The Ultimate BYO Hospital Bag Checklist 
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The Ultimate BYO Hospital Bag Checklist™ featuring Pure, Clean Essentials – Bring Your Own products to the hospital to help your baby be Green From Day One™
This no-nonsense, Episencial Mom, MD, RN, and Doula- approved hospital/labor bag checklist, is loaded with the good stuff including expert tips and contributions from leading pregnancy professionals and Healthy Child Healthy World!
Here, we guide you through everything you’ll need in your bag for labor, post labor, baby and siblings too. Plus, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite natural, organic and eco-conscious brands with the needs of Preemie and NICU babies in mind.
Packing for your trip to the hospital is important! Your comfort is a top priority, as is the health of your newborn. Did you know about 60% of what touches your baby’s skin can enter her blood stream and that many popular baby care products are filled with harsh and potentially harmful chemicals?
Lotions, creams, fabrics, diapers, hand-sanitizers and other products can be carefully chosen to keep toxins away from your baby’s body during those first precious days and weeks.
Keep reading for tips on creating a happy, healthy, comfortable, and safe stay at the hospital for you and your growing family.
Must Haves
Insurance Information Hospital Forms Glasses or Contacts Medications/Vitamins Birth PlanMom
Facial Wash Facial Moisturizer Basic Body Care Cosmetics Toothbrush Toothpaste Lip Balm Organic Massage Oil Itchy Belly Product Nipple Butter Postpartum Spray/Arnica Hair Ties Pillows Warm Pack Bathrobe Socks Comfy Clothes/Pajams Going Home Outfit Underwear PadsFood/Drinks
Candies Snacks DrinksCommunication/Entertainment
Music Phone/Smartphone Reading Materials/Tablet Chargers Headphones Baby BookBag for Partner
Baby
Episencial playful Wash Episencial Soothing Cream Episencial Nurturing Balm Massage Oil Hand Sanitizer Diapers Wipes Hats Socks Layettes Swaddle Blankets Car Seat Cord Blood KitNursing/Pumping Gear
Nursing Bra Nursing Pads Nursing Pillow Nursing Wrap BPA Free BottlesSiblings
Creative Supplies Travel Toys Mobile Games Personal Camera Snacks
Must Haves
- Insurance Information
- Hospital Forms (completed ahead of time)
- Glasses or Contacts
- Medications/Vitamins
- Birth Plan
“A clear and simple birthing plan is the most effective way to be sure the desires of both you and your partner are understood. Discuss ahead of time with your medical provider so everyone on your team understands your guidelines. Alisa Donner, MSW, LCSW, Mother, and Co-Founder of Pregnancy Awareness Month®] Episencial Moms love the PAM “How To” outline to write your own plan. Episencial.com/Momslove.”
-Alisa Donner [MSW,LCSW, Mothen, and Co-Founder of Pregnancy Awareness Month®]
“Episencial Moms love the PAM “How To: outline to write your own plan.
Just for Mom
Toiletries
Your Facial Wash, Moisturizer, Basic Body Care and Cosmetics: Hospitals tend to be dry due to the heavily air-conditioned air, so bring toiletries that help target dryness to help you feel more comfortable during your stay! We love our own products for facial and body care (imagine that!), and we also love Juice Beauty and Jane Iredale. Episencial.com/alliance
Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Lip Balm
An absolute must have! Dry air is tough on lips! Episencial Moms love Face Balm for dry cheeks and lips. Episencial.com/
Organica Massage Oil
Soothing touch combined with moisturizing products will provide much-needed relief. The helpful triglycerides and essential fatty acids in massage oils transfer useable nutrients to the rest of your body through the skin! Blood tests show increased levels of these nutrients after massage with coconut and safflower oils!
Itchy Belly Product
There are few things itchier than a growing belly! Episencial Soothing Cream will reduce or eliminate the itch right up to your final moment. The formula is natural and organic, non-greasy, cooling and brings great comfort to dry, irritated or itchy skin. Plus, its gentle all natural formula is safe for baby too! Episencial.com
Postpartum Spray
With the potential of having an episiotomy wound, tearing, or hemorrhoids from a vaginal birth, it is a great idea to be prepared with a product you actually want to use down under. Products provided by the hospital may contain parabens, fragrances, petroleum-based ingredients and other harsh chemicals. Consider Arnica pellets for internal and external wound healing.
Hair Ties
Ponytail holders and soft headbands keep hair fuss-free. Avoid clips, bobby pins and hard headbands – they can poke you and comfort is key. Episencial Moms love Scunci! Episencial.com/Momslove
Pillows
If you love your sleep, bring your own pillow. Make sure the pillow case is brightly colored so you (and the cleaning crew) can identify it.
