I have been beyond lucky to have so much help prepping our hospital bags. Between close friends forwarding me their exact lists to all the Instagram direct messages that I received with feedback, I can say we are packed and ready to go! There are a ton of things that I probably would have never thought of on my own, so I wanted to share the full lists (all three of them) in today’s post. Keep in mind, I’m a total over-packer no matter where I’m going, so to some, these lists probably look crazy long. But I’d rather be over prepared than have forgotten anything! (Plus, first-time mom here, so I’m not exactly sure how this whole thing is going to happen, haha.) Click through to see my full hospital bag packing list!
PS. Some of these items might be TMI, but I want this post to be as helpful and thorough for you guys as possible!
Keep Reading Hospital Bag Packing List
What’s in my hospital bag:
For Baby
Ziploc bags – I ordered gallon bags and have everything labeled and bagged for easy access. We are STILL using these ziplocs for ever day use. I keep a few in the diaper bag too.
Burp cloths – Muslin cloths for feedings | Updated this link to be the THICK muslin cloths we’ve been ordering from Amazon. With spit up you need thick ones in the long run!
Swaddles / outfit for photos – depending on if you are doing photos at hospital or at home
5-6 outfits w/out snaps / sleep sacks – for easy diaper change access | We ended up needing every single outfit since we stayed in the hospital two extra days.
Socks / mittens – packed white socks and one pair of mittens | We didn’t end up needing either of these, but some babies come out with long nails!
2-3 extra swaddles Bring different kinds to see which one your baby will like!| We ended up needing every single swaddle since we stayed in the hospital two extra days.
Baby books for footprints – would have def forgotten this one!
Blanket for dogs – something for the dogs to sniff before baby comes home
Nail file – bringing one just in case! | We didn’t end up needing this, but some babies come out with long nails!
For Mom
Nursing Pads / Gel Pads / Breast Hot/Cold Packs
Nursing Bras (3 pack) / Nipple Cream | 100% need if you plan on breastfeeding/pumping
Boppy Pillow | Definitely needed this + it made it easier for guests to hold him without feeling intimidated
Breast Pump + Supplies – so lactation nurses can help you with pump
Depends / Maxi Pads – some people say they prefer this over the hospital freebies | I was fine with the hospital provided supplies and saved these for when I got home.
Mesh underwear – some people say they prefer this over the hospital freebies | I was fine with the hospital provided supplies and saved these for when I got home.
Fridet Momwasher – some hospitals will supply you with a similar one | I was fine with the hospital provided supplies and saved this for when I got home.
Dermoplast Spray – some hospitals will supply this | Didn’t end up using this much, but some people swear by it
Earth Mama Perineal Spray – some people prefer this over Dermoplast | Didn’t end up using this much, but some people swear by it
Perineal Cold Packs (disposable) – stocked up on these for at home too | Didn’t end up using these much, but some people swear by it
Nursing Friendly Nightgown / Long Robe (both in darker colors) | Bring multiple, I lived in mine those four days we were there, and you’ll want to change and feel fresh
Slippers / Socks – so you don’t have to walk barefoot on the hospital floor | 100% need
Pillow w/ colored pillowcase – so your pillows doesn’t get mixed up with hospital ones | 100% need
Cozy blanket – hospital rooms will be cold! | 100% need
Large towels / Washcloths – hospital towels are not always big enough | 100% need
Blowdryer / Heat tools
Toiletries / Makeup
Brush / Ponytail holders
Chapstick – epidural apparently dries out your lips! | 100% need
Prenatal vitamins – probably would have forgotten these
Scented products / oils – some suggested this to feel more like home | Didn’t need these really
Going home outfit and shoes | You might want to wear something black
Donut pillow for ride home (optional) | Didn’t need this really
Large mug or tumbler – You will be especially thirsty if you plan on nursing. | My hospital provided me with a BIG mug they would continue to come fill with ice and water.
For Dad
Pillow w/ colored pillowcase – so your pillows doesn’t get mixed up with hospital ones
2-3 Changes of clothes | 100% need since Jordan never left the hospital
Pajamas | Since we stayed longer, Jordan almost ran out of pajamas
Toiletries + bag
Sweatshirt/Fleece – for cold hospital
Blanket for sleeping | 100% need
Air mattress – optional, but bed in room can be uncomfy | Jordan ended up just sleeping on the couch
Plenty of snacks – enough for mom and dad! | YOU NEED SNACKS. BRING EXTRA. Especially for those middle of the night feedings – you will be starving!
Comfortable shoes / slippers | Jordan was so glad he remembered his slippers
Camera/iPhone/Go-Pro – get all the photos!
Extra Long Phone Charger Cords – electrical outlets are not easily accessible | 100% need
Extra Strength Tylenol + Motrin | Didn’t need these really since hospital provided
Large garbage bags – for dirty clothes etc
Sleep machine / Ear plugs – anything to muffle hospital noise
Car seat and base – have it installed!
Text List – make sure Dad knows who he needs to text with updates!
Nightlight – optional for night feedings without having to turn on all lights
What do you think of my hospital bag packing list, mamas? Did I miss anything? Let me know your suggestions in the comments!
7 Comments
Seems like you’re well prepared! Love the photos, too! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
March 17, 2019 at 10:16 amhttp://charmainenyw.com
Silverette nipple covers saved my life! I wore them for 6 weeks straight and didn’t use nipple cream once. Never had sore nipples either, they are truly magical! Available on amazon too!
March 17, 2019 at 2:28 pmAH, I haven’t ever heard of these. I need to look them up!
May 22, 2019 at 9:03 pmOne thing I was SO glad to have was my big giant Tervis with a lid and straw. I was so thirsty after delivery and while nursing, I couldn’t get enough water! The hospital usually gives you a small pitcher and tiny little styrofoam cups to refill, but sometimes while feeding or holding baby, it was hard to pour and fill the tiny cups over and over…. and also hard to unscrew bottles. It was nice to have a big cup that I could keep by the bed and grab and sip one handed. Dad may want one too! It’s something I usually have with me anyway, and you’re probably the same, but if not, I would definitely consider packing one!
March 17, 2019 at 8:59 pmYour list is so nice and organized! It’ll be nice to know you’re prepared with so many personal things and that you have it all labeled and easy to find!
Good luck! Hope your delivery is smooth and the experience is enjoyable!
YES, my hospital supplied an extra large mug and straw, and they would continue to come fill it up for me throughout the day which I thought was amazing. Like you said, I would get SO thirsty especially those late night feedings.
May 22, 2019 at 9:03 pmDid you wear your own clothes or a hospital gown for delivery? I’ve heard mixed comments about the fully open back hospital gown!
May 20, 2019 at 11:11 pmI wore the hospital gown! I had people tell me not to bother with my own because they would likely get ruined and just thrown away!
May 22, 2019 at 9:01 pm