Hospital Bag Checklist With Free Printable

With Maggie, my first baby, my hospital bag was packed by the time I reached full term. She didn’t come until 41 weeks, so I was prepared in plenty of time. Actually I shouldn’t say my hospital bag, I should be honest and say hospital bags. The only hospital checklist I saw was very long, and I packed every single thing on it. Then I added a whole bunch of things I thought I might need, plus enough outfits for the baby and for myself to last a month. When we finally headed to the hospital, I remember Tom carrying a giant overnight bag, a back pack, diaper bag, camera bag and 2 pillows. I used the camera, and one outfit for each of us to go home in and a few other things. The hospital had everything else I needed for the short stay. I really overpacked.

With my 2nd, Alex, we moved into our new house 2 weeks before I was due. I was so concerned unpacking the boxes of baby gear, so we’d have them before she arrived, that I totally forgot about a hospital bag. My labor with Maggie was so long and slow, that I just kept thinking I’d throw a few things in the bag once I was in labor. Not a good idea. Labor was not long and slow the 2nd time and we had to rush to the hospital about 30 min after it started. Luckily Tom grabbed the camera. That time I really underprepared with the hospital bag.

So this time, i’d like to be somewhere in between. I thought about all the things I didn’t need the first time around that I had packed. Then I thought about all of the things I had to send Tom home for the 2nd time around. That’s how I came up with my hospital bag checklist. Feel free to download, save and print to use! There’s plenty of details below too.

For Mom:

1. Camera & chargers: Your going to want to take pictures (tons of them!). A few other things that go along with these is other electronics like an iPad, Kindle, book or laptop. The 2nd time around I found there was quite a bit of time that I was just snuggling in a quiet room, just baby & me. If you like to read while you relax, nows a good time.

2. Comfy Pajamas: Some people like to hang in the hospital gown the whole time, which is totally fine. If you don’t think that will be you, then pack some comfy pjs. The hospital gowns typically open at the shoulders, which makes for easy nursing. If you bring pajamas make sure they are going to be convenient for nursing too. I am so excited that this time I got some Belabumbum loungewear for the hospital. It’s the first time I found comfy, soft clothes that are also great for nursing. Belabumbum has beautiful maternity and nursing wear. I was hesitant at first because it’s a little “fancier” looking then my normal post baby wear, but as soon as I felt how soft everything was, I was sold. Both times I was in the hospital postpartum, I was really hot at night (i’ll blame the hormones, not the hospital), so I am bringing one short set and one pants lounge set for during the day. Both have tops perfect for nursing.  If you are looking for a great gift for a mom to be/ new mom, there are great gift sets from Belabumbum that include an outfit for mom and baby. Everything they make is just so soft!

3. Nursing Bras: If you plan on breastfeeding these are key to bring. I’ve tried few brands and my favorite are Bravado Designs. For a first time order, I highly recommend using their site. They have great info on picking the right size, the different fits, and other items in addition to bras (like their nursing tanks). I have also ordered Bravado Designs bras from Diapers.com too, which is really convenient for when you get home, know which bras are your favorite and you’re ordering your “re-supply” of diapers, wipes etc. I love their nursing tanks and I will be bringing one of those along to the hospital. My favorite bra is the Essential Embrace, but they have a wide range. I like having the more comfy designs for the hospital – I save the underwire designs for once I start wearing regular clothes again. The Sweet Pea  design is another great, comfy choice for the hospital.

4. Underwear: big, comfy ones. They hand out those stylish mesh ones, but if you want some of your own pack them.

5. Gatorade or similar drink: Someone told me to do this and I am forever grateful to them. Once you get to the hospital it’s no food or drinks.  It doesn’t matter how long you are in labor. So first off, when labor starts, especially if it’s not so bad and there’s still quite a bit of time between contractions, eat a meal. It could be a while before you eat again and you are going to need some energy. From the time I started labor with Maggie until I ate another meal was about 30 hours. While in the labor and delivery room, I remember being very thirsty and the ice chips weren’t doing it. When Tom pulled the Gatorade from my bag, that I had packed, I jumped for joy.

(Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and there are good reasons in many situations you should have no food or drinks, so listen to your doc for real health tips, not me.) 

Some lists also suggest packing snacks for you and your husband for during the hospital stay (post delivery). Both hospitals I have been in have amply supplies of snacks for everyone, but if you have specific things you love to snack on or a special diet, pack snacks.

6. Breastfeeding Supplies: If you plan to breastfeed, bring some items that will help you get started. There will be plenty of help while in the hospital, so if you’ve gotten any supplies ahead of time/ for your shower, I’d bring them all. The nurses will be a great support on what do to do with all the supplies and accessories. Do not be shy about asking for explanations on everything you bring. For example:

– Nursing bras

– Breast pump

– Nipple creams

– Breast pads

– Nipple shields: These can really help get the hang of the baby latching on. Occasionally hospitals have them, but I highly recommend bringing 1 or 2. This can really ease frustration those first few days (or months!).

– Pacifiers: I’m putting these in the breastfeeding supply list, because i’d throw a few pacifiers in the bag with these other supplies. Many hospitals no longer provide them and you might want them!

7. Toiletries: The 1st hospital I delivered in had an abundance of toiletries for new moms. The 2nd time I assumed the hospital would and they had nothing (the gift shop did though). You can ask ahead what is provided so you don’t have to pack too much. Along with some basic toiletries, i’d bring extra hair ties and Chapstick/lip balm.

8. Flip Flops: for the shower Some lists recommend slippers too, but they hand out those comfy hospital socks with the grips on the bottom. If you have favorite slippers pack them, if not skip them.

 

9. Glasses/ Contacts: I don’t wear them, but if you do and want to see the baby clearly, pack them.

10. Comfy Clothes to wear home: And I mean really comfy… like maternity clothes. I’m sure you are eager to put back on some cute stylish clothes, but the drive home from the hospital might not be the time to try and slip back into your jeans. Both times I had a nice (but still comfortable) sweater on top (for the sake of pictures) and super comfy black velour sweat pants.

11. Towel: for the shower. It’s not totally necessary, but when you finally take a nice hot shower after delivery and relax, it’s not the best feeling to dry off with the teeny, tiny, scratchy hospital towel.

For Baby:

1. Carseat: bring your infant carseat and install the base ahead of time. If it’s the first time you are installing a carseat, it’s a good idea to find a time before the baby arrives that your local police or fire department is doing an installation check. Then, you’ll know the seat is properly installed and you won’t worry so much the first time you put that little bundle of joy in the car.

2. Special blanket or swaddle

If you have a special blanket or swaddle you’d want for pictures the first few days, pack it. We have never know the sex ahead of time, nor the name, but we have a special baby blanket with our last name. I’ve taken both Maggie & Alex’s pictures in the hospital with it and can’t wait to bring it along for baby #3.

3. Going home outfit

This is certainly the most fun thing to pack!

Tip – A friend recently shared this great tip with me: Instead of one large bag, you should actually pack two bags or a small bag in the other bag. One would be your “labor” items and the other your “postpartum” stuff.  Then if you have Dad searching for something you want while in labor, he won’t have to dig through the baby’s going home outfit, your bras etc and nothing gets lost in the labor and delivery room. You can open up the “postpartum” bag once you reach your next room.

Keep in mind: The hospital really has everything you’ll need to take care of the baby. They will provide tons of diapers, wipes, shirts, swaddles etc. Even for mom, most things you really need, they will help you out with. For example, many checklists i’ve seen include bringing a pillow. If you are uncomfortable and need more pillows or blankets, just ask! The key is, don’t stress about packing. I’ve gone to the hospital seriously overpacked and not packed at all: both times everything turned out just fine!