Bathrobe & Socks
You’ll definitely walk around, which means you’ll be happy to have socks (a few pairs) and slippers to keep feet warm and dry. Go for lightweight, organic, washable materials. Hospital gowns are thin and have an opening in the back, so a soft bathrobe can make you more comfortable and keep your backside covered as you mosey down the hall or wander around your room. [Design block: Non-organic cotton is heavily treated with pesticides, which can rub off on skin and transfer through to you or your baby’s blood stream.)
Episencial Moms love Patagonia organic socks!
Comfy Clothes
You might love to have your own pajamas at the hospital. If you bring a 2-piece set, remember to make sure the top and bottom are loose.
Panties and Pads
The hospital provides disposable underwear and pads, but when you see them, you may find yourself desperate for your own supply! You will wear pads for several days after giving birth, and comfortable underwear is key. Episencial Moms love non-toxic Natracare Maternity Pads. Episencial.com/Momslove
"Even iconic brand baby products contain formaldehyde and other carcinogens, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Many body-care products contain fragrances and harsh chemicals. Moms should do their own research to avoid toxic chemicals and to actively seek out healthy products. I appreciate resources like the Green From Day One Hospital Bag Checklist for providing moms with a great place to find reliable information about safe products for mom and baby."
-Stacy Malkan, Author- Not Just a Pretty Face. Episencial.com/Momslove"
"Massage therapy combined with gentle chiropractic adjustments during the final weeks of pregnancy can improve pelvic function and decrease your body's resistance to the baby's natural downward motion during labor. Bring your partner to your visit to learn helpful labor massage patterns."
Episencial Moms also love Birth Day Postpartum Recovery Spray. (Remember: it is important to get your medical professional's approval on any products you use.)
"Some moms love to have a special aromatherapy spray prepared - for linens and washcloths and the room in general. My favorite is lavender and lemongrass mixed with distilled water."
"Most ancient cultures practiced an Under Belly Treatment, surrounding the abdomen and pelvis in warm materials such as heated sand to restore heat lost during the birth. Bring a warm pack or warm water bottle to restore balance and comfort."
Your Grand Exit: Bring loose, comfortable, stretchy clothes to wear home. Your body will probably be similar in size to when you were 6 months pregnant. Many moms like to take a photo before they leave the hospital – keep that in mind when thinking about what to pack. Even if you don’t bring your entire makeup bag, a hairbrush, some mascara and blush can make all the difference in feeling – and looking – a bit more like yourself.
Food and Drink
Hard Candies
Add to your comfort during labor by sucking on hard candy. Keep in mind that candy with sugar can make you thirsty. Episencial Moms love candies made with natural sweeteners such as honey and agave nectar!
Snacks
Good food can be surprisingly hard to come by in hospitals. Bring plenty of your favorite snacks, and consider a little cooler bag, too. Episencial Moms love fresh, raw organic fruits and nuts, probiotic yogurts and Luna Bars. Episencial.com/Momslove
Drinks
For a refreshing drink, our favorites are water and tea. Remember: water is what your body needs most! Coconut water is naturally packed with a wide array of electrolytes and nutrients to keep you hydrated and boost your energy during labor, delivery and while breastfeeding. Episencial Moms love Vitacoco and Tazo. Episencial.com/Momslove
“Did you know that your baby imprints strongly on flavors from first milk? Your early food choices are among the most important determining factors of your baby’s favorite foods as she grows. What do you want him to love? Now, eat that.”
Communication/Entertainment
Music
You might love to have a special, sentimental and soothing mix of music prepared on an iPod or other device to play during labor.
Phone/Smartphone, Chargers and Headphones
Be sure to bring chargers for your smartphone, tablet devices, camera and camcorder.
Reading Materials/Tablet
Magazines, books, tablets can be
Music, magazines, mobile devices and cameras can turn hours into minutes.
Baby Book and Memorabilia
Capture your baby’s footprints to share with your friends and family while you are still at the hospital. Episencial Moms love TinyPrints! Episencial.com/Momslove
“Great music can relax our moods, provide needed energy, and strengthen our mental focus to support the mind and body during labor. I love Prem Joshua: “Sky Kisses the Earth” and anything by Snatam Kaur.”
-Anna Getty, mother of two, Author, Founder Pregnancy Awareness Month®]
Episencial.com is packed with research materials covering everything from postpartum support to sun safety for babies and kids. You can also read up on skin care as health care and why we believe it is so important to carefully consider what goes on your baby’s skin.
