Hospital Bag Checklist

It’s happeninggggg. The big day is getting close! When you can’t see your toes anymore – or by your 36th week – it’s time to pack your hospital bag. There’s no telling exactly how long you’ll be at the hospital, but between labor and recovery time, it’s best to plan for at least 3 days. Your partner [if applicable] will likely be in charge of hauling the whole family’s luggage to and from the car and between your L&D room and Mother/Baby room, so pack wisely for easy transport.

One rolling suitcase and a backpack is the maximum that I would recommend. Remember when you leave you’ll have a carseat to carry too! Read on for more tips on what to pack for a new mom, partner, and baby for a smooth and comfortable hospital stay after delivery. Here’s our ultimate hospital bag checklist for mom and baby.

Hospital Bag Checklist- Person Giving Birth

The hospital will supply basic necessities, like maternity pads and hospital gowns. However, you’ll probably be more comfortable with some of your own items. Here are some things we recommend:

1. Phone charger: Yes this is number one. It’s the 21st century! You’re going to be facetiming and sending photos and eating through that battery life. Outlets are limited, so bring an extra-long charging cable for your phone. As well as 1-2 portable chargers also like this one.
2. Other electronics. If you plan on having music during your birth, or playing games while you wait for baby you may want to pack a Bluetooth speaker, tablet, or headphones- make sure you bring their chargers too! 
3. Comfy clothes. You can use the hospital gowns if that’s what works for you throughout labor, delivery and recovery, but at the bare minimum you’ll want something comfortable to drive home in. Stick with maternity clothes. Your belly takes a while to go down and you don’t want anything tight or pinching. [You can bring your own gown to labor in as well!]
4. Comfy bras. If you plan to breastfeed you will want a nursing bra, and if you don’t then you might want to bring a sports bra that you can slip some ice pads into to inhibit milk flow.
5. Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, your favorite shampoo and conditioner and bodywash. Also a hairbrush and deodorant. Bonus is lotion and lip balm! [You’ll thank me later]
6. Anything you need for your hair. If you have long hair we recommend braiding it during L&D, it keeps your hair out of the way and then you can take it out for soft waves when you’re too tired to do anything else for those new baby photos. Common options for hair are hair ties and headbands. Trust me, you don’t want stray hair in your face when you’re trying to breathe through contractions.
7. Liquids. Bring your favorite water bottle or your favorite drink. Coconut water, gatorade or even herbal tea are great options too. Ask the nursing staff for a straw for easy sipping! Remind your support team to offer you sips if you’re lost in labor focus.
8. Robe and slippers. The hospital will be your home away from home for a few days. Replicate an environment that will make you feel comfortable and at ease.
9. Snacks for before baby. The research is there that women should be allowed to eat during labor, just not all hospitals have caught up. If your hospital allows you to eat then bring light and easy options like granola bars, honey sticks, or trail mix.
10. Snacks for after baby. Pack your favorites! You will need to replenish after birth so whatever will encourage you to eat! Ideally nourishing whole foods but treats are well deserved too! Hospital food can be hit or miss.
11. Nipple cream. If you plan to breastfeed or pump, a good nipple cream is a godsend in the early days. This nipple balm by MotherLove is our favorite. 
12. A pillow. Some people consider this a bonus item, while others feel it’s an absolute necessity! If you’re the type to not sleep well in a hotel bed, then pack yourself a pillow.
13. Maternity pads or adult diapers. The hospital will provide you with the classic mesh underwear and maternity pads, but if you want to try cloth pads, organic pads, or anything designed for shape or comfort- you may want to bring your own also.
14. Aftercare products. Again the hospital will provide some things. But if you have a special salve or a spray that you want to use while healing, pack that also.
15. Extra canvas bag: The hospital will send you home with lots of extra baby diapers, maternity pads, and product samples. Additionally people may come to visit and drop off gifts and cards. Slip an extra reusable shopping bag in your suitcase to make transporting it all home easier. 
16. Birth plan: No hospital bag checklist for mom and baby would be complete without your birth plan. Print a few copies of your birth plan for your labor nurses, your chart, and one to tape up in your room. Make your preferences known clearly and concisely, so staff can quickly see your wishes. 
17. Entertainment: Inductions and other long labors can be just that- long. Having some books or magazines, or some movies downloaded on a tablet can help get your mind off things.

Hospital Bag Checklist- Baby

There’s not much you truly need to pack for your baby – the hospital will provide baby basics like diapers and formula if needed. Here’s what you do need:

1. Car seat. They won’t send you home without one! Ideally your carseat is pre-installed ahead of time so it is ready to go whenever your baby makes their arrival.
2. An outfit to go home in. Babies really don’t need clothes in the hospital. They’ll mostly be skin-to-skin or wrapped up in blankets. Pack outfits in a few different sizes. Your baby could be in preemie, newborn or 0-3 months when they come home! Choose something simple and comfortable like zip up pajamas. Take the weather outside and how cold/hot your car may be into consideration.
3. Swaddle blankets. The hospital has their classic blue stripe blankets, but you may want something a bit more elevated [even if it’s just for a cute photo].
4. Formula/Bottles. IF you know that you aren’t going to breastfeed, then bring your preferred brand of bottle and formula to try from day one! The hospital will have options if you don’t have preferences yet.
5. Diapers. If you plan on cloth diapering or using a certain brand of diapers you can bring those too, but honestly it’s just easier to use the hospital diapers the first few days. Sometimes they will ask to use theirs

Hospital Bag Checklist- Not-Birthing Partner

If you have a partner, your hospital bag checklist needs to include them, too!

1. Clothes. Comfy changes of clothes for them, especially if they may have come directly from an office or a position that requires a uniform.
2. Phone charger.
3. Bedding. When partners are provided with a place to rest it’s usually a couch, recliner or other uncomfortable situation. Having a pillow and warm blanket can make it more manageable.