Hospital Bag Packing List
I have been meaning to write this post for several months now. For a minute I thought it wasn’t necessary since I delivered my baby 5+ months ago but after receiving a few direct messages on Instagram asking what I included in my hospital bag I decided to just go ahead and put it together. So, this is for the mama’s to be who will be delivering their little bundle of joy in the near future and just want a little clarification on the necessities. It was really fun reminiscing on those preggo days getting ready for when the inevitable contractions would hit but I should mention that you really don’t need much at the hospital. They have EVERYTHING that you actually “need” – and they have plenty of it! But there are a few things that might be nice to bring to make the hospital feel a little more comforting. With that in mind, let’s get into what my hospital bag looked like!
My Hospital Bag
When packing for the hospital, first just think of it like you’re packing to go on a little trip for a few nights. Mentally go through what you’d want to have while away from home. This would include basic things like your wallet (and insurance information), a change of clothes, PJ’s and anything you would like to have to freshen up! Don’t overthink it!
I used my away Away carry-on as my hospital luggage because it’s easy to roll around, lightweight and perfect for the things I needed without having to purchase another bag. I have it in aluminium. I used one side for my stuff and the other side for baby Braxton’s stuff.
Packing list For Mom
I will say again, the hospital has everything you need so you could honestly show up empty handed and be fine. But, there are some things that are nice to have for your own comfort and others that are pretty self explanatory. I will list everything I packed below because I know how helpful it can be. I know I wanted this list when I was in your shoes!
The Basics
Toiletries - This is a no-brainer. Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair brush, hair ties and anything else you would put in your toiletry bag. Some hospitals might have a few of these and a blow dryer if you need it but in my opinion you won’t have time or even be thinking about washing your hair after baby arrives.
Glasses, contacts, contact solution – I recently had Lasik so I no longer need these but at the time of my delivery I couldn’t see a thing without my glasses (or contacts), so I was sure to grab those before leaving the house.
Cleansing Wipes – I was in labor for about 11 hours and felt icky throughout. You don’t need it, but wipes came in handy for me to wipe the sweat away.
Night gown – I absolutely love this night gown and even still wear mine from time to time. It has buttons down the front that make it easy to breastfeed. Keep in mind that you might want something with easy snaps/buttons so you can breastfeed or pump (if that’s what you’re wanting to do).
Robe – You don’t absolutely need one but hospitals tend to be a bit cold. If you’re cold-natured like me a robe may help keep you warm and cozy. You’re gonna need all the TLC you can get post delivery.
Slippers/Flip Flops – You may want to venture out of your room to get snacks, ice or simply go for a walk. You can even use it in the shower. I personally didn’t like standing in the hospital’s shower barefoot.
Post-partum underwear – The hospital has mesh underwear that you wear over your post-partum pads (so sexy). Your regular underwear will not fit over those pads. I personally preferred my Frida mom post-partum undies as they were full coverage and comfortable. They came as part of the Frida mom post-partum kit. If that’s not your jam these high-waisted ones are quite nice and secure. I wore these a couple days after being home.
Nursing Bras – I got a pack from amazon and they were great. I got some others that were very similar and wore them for several months post-partum.
Nipple cream – The hospital will have some but you might want to bring your own just in case. I didn’t end up using it much in the hospital; but really needed it once I got home.
Phone charger with a long cord to keep your phone charged. You and dad will be taking lots of pictures and videos of your little bundle.
Snacks – If you have favs it’s helpful to pack them. The hospital where I gave birth had really good food and snacks so I didn’t need to pack my own. I remember being extremely hungry after delivery so you will want to eat!
Going home outfit & shoes – Pack a going home outfit that would fit your 4-6 month baby bump (if you can remember that). You will still have a pooch post delivery so pack accordingly.
Post-partum
As far as postpartum things like pads and peri bottle, I really feel like that’s unnecessary since the hospital will give you plenty! They truly do have everything you need. Nevertheless I still packed the Frida mom kit that comes with a nursing gown, socks, peri bottle, ice maxi pads, disposable underwear, perineal foam and a few other things. I used up all the items given to me by the hospital (I even had more left over for when I got home). I depleted this before using the items from my Frida mom kit. I especially loved how soothing the Ice Maxi pads and perineal foam were.
Packing list For Baby
Once again, the hospital has and will give you everything you need. However, I felt better taking baby’s own things to use. Here’s all I packed for Braxton:
Receiving blankets/swaddles - I really love these swaddles and so did Braxton! A lot of fun colors to choose from this brand. We still use this personalized blanket and it is Braxton’s favorite.
Newborn diapers and wipes - You will get more than enough diapers at the hospital but if there is a brand hat you love take those with you. I loved the Dyper brand as well as Huggies for both diapers and wipes.
Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips - Your baby has entered a whole new world and might be fussy so pacifiers can he helpful to soothe. Braxton was particular fussy after his first shots.
Baby formula - My milk production wasn’t the best at the hospital so as to not have Braxton starve I supplemented with formula. Pack some just in case, you never know! The hospital does have these however so If you don’t pack some and end up needing it you will be taken care of.
Infant car seat - You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without an infant car seat. Have your significant other bring this to the hospital room with you on the day of discharge. The doona is great as it is an all-in-one stroller and car seat.
1-2 going home outfits – Make sure it’s an outfit with legs so baby can fit in a car seat. If you have room, maybe pack a few different sizes? The outfits we brought for Braxton were HUGE on him.
Socks for keeping baby’s feet warm.
Hat – To keep baby’s head warm. You will get some at the hospital but sometimes you want your own.
Packing list For Dad
Since Dad will be in the hospital just as long as you are, make sure he packs a bag too! He just needs his usual toiletries, some clean clothes and underwear, and then a going-home outfit. Plus, the usual things like wallet, phone charger, etc. Reggie mostly wore sweatpants and comfy clothes while we were at the hospital so that he could stay as comfortable as possible. Here’s his list:
Lounge clothes for wearing around the hospital
Toiletry bag with toiletries- toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and perhaps a razor for beard/head trimming.
Underwear and pajamas
Going home outfit and shoes
Phone charger, wallet
Headphones – not necessary but might be nice for him to have for those moments when mommy and baby are asleep.
Blanket & Pillow – The couch/bed they put your husband on isn’t great and it might be nice for him to have his own blanket and a pillow. These are not necessary but adds a layer of comfort.
If you’re a mom to be, rest assured that everything will be fine! If you don’t have the things on this list that is totally okay because the hospital will have it all. Wishing you a safe delivery and a speedy recovery period.