Episencial Playful Wash and Soothing Cream are perfect for baby and great for moms too! Our all-natural formulas are loaded with the good stuff and free from the bad stuff like parabens, petroleum and synthetic fragrances. These superstars will work overtime to keep your skin hydrated and feeling fresh!
Just for Baby
Babies come into the world naked, vulnerable, and exposed to a new and challenging environment. For newborns, adjusting to life outside the womb begins as the first breath and shortly after, the first bath is drawn. Many popular baby care products chosen by hospital maternity and neonatal wards are loaded with harsh chemicals. Given the transdermal properties of this incredibly delicate skin – as much as five times thinner than adult skin – there is risk of those chemicals finding their way into the body where they may have unintended health consequences. More and more, parents and healthcare practitioners are putting the choice of skin care products in a new light and choosing all natural and organic products to care for newborn skin. Episencial Moms also prefer clothing, bedding and blankets made of natural and organic fibers – they are free from the bad stuff!
Baby Toiletries
Episencial Playful Wash
Give baby her first bath in this ultra-pure, safe and gentle foaming wash. Our natural, organic wash is purchased and used by many hospitals (since it is loaded with the good stuff and free from the bad stuff), but if you aren’t sure what your hospital uses, bring your own!
Episencial Soothing Cream
This super-hydrating, all-natural, scent-free cream is perfect for developing skin! Jojoba oil, neem oil, calendula and aloe vera work to moisturize, protect and restore skin texture. Like all Episencial products, this doctor-approved cream is loaded with Actively Healthy™ ingredients.
Episencial Nurturing Balm
A great diaper cream is a must! Prevent discomfort and help soothe extra chapped, cracked or irritated skin with this high-level barrier of tea tree oil and organic calendula to battle bacteria and seal out wetness.
Organic Massage Oil for Touch Therapy/Massage
Research has shown that massage and touch with natural, organic vegetable oils can help babies gain weight more quickly. This is especially important for premature babies in the NICU since weight gain will reduce the length of time spent in the hospital before going home.
Healthy Child Healthy World tip
Store plant-based products in a dry, cool area to maintain shelf-life. Any product that changes texture or has an off smell should be discarded immediately.
Cleanliness
Non-toxic hand and surface sanitizing supplies. Episencial Moms love CleanWell products. Episencial.com/Momslove
Healthy Child Healthy World tip
Many traditional antibacterial products contain triclosan, which has been linked to endocrine disruption. Kill germs safely with plant-based sanitizers or just regular soap and water.
Organic, unbleached diapers and wipes in preemie/newborn size
For disposable hybrids, Episencial Moms love GDiapers Episencial.com/Momslove
For disposables Episencial Moms love Seventh Generation Episencial.com/Momslove
For cloth Episencial Moms love Bum Genius Episencial.com/Momslove
Episencial Moms favorite changing pad is the Patemm pad because it is easy to clean and lasts forever. The cute and ever-changing prints make us happy too. Episencial.com/Momslove
NICUs:Occasionally new babies have to spend some time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) also called the Special Care Nursery, especially preemie babies. These little bundles need extra-special care to stay free from the bad stuff. Discuss with your baby’s nurse and doctor about the products you would like used for your baby. Many NICUs limit the products used on baby to those approved by them. Before you go, ask your doctor and nurses if the IV tubing used in the NICU is DEHP-free (there are alternatives, but not all hospitals use them yet) DEHP is a chemical added to PVC to make the plastic flexible.
Episencial Playful Wash and Soothing Cream are perfect for baby and great for moms too! Our all-natural formulas are loaded with the good stuff and free from the bad stuff like parabens, petroleum and synthetic fragrances. These superstars will work overtime to keep your skin hydrated and feeling fresh!
Babies with infections will often times need to receive antibiotics. Even a few days of antibiotics can cause your baby to have diarrhea, which can cause diaper rash. Protect your baby’s skin before this happens by using Nurturing Balm
Baby Wipes – Use warm water and organic cotton pads for cleaning the diaper area whenever you can instead of diaper wipes with drying alcohol ingredients.
Nursing/Pumping Gears
Nursing Bra
If you choose to wear a bra, select one that is specifically designed for nursing. Remember: a bra is not necessary to successfully breastfeed.
Nursing pads
Pads provide leak-protection. It is comforting to have extra protection as even someone else’s hungry baby sounds can cause you to unexpectedly lactate, and you never know where you might be when this happens.
Nursing Pillow
A great nursing pillow can make it easier to nurse your new baby, especially if you have twins. The latest research supports the use of a pillow to help comfortably orient your body into a slightly reclined position. Your own body then supports baby instead of using a pillow to support baby.
