28 Items You Need in Your Hospital Bag
If you’re like me, you love a good checklist. I have somewhat of a Type A/Planner personality, so preparing ahead of time is essential. Otherwise, I will likely succumb to anxiety and overstimulation because of the thing that needs to get done that I haven’t done yet.
Below, I have provided you with a checklist for your hospital bag that is as comprehensive as I could manage. If you’re reading this and you think I’m missing something, please let me know.
So let’s get to it. I’m going to start with things you’ll need for yourself, and then move on to what Bebe needs. Some of these items may not apply to you or you may not want to bring them with you, and that’s okay. My hope is that someone reads this and thinks “Oh, I never would have thought of that!”
Checklist for Mom:
At least one (1) extra large suitcase or duffel bag. Possibly multiple.
Your ID and Insurance card.
Your birth plan, if you have one.
UNDERWEAR. Bring as many pairs as you think you might need, plus maybe two more. You can never have too many.
At least two (2) blankets. You’re probably going to be hella cold in the hospital, so don’t skimp on this one and then end up needing to buy another blanket in the hospital gift shop. The hospital will have extra sheets and thin blankets they can give you (and they’re fine) but they won’t be nearly as cozy and comforting as your fuzzy blankets from home.
A thick sweater or jacket. You will not regret it.
At least two (2) phone chargers. You’ll want one next to your bed and for the hospital chair.
Your laptop or iPad/tablet. Most of you likely won’t be working while you’re in the hospital, but it’ll be nice to put on Netflix or Disney+, etc. when you’re not too busy. I know the hospital I gave birth in did not have streaming options on their TVs.
Headphones/earbuds/AirPods. Did I mention a lot of time in the hospital is spent just waiting? About 29 hours went by between my arrival at the hospital and the moment when my doctor decided I needed to have an emergency C-section. Therefore, headphones or earbuds may help pass the time.
Your toothbrush.
Toothpaste (travel size).
Deodorant (travel size).
Body wash (travel size).
Shampoo/conditioner (travel size).
Hairbrush or comb (or both).
A loofah (the hospital will most likely have washcloths if you want to skip this one).
3-5 sets of pajamas or robes. How long you’re going to need to stay in the hospital can be unpredictable, so comfortable pajamas can help. When I was in the hospital and had spent several days in my hospital gown, it didn’t brighten my mood very much. Try to make yourself feel as at-home as you can.
1-2 outfits that you can leave the hospital in. Make sure they’re comfy. You might be planning on a vaginal birth, but Bebe might have other plans (like mine did). Putting on jeans over a fresh C-section scar sucks.
1-2 outfits for your partner/spouse, depending on whether they’re taking trips home while you’re admitted. They might want to pack their own bag altogether, and I would say that’s a good idea.
Snacks; the hospital will have food that you can order or get from the vending machine, but if you want some extra food that can be readily available to you, you will want to bring some snacks.
An extra pair of shoes. This may not be strictly necessary; just make sure the shoes you leave the hospital in are super comfortable.
If you plan on nursing, your pump + pump parts to get your milk flowing. This includes a pumping bra! Trust me, holding the flanges to your boobs for 20+ minutes is not fun.
CHECKLIST FOR BABY:
CAR SEAT + car seat base. Technically, this isn’t going to go in your hospital bag, but make sure you bring it and install it in your car ahead of time. You will not be able to leave the hospital with your baby without it.
3-5 Newborn-size onesies. If you suspect your baby is going to be a little bigger than the average newborn, you can bring some 0-3 onesies just in case.
3-5 pairs of socks for baby.
2-3 pairs of baby mittens (so they don’t scratch their faces!).
Optional: baby blankets and/or hats. The hospital will supply these, but you can bring your own.
An extra duffel bag for all the free stuff you’re going to get from the hospital. When I left the hospital, my nurses made sure I had about a week’s worth of diapers, wipes, nose and mouth suction bulbs, ready-to-drink formula bottles, etc. I would not recommend bringing any of the above items to the hospital for that exact reason.