When I had my first child, I packed ALL THE THINGS for the hospital. It was a little crazy. How many did I use? Only a fraction. But you know something, it didn’t really matter that I only used a small percentage of what I packed in my hospital bag. That’s because just knowing I had brought those things along gave me peace of mind. PLUS I had all those things in a bag for my postpartum days, and that turned out to be quite helpful. So let me share my own personal Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist with you!
Ultimate Hospital Bag
First, you need a good bag. It should be big enough to hold everything and have straps so it can be carried or hung from a hook if necessary. A travel bag, like a duffle, will probably work well. Avoid backpacks — it’s just too hard to find things in them.
Note: You may want to organize your items into different bags — for example, I recommend Dad’s stuff be separate from Mom’s stuff. Here’s one way you could organize your things into multiple bags:
- Labor bag — this is the bag of things you need for the labor room (I’ve bolded these items in the list below)
- Mommy bag — this is the bag of things you’ll want AFTER baby is born
- Daddy bag — this is his bag of stuff
- Baby bag — all of your baby’s stuff
- Toy/tech bag — all of your tech stuff, like chargers and cameras and tablets
Clothing and Shoes to Put in Your Hospital Bag
- Comfortable stretch cotton or other natural fiber clothing (the natural fibers will keep you feeling more comfy) — I recommend yoga pants (capris) and big loose T-shirts, plus a zip-up hoodie for if you get cold
- Maternity or nursing bras
- Nursing tops, if you intend to nurse
- A comfy cotton robe (DO NOT use one of those soft fluffy polyester robes — you’ll roast in them)
- Lots of big comfy undies in dark colors. I brought like 10 pair. Even though I had a C-section, I was expecting a vaginal birth. No little panties yet.
- Big, loose sandals or slippers (my feet swelled like crazy after birth and sandals were the only things they fit into)
- Warm comfy socks (3-4 pairs)
- Eye mask (and ear plugs) because it’s never really that dark in the hospital and it’s really noisy!
- Glasses and contacts, if you use them
- A hat or cap if you want to cover your messy hair (because it WILL be messy, mama!)
Toiletries to Put In Your Hospital Bag
- Maternity pads
- Breast pads (when your milk comes in, you’ll leak!)
- Nipple cream (lanolin cream)
- Nipple soothing gel pads
- Lip balm/Chapstick
- Baby wipes
- Travel size shampoo and conditioner (and/or dry shampoo — this is my preference)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lotion
- Hand sanitizer (both for you and for visitors)
- Face moisturizer
- Razor
- Nail clippers
- Brush/comb
- Deodorant
- Makeup
- Tissues
- Hair ties, clips, headbands, and/or bobby pins
- Travel mirror
Other Things You’ll Probably Need to Be Comfortable
- Phone and phone charger with a long cord
- Camera, extra battery, memory cards, and charger
- Extension cord
- A prepared music playlist
- Insurance card
- Personal Identification (like your driver’s license)
- Thank-you gifts for the nurses and staff
- Snacks! (Oh, I was HUNGRY the day after I gave birth)
- Your favorite water bottle, preferably one that you can drink from while lying down
- Suckers/lollipops and/or gum
- Cash and coins for hospital vending machines
- Breast pump and supplies
- Your favorite toilet paper
- Folder or file box to keep all the papers you’re going to get in safe and sound
Baby Things to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
- Onesies (3-4)
- Newborn cap, mittens, and booties
- Swaddlers (baby blankets)
- Burp cloths
- Nursing pillow and/or nursing cover
- Cute but comfy outfit for photos and for going home
- Car seat (very important!!)
Things Dad Should Bring in His Own Bag
- A warm hoodie or sweater (it can get chilly in the hospital)
- A change of clothes
- Clothes he feels comfortable sleeping in
- His own toiletries, as he very well might spend the night (or two) with you
- Ibuprofen/Acetomenophen
- His phone and charger
- Camera
- Laptop or tablet
Download the Printable Checklist
Here is a free PDF of this checklist so you can download and print it!
I hope this helps you prepare for your birth!
Hugs and kisses,
Serenity
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