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Hospital Bag Checklist: What you actually need!

Getting closer to that big day to meet your little one.

Packing your hospital bag to deliver your new sweet bundle of joy? Mamas don't freak out, honestly you don't need much. This comes from someone that always ends up over-packing for any occasion. I'm sharing a Printable Hospital Bag Checklist that’s easy to follow and lists the essentials you’ll need for your hospital stay!


When should you pack? I packed my bag at around 33 weeks pregnant for my first pregnancy. You never know when your baby wants to make the big appearance and you don’t have a ton of control over exactly when it happens. However, for my second pregnancy I packed later, around 37 weeks. I kept my bag in the baby’s room since it’s close to the entrance door and convenient.


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WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG


I will share with you my realistic hospital bag, I trimmed down what I’m taking this time around.


This list is a good starting point, definitely a shorter list compared with other ones. Keep in mind every hospital and birth center does things differently, so ask ahead of time what they will supply and what you need to bring from home.

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST


I have broken down my packing list in three: Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad, and Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby. Some of these items are provided at the hospital but I prefer to have my own/favorite items.

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR MOM

1. Personal items (got them in travel size to save space)

2. Contact lenses/eyeglasses

  • Lens solution

  • Lens case

  • Glasses case

3. Clothes

  • Nightgown/Robe (I got this bundle from Hatch)

  • Nursing bra

  • Maternity underwear (For leaving the hospital, these hold everything better than the regular underwear)

  • Slippers and/or flip flops

  • Outfit to leave the hospital (maxi dress is a great option)

4. Electronics

  • Long cord cell phone charger

  • Extension cord

  • Tripod (if you don't want to bother the nurses)

5. Food

6. Optional (if you're picky)

  • Blankets

  • Pillows

  • Towels

My hospital will provide the following items, otherwise these would also be in my hospital bag. I would recommend to reach out to your selected hospital or ask during the hospital tour.

  1. Adult diapers

  2. Baby diapers

  3. Baby wipes

  4. Gowns

  5. Socks

  6. Big water bottle

  7. Prenatal/Postnatal Vitamins

  8. Swaddling blanket

  9. Peri bottle

  10. Maxi pads

  11. Ice maxi pads

  12. Witch hazel pads

  13. Topical anesthetic spray

  14. Perineal healing foam

If the last 6 items are not provided by the hospital, this Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit or this Frida Mom Hospital Packing Kit for Labor, Delivery, & Postpartum would be great to bring to the hospital. My selected hospital provides enough of the last 6 items to take home, but if you want to have extra, those kits are perfect for postpartum care.


Note: ID and insurance cards are always in my personal purse.


HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR BABY

  • Coming home outfit (not a gown, I suggest a footie because with the car seat belt you will need to leave the baby's legs uncovered)

  • Car seat

  • Mittens

  • Baby nail file

  • Swaddling blanket (optional **if you're taking photos)

  • Welcome sign (optional)

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR PARTNER


  • Slippers and/or flip flops (disposable i.e. hotel slippers)

  • Socks

  • Sweatpants

  • T-shirts or sweatshirts

  • Underwear

  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair gel, etc.)

  • Pillow (one that you don't care about leaving at the hospital)

  • Blanket

  • Snacks


FREE PRINTABLE HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST

Click the button below to receive via email the Hospital Bag Checklist in PDF!


WHAT BAG TO USE FOR HOSPITAL PACKING


This is more about a personal preference, you can use a duffel bag, weekender bag or a rolling suitcase. It comes down of what you think you can carry or your partner can handle carrying for you. Since you will be either with contractions or in pain, to help your partner to look into your bag, you could pack cubes with labels to stay organized (I learned while I was in bed and giving instructions to my husband, and he could not find the stuff) and for your partner to find the stuff easy.


Remember you will need to bring the car seat into your room in the hospital, your partner can grab it (if allowed to leave the hospital) right before you two and baby get discharged.


Here are some of my favorite bags/suitcase picks (you can click directly on any product in the collage below to shop):

I have created a list on my Amazon Store Front with everything listed above for easy shopping and ideas on what to get.


Good luck mamas, hope this Hospital Bag Checklist was helpful!


Am I missing anything? Make sure to share your feedback or questions in the below section.


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This blog post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

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