There seems to be a lot of varying opinions on what items are “necessary” to take to the hospital when you’re going to deliver a baby. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I pretty much know what works for me by this point.  I also know it’s going to differ for every woman depending on preference and what the hospital provides. Although, I’ve delivered at a different hospital for each of my babies so far so I’ve had some good experience. Personally, I like to have my bag packed when I’m around 36 weeks so I know I’m ready to go just in case. Make sure you read to the end for a free printable hospital bag checklist!
what are some things on my hospital bag checklist?
Pillow:
I prefer to have my own pillow. It’s not used during active labor, but if I have to spend a night or two I sleep SO much better with my own pillow! I recommend putting it in a non-white pillow case. That way you don’t have to worry about your pillow getting confused with the hospital’s linens.
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Comfy pants and shirts:
I always want to get out of the hospital gown as quickly as possible. As soon as I can talk the nurses into letting me get in the shower, that’s what I do. That’s just my personal preference. I feel so much better and so much more like myself when I’m wearing some semblance of normal clothing. This is also why I don’t bother bringing a robe. I have never been cold in the hospital and wouldn’t feel comfortable sitting around in my robe. However, I know that most new mommas love having robes in the hospital so it’s all about personal preference.
Stuff for baby pictures:
Three out of the five hospitals I’ve delivered/will deliver have had some type of photo company that they contract with. If there is a special outfit, stuffed animal, etc. that you would like to take baby’s first pictures with, bring it! I love those first pictures of my children when they are only a day old. They truly change so much in those first couple weeks! Even if there’s not a professional photographer on site, I have found I have time to snap a few cute pictures with a swaddle blanket or headband from home. I don’t bring outfits for the baby to wear while they’re in the hospital because I don’t see the point. Your hospital will likely supply clothing for baby while they’re there.
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Going home outfit for mom:
Truthfully, I didn’t even think about this when I went into the hospital with my first. I knew that most women still look like they’re pregnant when they leave the hospital after giving birth. I went in wearing maternity jeans and a shirt and planned to wear that out. The only problem was, the pants were falling down and I felt all frumpy and gross. So in all of the pictures where we’re leaving the hospital that’s what I’m wearing. There’s a cute baby being buckled into the car seat and a very tired, frumpy looking mommy. So for my second I packed a cute and casual dress (this one) and left the hospital feeling awesome. Since then I’ve tried to pick something cute and comfortable, like a causal dress or skirt.
Toiletries:
To make it easier on myself, I pack as many travel sized things as I can. I also make sure to pack things that don’t require water. That way I can use them from my bed if I need to, like face wipes and Wisps. You never know what could happen during delivery and how you’ll feel afterwards. I like to be prepared just in case I can’t get up to take a shower right away. For anything that I can’t pack beforehand (like certain makeup items), I leave a note on my toiletry bag. It sits out on the bathroom counter, ready to grab at a moment’s notice. I also have a spot on my free hospital bag checklist where you can jot down last minute items you’ll need to grab.
Baby mittens/nail file:
My son’s nails were SO long when he was born, we even had nurses that had worked in the hospital for years commenting on them! However, I’ve discovered that the hospitals I’ve delivered at have policies in place not to clip or file them. Now I always just bring a pair of mittens and a baby nail file with me.
Stuff for dad:
Again, you might not need anything depending on your situation. Mike tries to stay at the hospital with me as much as he can but with other kids at home that’s not always possible. I know some people that like to bring change for the vending machines, but they’re always so over-priced, I like to bring our own snacks and then he can also always go down to the cafeteria while it’s open. You might also want to consider packing a pair of swim trunks for your husband if you’re going to want to labor in the shower or tub and you think you might need his support.
Do you have anything that you HAVE to have in your hospital bag? Something I may have missed?
21 Responses to hospital bag checklist for expectant moms
I had gestational diabetes with all 3 of my kiddos, so my must have item was a box of HoHo's that I could start eating the second after I delivered (and I did). Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday at Organized 31.
Ha! I love that! Junk food is a good tip, I can't believe that I've never thought that. 🙂
So smart to pack a bag at 36 weeks! I really should've done that. Or even at 37,38, or 39 weeks… As it was, I didn't bring anything but my purse or the clothes on my back. Not even shoes 😉 Thankfully all the hospital cared about was my insurance card and ID, which was in my purse. I sent joe home for a change of clothes and a going home outfit for baby, but I actually left the hospital shoeless, just wearing the socks they gave me.
When I was pregnant with my first I had two friends who were due before me and both had these weird emergencies and ended up having their babies at 36 weeks, so I've always been paranoid about being ready to go at that point.
And I love that you left in socks. 🙂
This is a great list. Especially as a first time mom, you seriously just don’t know what to bring!
That’s so true, you really don’t!
Great suggestions! I especially appreciated the idea of packing things for a newborn shoot, We did that with the second baby, but we didn’t with the first, since it simply wasn’t on our radar.
Totally makes sense! And obviously it’s not a necessity, but I do love those special pictures. 🙂
This is a really great list! I hadn’t thought of the baby nail file or clippers – but you are right – most hospitals and pediatrician’s offices won’t cut their little fingernails!
We are packing our bag this week because I am becoming increasingly aware that baby boy could really come any day now!
Yes, we are so close!! And isn’t that weird about the nails? I was in the hospital with my son for about five days because he was so jaundice and I had to send the hubby out for clippers!
Thank you so much for the info and printable! The hospital bag is something I am so nervous about with my pregnancy prep- I don’t want to forget anything!
You’ll be fine, just call me if you have any questions. 😉
Awesome list! I love the reminder to take clothes for YOU! I had to send my husband home to get something for me to wear. Great to have things for baby’s pictures too!
And with my first I was in the hospital with him for about five days, you would think I would have realized I needed something else to wear in all that time, lol.
Thanks for sharing your super handy list!
Thanks so much for checking it out!
I’m past my delivery days but this is a great list. One I never considered with my first was a going home outfit for myself.
Right?! I think that’s a common one to forget!
loved these lists when I had no idea what to pack! haha
Great list! It is so funny how different we can all be in what makes us most comfortable away from home. I always pack a pocket full of snickers bars in my hospital bag. When I labored with my first, she was born in the middle of the night and the meal service was closed. I had brought one snickers bar and my husband and I shared it and I have literally never had a more wonderful “meal” in my life. Now it’s the first thing I crave after giving birth haha!!
Packing a hospital bag the first time is so tough. I had no idea what to bring. I actually can’t remember what I brought to the hospital either times 6 and 7 years ago.
These are great tips!