Hospital Bag – What in the world should you pack?

Whether you are a first-time mom or the mother of a first-time mom, knowing what goes into a hospital bag is so important. Being prepared for the big day, when you rush to the hospital, is super relieving. 

But first, what is a hospital bag?
The term “hospital bag” is commonly used by expecting mothers to describe the bag they use when they go into labor. It is usually waiting by the door, so it is easy to grab when the time comes. Remember, at this point, there is little to no time to think about packing items or what they might need at the hospital, which is why getting this hospital bag ready ahead of time is so important. In most cases, the mother and baby will pack a combined bag and the father will have a separate (most likely smaller) bag. All of these bags have essential items that can help the expecting couple have a smooth labor and delivery.

What should go into this bag?
Don’t worry! We have you covered! We have searched the internet and pulled out practically everything an expecting couple will need while at the hospital. Make sure you add any other items you may want as well! Enjoy!

What to pack in mommy’s hospital bag:

❏ Slippers
❏ Shower sandals
❏ Shoes/sandals to wear home
❏ Socks (4 pairs)
❏ Yoga pants (2)
❏ Tank tops
❏ Get some you can easily nurse in
❏ Robe or nightgown or sleep clothes (12)
❏ Needs to be able to unbutton/open for breastfeeding
❏ Nursing bras (2)
❏ Nursing pads
❏ The kind you can insert into your bra, so you don’t leak everywhere
❏ Maxi pads (one pack)
❏ Get the big overnight ones
❏ Underwear
❏ The kind that a pad can go into after you give birth
❏ One outfit to wear home
❏ Comfortable and loose, like a dress

❏ Toiletries
❏ Deodorant
❏ Makeup and makeup remover
❏ Toothpaste
❏ Toothbrush
❏ Lotion
❏ Shampoo
❏ Conditioner
❏ Body soap
❏ Chapstick
❏ Contact solution/contact case
❏ Hair ties/hair clips
❏ Brush
❏ Razor
❏ Prenatal vitamins
❏ Medications that you are taking

❏ Phone chargers
❏ Any electronic devices you want to bring
❏ Ipad, laptop, etc…
❏ Birth plan
❏ Any information you need to bring (license, insurance, etc…)
❏ Optional: Gifts for nurses
❏ Optional: Camera and camera charger
❏ Optional: Snacks and drinks
❏ Optional: Hair dryer/straightener
❏ Optional: breast pump
❏ Hospital generally will provide this

 

What to bring to the hospital for your baby:

❏ A going home outfit
❏ Infant car seat (already installed in car)
❏ Outfits (3)
❏ Different sizes, at least two newborn and one 0-3 months
❏ Onesies (3)
❏ Different sizes, at least two newborn and one 0-3 months

❏ Sockies (3 pairs)
❏ Hats (2)
❏ Pacifier
❏ Swaddler
❏ Mittens (1 pair)
❏ Headbands (if it is a girl)
❏ Snuggly blankets (2)
❏ Package of newborn and size 1 diapers
❏ Sometimes you don’t know how big the baby will be
❏ Package of baby wipes

 

What to pack in daddy’s hospital bag:

❏ Pillow
❏ Blanket
❏ Antibacterial wipes
❏ 2 outfits of sleep clothes
❏ Shirt and gym shorts for instance
❏ 2 normal outfits
❏ Shower flip flops
❏ Socks (4 pairs)
❏ Boxers (4)
❏ Shoes/sandals to wear home
❏ Sunglasses
❏ Just in case it is bright when driving back home with baby for the first time
❏ Change for vending machines
❏ Hoodie

❏ Toiletries
❏ Deodorant
❏ Contact solution/contact case (if needed)
❏ Toothpaste
❏ Toothbrush
❏ Lotion (optional)
❏ Shampoo
❏ Body soap
❏ Razor

❏ Medications he is taking
❏ Any identification he may need
❏ Phone charger

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