’t heard that one before! Thank you Carrie!
You might want to rethink the pantyliners and go with those huge 1950s pad that go from the back of your neck to your bellybutton… you’re going to have a lot of… lets call it discharge… even of you have a C section.
I revised what you should actually pack in my experience in a blog post: hospital bag necessities. http://chocolateandcarrots.com/crackersandcarrots/2012/07/hospital-bag-necessities