One of the things new moms-to-be worry about is what to pack in their hospital bag in preparation for the big day. I’m sure you’ve heard that you should have your bag ready so that you can just grab it and go when labor begins. If you live near to the hospital, it might not be as big of a deal to have EVERYTHING packed – someone can always run home and get something for you that you missed. Still, there are certain things every new mom should have in her hospital bag. Here is my list of the most useful items to pack in your hospital bag.
Nightgown that buttons up the front
This was an absolute must for me. Wearing a hospital gown is no fun at all, especially with all the added discomforts of giving birth. Even if you aren’t allowed to wear your own clothes right away, you will appreciate having a nightgown to change into as soon as you are able.
One reason that a nightgown is at the top of my list of what to pack in hospital bag is because you might not yet be ready for pants. A nightgown can function pretty much the same as a stiff uncomfortable hospital gown, but it will feel so much better. Make sure it buttons down the front if you plan to breastfeed!
Must Have to Pack in Hospital Bag #2 – Nipple Cream
Your hospital might provide this, but I wouldn’t take any chances if you intend to breast feed your newborn. Those first few days of nursing can really take a toll on your nipples. Lanolin nipple cream is a godsend that you will grateful that you packed in your hospital bag.
Phone Chargers
In this day and age, I’m pretty sure you aren’t going to forget your phone on the big day. Bring that in your purse as you normally would. Just don’t forget to pack a charger! Make sure to pack one for your spouse or partner as well if they have a different type of phone. You are going to be there at least a couple days, so your phone will most likely need a charge before you go home.
Sure, there will be a phone in the room for you to use. But phones are for so much more these days – especially all those pictures you will want to take in those first few days.
Expecting a new baby? Be sure to check out my article on the newborn essentials you might have missed!
Yoga Pants and Tops With Buttons – What to pack in hospital bag #4
Once you graduate from needing a nightgown, you will want the comfiest clothes that you own. Yoga pants or comfy loose sweats or pajama pants are a must, especially for those c-section mamas. Your maternity pants will probably do just fine as well. Just make sure you pack your coziest options!
As for tops, remember to bring ones that open in the front if you plan to nurse.
Don’t forget socks and comfy underwear. You might even want a robe if that’s something you wear at home.
Babylist – Universal Baby Registry – Add Anything From Anywhere
Nursing Bra – What to pack in a hospital bag
If you plan to nurse, don’t forget to pack a nursing bra! It will make it so much easier to nurse your baby, and will give you a bit more privacy with all the nurses, doctors, and guests who will be coming and going.
Toiletries
Don’t go crazy here, but a list of what to pack in a hospital bag wouldn’t be complete without it. Here are the ones I recommend:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deoderant
- Face and Body Lotion – hospital air is super dry!
- Soap or body wash
- A bit of makeup if you like to wear it
- Hair brush
- Hair dryer or flat iron if you use these
- Face wash
- Lip balm
- Hair ties
- Glasses or contacts and contact lens solution
What to Pack in Hospital Bag – Birth Plan!
If you have a birth plan, don’t forget to pack a few copies. Make sure to highlight the most important parts. Things rarely go according to plan, so pointing out the parts of your birth plan that matter most to you is a good idea.
A Change of Clothes for Dad
Even if your spouse or partner will be able to run home at some point – they will still certainly appreciate having a fresh change of clothes packed for them. You never know what time of day your baby will arrive, or how long labor will last. So keep your partner in mind and pack a change of clothes for them too.
A Few Toiletries for Your Spouse
Along the same lines as the last item on the list of what to pack in your hospital bag – pack an extra toothbrush and deodorant for them as well. They might not need to shower at the hospital, but I’m sure they will appreciate the chance to freshen up!
Going Home Outfit for Baby
While you don’t really need anything for baby while you are at the hospital – they will provide everything from blankets to diapers and everything in between – most new parents want to pack a special outfit to bring their new baby home in.
My advice – pack a few choices. You really don’t know just how big or small your new baby will be, and that cute little outfit you planned on might be much too big or small. Don’t forget a cute blanket to cover them in their car seat, especially if they are born in the cooler months.
Baby Book
If you plan to do a traditional baby keepsake book for your baby, you should pack that in your hospital bag. Some baby books include first footprints which are done at the hospital. You might also want to record other firsts while they are still fresh in your mind.
If you do forget or don’t want to pack the baby book, you can always jot down milestones on a paper or your phone and transfer them to the baby book later on.
Entertainment
I’ll be honest – once your baby is born time in the hospital will fly and you are unlikely to be bored. You will be sleeping a lot, and your awake time will be spent enjoying your new baby and possibly visiting with family and friends.
That being said, labor, especially for a first baby, can last a long long time. So make sure to pack something to keep yourself entertained and distracted, be that a book, headphones to listen to music, or even a handheld game or tablet. Just make sure you pack something you enjoy.
Comforts of Home
One thing that can really make your hospital stay nicer is to pack some of your favorite comfort items. Let’s face it, hospital beds aren’t all that comfortable. Your own pillow or blanket can make such a huge difference in how well you sleep while you’re in the hospital.
If your spouse will be spending the night, they might appreciate a blanket or pillow from home as well.
A towel from home is also a good idea, unless you don’t mind showering with those tiny threadbare towels the hospital provides.
You might also consider other comforts from home that the hospital might not provide. Do you have a favorite tea that you like to sip, or a chocolate addiction? Packing some special treats will definitely make your hospital stay more enjoyable, especially if it ends up being longer than you expected.
Must Have to Pack for Baby
Don’t forget the most important item for your newborn – the car seat! You can’t go home without it, so make sure it’s set up and you know how to use it before your baby is born.
What You DON’T Need to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
There are some things you might think you need that you can leave at home. Here is my list of what you won’t need in your hospital bag
- Medication – the hospital will want to keep track of this and should provide all your medications for you. They should already have a list from your doctor. If not, just let them know what prescriptions you take at home.
- Baby care items – unless you have specific concerns, don’t waste your money as the hospital will provide diapers, diaper cream, baby wash, and anything else your newborn baby will need.
- Feminine care items. Again, unless you have a preference, save your money and use the pads and disposable underwear that the hospital provides.
- Shoes – just wear a comfortable pare of shoes to the hospital and wear the same pair home.
- Outfits for baby – unless you are dead set on seeing your newborn in clothes you picked for them those first couple of days, don’t bother. I’m not even sure if hospitals allow this. Your baby’s umbilical stump will be healing, so you won’t want any clothes that rub against it. Doctors will need to be able to examine your baby periodically without complicated outfits in the way. Your baby will spend so much time being swaddled you won’t really see what they have on anyway.
I hope my list of what to pack in your hospital bag (and what you don’t need to pack) helps you prepare for the big day to come!
