Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby (& Dad too)
This hospital bag checklist for mom and baby is the only one you will need as you prepare for your little one’s arrival!
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A couple of years ago when I was packing my first hospital bag, I did a lot of research.
Like any other first time mom, I had NO idea what I was doing and knew NOTHING about what I was going to need during my hospital stay.
After watching a lot of videos, reading a lot of blogs, skimming some pregnancy books, and talking to a lot of people, I was able to finally pack my bag.
Like most first time moms, I overpacked. I brought tons of stuff that we never even touched.
When it was time to pack for baby number two, I packed just the essentials. My husband and I only packed one suitcase for both of us and the baby. I know, I know, impressive, right?
I have created a checklist that will have you prepared for your delivery and postpartum stay at the hospital, without a bunch of extra and unnecessary stuff. Let’s dive right in!
Do I need a Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby?
In a recent conversation with an expectant father, my eyes were opened to the fact that many people don’t understand the thought that goes into preparing your hospital bag.
As a first time mom, you have no idea what to expect. What will the hospital provide for you? What will you be expected to bring? How long will we be there?
A hospital bag checklist for mom and baby helps alleviate some of that anxiety and it helps you feel more prepared as a new mom. Seeing other mom’s packing list will help you discover what you want to bring with you for your hospital stay.
How much do I need to bring?
Let me just start by saying, you never know how many days you are going to stay in the hospital. If all goes well, you could be in and out within 48 hours.
But, if there are some complications, you could be looking at a MUCH longer stay. If you are there for multiple days, you might need to have somebody bring you some more clothes, but this is a rare case!
There is a balance between over packing and being prepared.
As a minimalist, I recommend packing the basics and then using the hospital’s supplies for the majority of the time you are there.
Items for MOMS
Sweatpants/pajamas– Make sure you choose some comfy bottoms as you will be spending a lot of time in them!
Tank top or tee shirts– If you are nursing, make sure you still have easy access.
Shorts– Your hormones are all over the place and that definitely affects your temperature. Grab a pair of elastic shorts just in case you or your room are toasty.
Socks or slippers– I am not a slippers girl, but you will probably want something comfy to walk around your room.
Sweater or jacket– Hospital temperatures fluctuate. Chances are you are going to want one! Openings in front are perfect for nursing.
Going home outfit– I am used to dressing up, so I grabbed a pair of leggings and a sweater dress. I wore the same shoes home that I wore to the hospital so I didn’t need to pack any. If it is summer or warm where you live, you can easily just use your shower flip flops! You probably won’t be able to fit into jeans yet, so keep that in mind too. Make sure that your clothes are comfortable and loose.
Flip flops for shower– My husband and I shared one pair 🙂
Headband & hair ties– Depending on how your hair works best, I have found these very helpful to have on hand.
Old underwear or disposable underwear*- The hospital will probably have mesh underwear for you to wear. Honestly, I just wore those for 4-5 days after delivery. Some people like to wear “real” underwear, and some like these disposable.
Disposable pads– The hospital will give you some, but towards the end of my stay I actually switch over to my pads because they were more comfortable.
Trust me, you are going to be tender down there and if spending $5 on a package of nice pads is going to help you feel better, you do it. They are worth every penny!
I have bought the Walmart brand and gotten along great! I like to have 3 different sizes on hand. Those first few days, you need heavy duty pads. Then, you can go down to a lite pad. After a week or so, you can go to a very lite pantyliner just in case you leak unexpectedly, which DOES happen.
Items For Breastfeeding Moms
Nursing tank top (1-2)- Something like these work great!
Nursing bra (1-2)- I bought these and love them! I wear them for months postpartum while nursing. So comfortable!
Nipple cream or coconut oil– The hospital probably has some too. I haven’t needed it, but I know women call it a necessity.
Nursing pads– In case your milk comes in and you are leaking, you are going to want just a few. I use disposable ones like these and also washable ones like these.
Items for DAD
Sweatpants/pajamas– People will be in and out of the room all night and day. Comfy, but yet modest pajamas (aka not underwear) alleviate some awkward situations.
Jeans– My husband is not a fan of just “lounging” all day, so it does his mental health good to actually put on “real” clothes.
Tee shirts & long sleeve shirts– Again, hospital temperatures vary, be prepared and have a few options.
Sweatshirt– At night this was very helpful for my husband!
Underwear– He might as well bring 3-4 pairs because you just don’t know how long you will be there!
Socks or slippers– He probably won’t walk to walk around barefoot, just saying.
​Flip flops for shower– Again, we shared so that was one less thing to bring.
Items for BABY
Swaddle or receiving blanket– These are great if you plan to grab a few pictures, otherwise, probably not a necessity. Our hospital provides swaddles while we are there and then sends one home with us.
Going home outfit– A cute little newborn size outfit. Don’t forget the socks!
Sleepers (1-2)*- Again, a lot of times hospitals will provide clothing for the baby, but have some just in case!
Pacifier– Our hospital gave us a pacifier with our first little boy, but not our second. I was very thankful that I had packed one in the diaper bag just in case!
Car seat & cover- Leave this out in car until it is time to go home. No need to add extra clutter to your room.
Diaper bag– Leave this in the car also. Pack any baby essentials in your main bag that way you won’t have multiple bags to worry about.
Items for EVERYBODY
Phone & chargers– ​Definitely make sure you bring that charger!
​Toiletries Bag- Make sure you have your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant.
Chapstick & lotion– Hospitals seem to be dry and you will not regret having this!
Snacks– You will be spending a lot of time at the hospital. Bring some of your favorite snacks and candy!
Entertainment (books, DVDs, laptop, magazines)- Depending on how long you labor, you could have a LONG time before baby comes. Bring some of your favorites to take your mind off those contractions.
​Camera– If you have a nice camera, leave it in the car (as long as weather permits). If you or your husband feel up to it, snap a few shots. Many phone cameras take great pictures too, so this is obviously not a necessity.
Items to LEAVE AT HOME
These are items that I did not think were essential to have in our hospital room. If you think there is a chance you might want them, keep them in the car and your husband can get them when needed.
Nursing Pillow– I brought my boppy nursing pillow (like this one) with us for my first pregnancy. It was a nice luxury as I was learning how to nurse, but definitely not a necessity at the hospital. I left it at home for baby number two.
Towels and pillows– In many videos, people recommended bringing your own pillow or towels so it feels more “home-y”. My philosophy is just bring the basics. You will survive a couple of days without your favorite towel. Again, that’s just me.
Makeup– Bring the bare basics like mascara and foundation or skip all together. I brought a little to help me feel refreshed, but definitely not as much as I usually wear.
​Breast pump– Depending on your plan and your baby, you might need to pump at the hospital. The hospital has pumps you can use.
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Conclusion
- There is a balance between being prepared and over-packing. Aim to bring the practical things that you would normally take with you on any hotel trip.
- If in doubt, call your birthing location to see what they will provide and what you are expected to bring.
I hope you found this helpful momma! Good luck on your labor, delivery, and postpartum journey. Be sure to download your FREE minimalist Hospital Bag checklist for mom and baby.