Nursing Wrap
If you prefer to cover while you nurse in public, you might enjoy the protection of a wrap. We love Bamboobies. Episencial.com/Momslove
Nipple Cream (Raspberry ButterTM)or Ointment
If you will be nursing, consider an organic cream or ointment to help soothe and protect sore nipples.
BPA Free Bottles – If you are pumping milk for your baby, be sure the storage bottles are BPA free. Episencial Mom’s love Born Free Episencial.com/Momslove
“To successfully breastfeed, all a mother really needs is support, the ability to rest, and to be close to her baby. There are some products that can make life easier in certain situations and getting a suggestion from your local CLE or IBCLC is a great place to start so you don’t buy unnecessary items. Take a class on breastfeeding to learn all you can about this special relationship between mother and baby.”
Just for Siblings
Include siblings in the excitement by offering a gift from baby or parents to his big brother or sister. Ask parents and close friends to do the same! And since you are making requests, its a-okay to ask them not to wear perfume when they come visit you. Synthetic fragrances can interfere with hormonal communication between baby and mom as well as wreak havoc on baby’s new sensory and nervous system.
Creative Supplies
Episencial Moms love Clementine Art.
Travel Toys
Episencial Moms love Melissa and Doug! An older sibling can pack a bag with you to feel like a big part of the experience.
Mobile Games
Episencial Moms love My Very First App
Camera
A special opportunity for them to participate and to later see how they experienced the big day.
Extra Headphones
As much as we love happily entertained children, we may not always choose the same sounds. It is helpful for siblings to have their own headphones to help keep a peaceful environment in the hospital.
Snacks
Episencial Moms love Happy Baby, Plum, and Peeled Snacks!
Cord blood between siblings could save a life! Bring your collection kit if you are planning on banking. Episencial Moms love CBR.
Don’t Forget Your Partner
Infant Car Seat
Make sure your car seat is installed correctly. Local police stations often offer a car seat service to ensure that your car seat is correctly installed, and they do it for free! There are also specialists that can come to your home for the installation. Whatever you do, don’t forget the instruction booklet if this is your first child. Episencial Moms love Orbit Baby!
Tell dad to leave the after shave cream behind – Episencial Soothing Cream is a wonderful after-shave! Seriously.
Healthy Child Healthy World tip: A chemical called chlorinated tris, which was removed from children’s pajamas in the 1970s due to cancer concerns, can still be found in one-third of traditional baby products and car seats. Look for brands that meet California flammability standards without the addition of chemical flame-retardants to avoid airborne volatile chemicals.]
Why Stop at the Hospital?
Our top 3 most important tips for keeping your baby free from the bad stuff once you get home (other than using Episencial skincare, of course) are:
- Use an organic crib mattress
- Use non-toxic cleaning supplies
- Get a HEPA air filter for the nursery or room where your baby sleeps
A Personal Message from the Episencial Moms
Above all else, the Episencial Moms want you to remember – you are beautiful and strong and an inspiration to your family (and to us)!
We are here to help you this very day and to share in and support your journey as a woman and parent. See our Resources page and Parent’s Library at Episencial.com to keep your mind busy and productive before, during and after your stay at the hospital!
Take Action
Get free skincare samples and sign up for deals and more great tips at Episencial.com
Learn more about your birth options at PregnancyAwareness.com
Contribute to maternal health worldwide at EveryMotherCounts.org
Get the WebMD App to track your baby’s development and get access to physician approved health information and guidance.
Become an informed birthing professional at CAPPA.net
Before you eat your next meal, please watch this video
We do not necessarily endorse the brands or organizations that are mentioned in this guide, and they do not necessarily endorse us. We are simply sharing with you what WE like. Episencial is not liable for the outcome of the use of for their products or any displeasure, discomfort or anything else that may result from using said products. We always recommend you check with your medical professionals before doing anything or using any products on your baby or while you are pregnant, nursing or going through birth.
Copyright 2012 Kim Walls
Kim Walls, M.S., is mother to two boys, the founder of Episencial® and chief formulator of the company’s skincare products and philosophy. A second-generation skin care expert, she now combines her activism for health and environmentalism with expertise in clinical skin care and nutritional science to develop green, effective skin care for pregnant women and children.
An esthetician with more than a decade of experience, Walls focuses on skincare as a pathway to improved health and beauty for women and children. She shares her experience internationally with dermatologists and estheticians, as well as childbirth and postpartum professionals, underscoring the relationship between optimum health and skin care.
Now as CEO of Episencial, she is dedicated to sharing that knowledge with new and growing families to support the enhanced health and immunity that effective, all natural products can provide.