If you are a first-time mom, then thinking about your experience during labor and delivery might be overwhelming. One of the best things you can do to reduce stress is to focus on what you can control, which includes your hospital bag. But are you wondering what to pack in a hospital guide? I’ve got a comprehensive but minimalist list for you to make sure your stay in the hospital with your new baby is as comfortable as can be.
What to Pack in a Hospital Bag: A Guide for Expecting Moms
When to pack your hospital bag
You can pack the stuff for the baby at any point. Then keep a list of what else you will need to pack for yourself when the time comes.
The truth is, if you start to go into labor at home, you won’t be rushing to the hospital right away. Getting the last few things in the bag is a great way to kill time while you’re waiting for contractions to get closer together. But having the list ready so you don’t have to think about it is helpful, because when the time comes, you’ll have a lot of other things on your mind!
Another thing to consider is if you end up going straight to the hospital after a doctor’s appointment. This happened with one of my children and my husband had to pack my bag for me. He was very thankful that I already had a list ready!
What to pack in a hospital bag for you
Here’s what you’ll want to pack for yourself, for before, during, and after labor.
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Any regular medications
- Nursing pillow (whether nursing or formula feeding!)
- Comfy clothes for the hospital and to wear home
- Nursing bras and tanks (if breastfeeding)
- Zip up sweater or hoodie (to allow for lots of skin to skin contact)
- Socks
- Toiletries
Read More→
Have you tried Banza pasta made from chickpeas? It’s a big hit at our house!
Head over to Publix where you can get Banza Chickpea Pasta for only 34¢ right now with an eCoupon and Ibotta.
Publix Banza Pasta Deal (ends 1/26 or 1/27):
- Banza Pasta, 8 oz, B1G1 at $3.69 ($1.84)
-$1 off Banza Pasta, 8 oz, limit 2, Ibotta mobile app
-$1/2 Banza Pasta, Publix eCoupon
(buy (2), use $1/2 and (2) Ibotta, makes it 34¢ ea.)
See the full Publix Ad for more great deals.
Get some photos printed with this Walgreens photo code! Use code GLOWFIFTY at checkout to get 50% off everything.
This includes prints, photo books, canvases, stationery, and lots more.
Choose FREE in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs. This code is valid through 1/30.
See more online deals!
Thru Tuesday night, get 30% off everything online from Old Navy! No code is needed, you’ll see the extra discount at checkout.
This will also work on sale and clearance items (those are the best deals).
Savings Tip: Shipping is free on any $50+ order before coupons! That really means it’s free shipping on any $35 order.
It does exclude Today Only, Hot Deal, Best Seller and Licensed Products.
Deal Ideas:
High-Waisted Cut off Ankle Jeans – $17.97 (reg. $39.99)
-30% off at checkout
makes it $12.57
High-Waisted Elevate Moto Leggings – $19.97 (reg. $36)
-30% off at checkout
makes it $13.97
Women’s Ankle Socks, 6 pair, $8 (reg. $10.99)
-30% off at checkout
makes it $5.60
Cozy Soft Brushed Fringed Scarf– $3.97 (reg. $19.99)
-30% off at checkout
makes it $2.77
High-Waisted Super Skinny Studded Jeans – $17.97 (reg. $44.99)
-30% off at checkout
makes it $12.57
This offer is valid through Tuesday night, 1/26 only.
See more online shopping deals.
Today is the last day to sign up for Weight Watchers and get 50% off any 6 month plan!
You’ll pay NOTHING for the first month and pay no joining free.
After the first month you’ll pay $14.57 per month (reg. $20.95) for 6 months.
WeightWatchers is a great way to get extra motivation, meal ideas, and tools to help you track your meals and lose weight.
This discount applies to all of their programs. Pick from Digital Only, Live Coaching, Online Workshops and more!
Offer end tonight, 1/25.
Need diapers?
Right now you can get deals on Pampers at all the major drugstores!
Grab diapers or pull ups for as low as $1.49 per pack when you use the scenarios below at CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid.
