For all mommies to be, prepping for your labor and delivery as your due date gets closer can be a bit exciting and overwhelming. Emotions and nerves run through your whole body as you count down the days. OMG, it’s almost time! You think to yourself do I have everything I need in my hospital bag? You start to overthink is this enough! You’ve been to baby stores and scoured the internet for what you need but still feel unsure. Well, the most important thing to remember is baby will need clothes to come home in! You may not be able to fit everything in one bag so consider splitting items between a bag for you and a bag for your baby. Below is a list of suggested items to help make your baby’s transition into the world a little bit easier.
Having a baby is an amazing and life-changing event. There is so much to think about and prepare for, but don’t forget the essentials for your baby’s hospital stay! This list of items will help make sure you have everything you need for a smooth delivery and transition home. To help ease your anxiety a little, I’ve put together a list of things you will need for your baby’s arrival.
Why pack a hospital bag?
Packing a Hospital Bag with essentials is the smartest thing to do! A hospital bag is a collection of all the things you and your baby will need during your stay at the hospital after they are born. You never know when your baby will decide to make his or her appearance. Having a bag packed in your vehicle ready to go will help make the process a little less stressful, so it’s best to be prepared!
What size bag to take to the hospital for birth?
The size of the bag you take to the hospital will depend on how long you plan to stay. If you are planning a natural birth with no complications, you may only need a smaller bag for an overnight stay. You don’t need to bring a huge suitcase with you to the hospital. A small bag or even a large purse will do the trick. However, if you are planning a C-section or have any other complications, you may want to pack a larger bag for a longer hospital stay.
How many weeks pregnant should I pack my hospital bag?
You should start packing your hospital bag around 34-36 weeks pregnant. This will help ensure you have plenty of time to gather everything you need and avoid any last-minute stress. Remember, your baby could come at any time so it’s best to be prepared!
What do I need in my hospital bag?
To make it simple, what you are going to need for you and your baby are the main essentials like clothes, toiletries, shoes, important documents, and anything to make you more comfortable. It’s best to have a checklist in hand to help you keep track and be organized with all of your belongings, pack priority items first and then pack cute items that are not so important but are nice to have.
How many outfits should I bring to the hospital for Baby?
You should bring at least 2-3 outfits for your baby to come home in, depending on the season. If you are having a winter baby, you may want to pack a thicker outfit or even a cute little footed sleep suit. For summer babies, a lighter outfit such as a onesie or sleeper will suffice. You will also need to pack a going-home outfit for yourself! Don’t forget comfortable clothes and shoes to make the trip home more enjoyable.
Newborn photography outfit?
If you are planning on doing a newborn photoshoot, it is best to pack a cute little outfit or two in your hospital bag. This way you will have something nice to put your baby in for the pictures. Keep in mind that newborns are often photographed naked, so you may not need to bring too many clothes. Just a few cute outfits should do the trick!
Should I pack my partners/ support person’s essentials?
Your partner/support person will need a few items as well, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, and comfortable shoes. It is also nice to have a pillow and blanket for them to have during labor. Most importantly, don’t forget their camera to capture all of the special moments!
What should I put in my hospital bag for labor?
The most important thing you will need during labor is your Birth Plan. This document will help ensure that you and your partner are on the same page about what you want for your labor and delivery experience. You will also want to pack any comfort items such as a pillow, lip balm, hard candy or gum, a hair tie, and music to help relax you during labor. If you are planning to use a birth ball, don’t forget to pack that as well!
Should I pack snacks in my hospital bag?
Yes! Packing snacks for you and your partner is a must. The hospital food can be pretty terrible and you will want something to nibble on in between meals. Pack easy-to-eat snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, fruit, peanut butter, crackers, or even popcorns.
Do I need cash in my hospital bag?
You may want to bring a small amount of cash with you in case you need to make any vending machine runs or buy anything from the gift shop. However, most hospitals nowadays accept credit and debit cards so it is not necessary to bring a large amount of cash with you.
What should I put in my hospital bag for after the baby is born?
