When you’re expecting a baby, there are a million things to think about—and packing your hospital bag should be a stress-free task. I was that person who re-packed my hospital bag 3 times because I was nervous that I was forgetting something.
To help you stay organized and relaxed, I have created the ultimate hospital bag checklist, with everything you’ll need for a smooth and stress-free hospital stay. By packing these essentials ahead of time, you can focus on what really matters—meeting your little one! Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, this list will ensure you’re fully prepared for the big day!
I added some links to some of my favorite products for you to check out if you want!
(I am an Amazon Associate, so I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from Amazon using my link.)
Mom:
- Birth plan and Important documents
- Robe – I lived in this robe the first few weeks postpartum because it was so easy to use while my baby and I were still getting the hang of breastfeeding.
- Gown – I didn’t deliver either of my babies in this gown but it was nice to put on after my first shower at the hospital. I also wore it for my first few days of post-partum.
- Postpartum Underwear – I only packed one pair because I used either the hospital’s disposable mesh underwear or a diaper while I was in the hospital. But it’s all about personal preference so it won’t hurt to pack a pair just in case.
- Nursing bra – Here is a link to the nursing bras that I have worn for the last 3 years. I know Momcozy and Kindred Bravely make nursing bras but it is the same price for 1 bra as it is for a 5 pack of these. The only downside that I have found with them is the pads fall out or get bunched up.
- Adult Diapers – These were the most comfortable for me. I would say they run on the smaller side. I am usually a medium but the Small/Medium were way too tight around my thighs, so I ended up getting the Large. How many you want to pack depends on what you think you will be most comfortable in. I packed 3 or 4 but I honestly didn’t even end up using them. I just used the hospital’s disposable mesh ones because I found them the most comfortable with the ice pack pads.
- 2-3 pairs of comfy socks.
- Slippers or Sandals – Something that you can easily slip on whenever you need to get out of bed.
- Shower Shoes
- Going home outfit – These Joggers from Kindred Bravely are so soft and stretchy. They are comfortable to wear even when you aren’t post-partum. Here is link to another cute and comfortable going-home outfit .
- 2-3 Comfy outfits – Here are a couple of ideas: Waffle Knit Lounge set
- I would recommend a pair of Button-up pajamas.
- Nipple cream – I like the Earth Mama brand.
- Breastfeeding pillow – (If you are choosing to breastfeed) Breastfeeding is hard and this can help with the start of your breastfeeding journey.
- Breast pads – Here is a link to my favorite Disposable breast pads. I tried using the Reusable ones, but I didn’t end up liking them. I can use one pair of disposable breast pads all day long but I was having to change out the reusable ones after every feeding. It didn’t feel like they were even absorbing anything.
- Peri bottle – The hospital will give you a bottle but I would recommend buying one that is angled. It’s a lot less messy and it also folds up, which is nice! Frida mom makes one too but this is the one I used. It was cheaper and it worked great.
- Ice pack pads – Your hospital should supply some, but you could pack a few just in case.
- Tucks pads – I would ask your hospital if they supply these because you may not have to pack some if they do. But I do recommend having them for when you get home from the hospital.
- Perineal spray – I used Dermoplast. This might also be something that your hospital will supply!
- Toiletries
- Shower necessities (I bought a travel size of everything I needed.)
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Make-up
- Chapstick
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Cash – For food from the cafeteria or if you want a treat from the vending machine.
- Snacks – Something like protein bars or trail mix is easy to pack.
- Water bottle
- 10ft phone charger – This is a must-have. I didn’t really think it was necessary when I was packing for my first baby but I am so glad that I bought them. The outlets are always far away from the beds. They are also just nice to have around the house.
- Blanket and pillow – Everything at the hospital is so sterile so it is comforting to have your own blanket and pillow.
- Headphones – Just in case you want to watch a show on your phone or relax with some music.
- Prenatals and other medicine – Usually the hospital will supply you with a prenatal but if you have a specific brand that you use, then you can throw a couple in your bag!
Baby
- Going home outfit
- 2 outfits – I personally just used the onesie that the hospital gave us because I spent a lot of time doing skin-to-skin while we were in the hospital.
- Hat – Newborns have a hard time regulating their bodies when they are firstborn.
- Swaddles – I honestly preferred using the hospital blankets but you could bring one from home to try.
- Swaddle set for announcement pictures – Here is the link to the swaddle set that I ordered for my son for his announcement picture.
- Baby blanket for car ride home
- Baby book – The baby book that I bought has a footprints page, so we asked the nurse if they could add some footprints at the same time as they did the certificate.
- Diaper cream
Dad:
- Shoes
- 2-3 extra outfits – We packed two outfits in the hospital bag and just left 1 extra outfit in the car just in case we had to stay in the hospital a little bit longer.
- Headphones
- Waterbottle
- Snacks
- Blanket and pillow
- 10ft phone charger – This one comes in a two pack.
- Toiletries
To grab right before you leave:
Here is another little list of things to grab right before you leave.
- Waterbottle
- Blanket
- Hospital bag
- Purse
- Pillow
Just in case you are looking for a bag to pack all of your stuff in, here is the Duffle bag that I used!
I put my baby’s necessities in the diaper bag so that I had more room in the duffle bag for my husband’s and my clothes!
Final Thoughts
Packing your hospital bag early (usually around 36 weeks) can help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure that you have everything you need when labor begins. Just remember, every hospital has its own set of supplies, so check with your hospital ahead of time to make sure you’re bringing the essentials.
I have created a free printable checklist that I linked below!