Pampers Deals:
- CVS – $10 ECB wyb (3) Pampers Jumbo pk 16-32 ct., Pure 20-35 ct., Ninjamas or Easy Ups 11-25 ct., $9.99, limit 1
Buy:
(3) Pampers Diapers, jumbo pk., $9.99
Use:
-$3/2 Pampers Swaddlers, Cruisers, Pure OR Baby Dry bagged Diapers, excl 360 FIT and trial, CVS eCoupon
-$3 off Pampers Diapers purchase of $15, printing at CVS Coupon Center
Total Due: $23.97
Get Back: $10 ExtraCare Bucks
Makes it $4.65 each! - Walgreens – $5 RR when you spend $35 on participating Baby Care Products
Buy:
(3) Huggies Pull Ups, jumbo pk., 2 for $20
Use:
(3) -$3 off Huggies Pull-Ups training underwear, 6-ct+, SS 01/03
Total Due: $21
Get Back: $5 Register Reward
Submit For:
(3) -$2 off Huggies Pull-Ups, 27-ct or less bag, excl trial, Ibotta mobile app
Makes it $3.83 each! -
Rite Aid – $5 BC wyb (2) Huggies Pull-Ups, Diapers, GoodNites or Baby Wipes, jumbo pack or 352-384 ct., $8.99, limit 2
Buy:
(2) Pull-Ups, jumbo pk., $8.99
Use:
(2) -$3 off Huggies Pull-Ups training underwear, 6-ct+, SS 01/03
Total Due: $11.98
Get Back: $5 BonusCash
Submit For:
(2) -$2 off Huggies Pull-Ups, 27-ct or less bag, excl trial, Ibotta mobile app
Makes it $1.49 each!
Right now you can take your phone into Walgreens loaded up with an Ibotta rebate and an eCoupon to get Burt’s Bees Moisturizer for $5.66 or Cleanser for just $2.66.
Tip: You can mix and match items if you don’t want three of the same items. Keep in mind the cheapest item will be the free item, so try to pick items that are similar in price.
Walgreens Burt’s Bees Deal (ends 1/30):
- Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing Moisturizer or Glow Booster, .5-1.8 oz, B2G1 at $17.99
-$4 off Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing Glow Booster, 0.51 oz, at Walgreens, Ibotta mobile app
-$4 off Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing Moisturizers, select varieties, at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Ibotta mobile app
-$7 off Burt’s Bee Truly Glowing Face Care item, Walgreens eCoupon
(buy (3), use eCoupon and (3) Ibotta, makes it $5.66 ea.) - Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing Cleanser, 6 oz, B2G1 at $9.99
-$3 off Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing Gel Cleanser, 6 oz, limit 3, at Walgreens, Ibotta mobile app
-$3 off Burt’s Bee Truly Glowing Gel Cleanser, Walgreens eCoupon
(buy (3), use eCoupon and (3) Ibotta, makes it $2.66 ea.)
Check out the full Walgreens ad for more great deals.
I hope you can join me this coming Monday Night for our weekly Q&A.
We are going to cover a favorite topic for everyone, how to save money with mobile apps.
Apps are one of my favorite ways to save money on groceries (especially on produce) and on dining out. See which apps are my favorite and how to use them Monday night.
Watch live at the top of Southern Savers, or on Facebook or Youtube.
I don’t think I know a kid who doesn’t love to make glittery, love-filled Valentine cards. It’s a fun way for them to show the people around them that they care and get to be creative at the same time.
Here are some great ideas to get their hands busy and help them spread some love and cheer. Consider making a few extra and dropping them off at local assisted living facilities, or even hospitals!
DIY Valentines Kid Crafts
Heart Stamps
All you need is an empty toilet paper roll, some paint, paper and a willing baby. I found the idea for Toilet Paper Roll Heart Stamps from Prudent Baby and it’s such an easy craft!
Tip: After you shop the tube, tape it at the peaks of the heart so it will stay when your little Picasso starts stamping away.
Sign Language Cards
For the older kids try a Sign Language Valentine’s card from My Kids Guide. Your kids can trace their hands, cut them out and glue down two fingers to make the sign for “I love you.” They can glue their hand print on a card and write anything they want in the card.
Marshmallow Valentine Pops
How about edible art? Get the kids busy making a fun treat that is super easy. Crystal & Co. shares all the details, you’ll only need a bag of marshmallows, white chocolate and sprinkles!
Make a little note to attach to the stick or you can just keep them at home as little treats. Either way, these look delicious and fun to make!
Heart Bunting
This doesn’t need much explanation, the real question is how much you want to put into it. Grab paper and let them color the hearts, cut them out of felt… you just need paper scissors and some string.
Heart Sun Catchers
Follow this easy guide and then glue to their hearts content! You’ll need construction paper, tissue paper and some watered down glue. Save the supplies and make some for every holiday.
I have some extra ideas that you’ll want to check out over on our Valentine Craft Pinterest board. You’ll find some finger painting, heart garland made out of paint chips, crystal hearts and more.