After your baby is born, you will want to have some essentials on hand for both you and your baby. For you, this may include items such as mesh panties, maxi pads, peri bottle, lip balm, and comfy clothes. For baby, you will need items such as diapers, wipes, newborn outfits, and a going-home outfit. It is also nice to have a blanket and hat for your baby to wear when leaving the hospital.
What not to pack in your hospital bag?
You don’t need to pack your entire closet when you go into labor. Avoid packing anything too valuable or sentimental, as things can get misplaced during your stay. You also won’t need your entire makeup collection or 5 different outfit changes. Stick to the basics and pack what you know you will need and use.
Car seat safety: Car seat for baby and a way to get baby home safely:
After you have your baby, you will want to be able to get home safely. That is why it is so important to have a Car Seat installed and ready to go! It is important to have the right car seat for your baby. You will want to make sure that the car seat is installed correctly and that you know how to use it properly. You can check your local police department or fire station to see if they offer car seat checks. This is a great way to make sure that your car seat is installed correctly and that you are using it properly.
You will also need a way to get your baby home from the hospital, so make sure you have a plan for that as well. If you are taking public transportation, be sure to research how to do that ahead of time so you are not scrambling when it’s time to leave the hospital.
By following this hospital bag packing list, you can be sure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable delivery experience. Just remember to pack only the essentials and leave the rest at home! Here is a list of things you may want to consider packing in your hospital bag for mom, baby, and partner/support person!
Don’t forget the camera!
Necessary Essentials:
Well here is a list of things you will need for sure when you are admitted into the hospital.
- Insurance Card & Photo ID
- Birth Plan (if you have one)
- Face masks (Covid precautions)
What to pack in a hospital bag for Mom?
Make sure to pack any items that will make you more comfortable during your stay. This is a big moment and you want to be prepared! Check out this Pre-Packed Labor and Delivery Bag Gift Set!
- Photo ID
- Insurance card information
- Comfy clothing (Loose fitting) for after delivery and going home
- Tank tops (1 or 2)
- Nursing bras (2)
- Robe
- Maternity pads
- Adult padded Underwear
- Peri bottle
- Perineal spray
- Water bottle
- Snacks and drinks
- Hand sanitizer
- Socks/slippers
- Disposable mesh underwear
- Hair ties
- Going home outfit
- Phone and Charger
- Lip balm
What to pack in a hospital bag for baby?:
Here is a list of baby hospital essentials that you’ll need for labor and delivery. Note: how many outfits you take are optional don’t overdo it!
- Baby clothes (1-2 onesies)
- 1-2 photography outfits
- 1 Going home outfit
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Nursing pillow (optional)
- Breast pump (if you plan to breastfeed)
- Formula (if you plan to formula feed)
- Bottles and nipples (if you plan to formula feed)
- Pacifier
- Car seat installed and ready to go!
- Going home blankets
- 3-5 sleepers or bodysuits
- Hats/booties
- Travel-sized toiletries (non-scented shampoo and soap)
What to pack in a hospital bag for a Partner/ Support person?:
The list for your partner/ support person is pretty short but very important! Here are a few things to consider packing in your hospital bag for labor and delivery.
- Photo ID
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Phone and Phone charger
- Entertainment (books, magazines, puzzles)
- Laptop
- Snacks and drinks
- Camera!
- List of phone numbers to call with updates
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, body soap etc.)
- Towel
- Face mask (Covid precautions)
- An extra pillow and blanket
Toiletries:
Here is a list of Toiletry Essentials that you’ll need for labor and delivery travel-size toiletries are the way to go! it will make your life so much easier. You don’t want to have to lug around a big suitcase full of stuff, so travel size everything is the best way to go! Here are some things you may want to consider packing:
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Chapstick
- Makeup ( just the basics)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair ties
- Hairbrush
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- body scrubber
- Razor (if you haven’t shaved)
- Maternity pads
We hope you found this list helpful, packing your hospital bag doesn’t have to be complicated!
Please leave a comment if you have any favorite items to pack for you hospital bag.