Hospital Bag Essentials I Regret Not Packing the First Time I Had a Baby

During my first pregnancy, a friend told me that they were packing a brand new nightgown and pearls in their hospital bag along with their makeup, hair dryer, and curling iron. In my ever not-so-subtle way, I rolled my eyes and asked, “What the hell is wrong with you?” She told me she wanted to get a good photo of her with the new baby. I had laughed, scoffed and refused to bring any beauty products with me in my hospital bag. After something as excruciating as delivery, I figured putting on makeup and blowdrying my hair would be the very last thing I wanted to do, and I was right. Looking back, I’m not so sure. 

I am nearing the third trimester in my second pregnancy, and I have been slowly gathering what I want to take. That is when I came across a photo of me with my son in the hospital. I was shocked…I looked like hell! My face was puffy and without makeup. My hair was dirty and tied back in a frizzy bun, and I had a baggy maternity dress on that looked terrible. While I am not one for vanity, I was disappointed that I didn’t have a decent first photo of my son and me. I wanted a nice photo of the two of us when he was still oh so tiny and pink and brand new to the world. Instead, I only had a photo of a puffy faced me that I barely even recognized. This time around, I am going to do things a little differently. I am bringing some beauty essentials to fix that “I was hit by a bus” look.

Bring Your Own Shampoo

The hospital never has decent shampoo or conditioner, and you will need a good scrubbing after hours in labor. When my hair is looking lackluster, I use KMS Head Remedy to give it a deep clean. It is designed to remove the build up from everyday products and pollutants leaving it sleek and shiny. You will need a good scrubbing after delivering a baby, and you are going to want to bring your own shower staples.

KMS California Head Remedy Deep Cleanse Shampoo for Hair and Scalp, 300 mL/10.1 oz.I need this ♥

 

Towelettes

You won’t want to (or just physically can’t) do much walking around so it is a good idea to have products like towelettes that you can keep right next to the bed to freshen up your skin. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes are nourishing and even have a little exfoliation to help get rid of sweat or traces of old makeup. You will need something to nourish your tired eyes and soothe your skin. These are a great idea to toss in your bag to help you freshen up when you can’t get out of the hospital bed but there is a flood of people visiting. 

L’oreal Paris Revitalift Wet Cleansing Towelettes, 30 Count (Pack of 3)I need this ♥

 

Your Best Face Cream

You will need something that will give your skin a boost after all the hormones and stress of pregnancy and labor. I love my Tula Overnight Skin Rescue. It is made with probiotics that help balance your skin and hydrate it to give you a supple, even look that is more resistant to damage. I slather this stuff on my skin at night, and it helps prevent morning puffiness and those pesky dark circles under the eyes. It will definitely be in my hospital bag. They also carry a variety of items to help repair tired skin. 

TULA Probiotic Skin Care Multi-Spectrum Overnight Rescue Treatment, 1.67 oz. – Intensive Anti-aging & Pore-refining Night Cream with AHAs, Retinol, & Vitamin CI need this ♥

 

For A Flawless Photos 

I have had grey hair since my early twenties, and it has gotten worse since the birth of my first son. What I would normally cover up with some hair color, I have neglected since getting pregnant, and when I go out in public, I give those grays a quick spray of the L’Oréal Paris Root Cover Up. I will definitely bring this with me to touch up those unruly greys that are becoming so obvious. A little spritz, and I am good to go for photos. It is a quick and easy way to revitalize your hair. 

Loreal Root Cover Up Spray Medium Brown 2oz (2 Pack)I need this ♥

 

My hair is always in rough shape after summer, and since I have neglected my normal salon routine since becoming pregnant, it is particularly bad. I love Rita Hazan products to help repair the damage I have created with blow drying and styling. The Rita Hazan Triple Threat Split End Remedy is amazing. I have missed about two haircuts during this pregnancy since I have been preparing the nursery and trying to get ready…And I will admit, I may have accidentally slept through one so my split ends are a disaster. I can actually feel them scratch my skin if I am wearing a tank top. I put in some of the Triple Threat after washing, and it seals the split ends while helping prevent further damage too. It makes my hair look and feel so much healthier.

Rita Hazan Triple Threat Split End Remedy, 1.7 Fluid OunceI need this ♥

 

To tame those fly-aways and give my hair a silky sheen that is totally photo worthy I use L’Oréal Paris Hair Extraordinary Oil Lustrous Oil Serum. Just a dollop after I wash helps tame my curly hair frizz and give it a nice halo effect. I carry this everywhere with me and use it to control my unruly curls in the summer heat and give it a soft, touchable texture.

L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Extraordinary Oil Lustrous Oil Serum, 3.4 fl. oz.I need this ♥

 

After I am done styling, I use L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to hold it all in place. This stuff has incredible staying power without making your hair feel like a helmet.

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray – All Day Volume, 11 oz.I need this ♥

 

To cover up dark circles, breakouts or lackluster skin, I use L’Oréal Paris Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator. It has a “pearlescent” finish that makes skin look healthy and glowing. That pregnancy glow disappears pretty quickly after giving birth, this will help smooth out imperfections and highlight the rosy, icy tones in the skin to give it a fresh look. It will help capture the best photos post baby, and it will be a life saver when you are exhausted and looking ten years older while caring for a newborn. 

L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator, Rose [N201] 0.67 oz (P…I need this ♥

 

Body Care 

After I delivered my first son, I immediately put on a belly support wrap, and I think it was one of the best things to reduce swelling while helping me get my pre-baby body back. It helped support my back which was soar from delivery and months of carrying around a baby. The belly wrap also smooths out post baby body so clothes fit better. It will definitely be in my hospital bag this time around.  

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset Shapewear – Nude, MediumI need this ♥

 

For Stretch Marks

Thankfully, I didn’t get any stretch marks the first time around, but this time, I have a major one that I can spot already. I have used Mederma in the past to minimize the look of scars with much success. This will be the first thing I put on my skin after delivery. It has been recommended as one of the best products to help fix the appearance of scars, and they even make a special formula for C-sections. The sooner you put it on the better.  

Mederma Advanced Scar Gel – .7 oz.I need this ♥

 

Having a baby is such an amazing experience, and you don’t get that day back. Take tons of photos and capture those sweet, incredible moments. There is no shame in wanting to look your best when you get those snapshots with your newborn. While a baby does take over your life, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. 

I was gifted some of these products to try, but all opinions remain my own. This post also contains affiliate links