Alright… Your long awaited due date is closing in on you. You’ve officially made it into the third trimester! Now is when you begin wondering what to pack in your hospital bags. In this blog, I’ll review my personal recommendations on what to pack for you, for your spouse, and for your baby. I’ll also provide a free hospital bag checklist for you!
Hospital bag checklist for mom
Essentials
My recommended essentials are pretty basic and straight forward. I recommend the follow items:
- An extra long phone charge
- Chap stick
- Your favorite pair of socks
- Supportive nursing bras without wire – trust me, you want comfort!
- A maternity outfit to wear home – you’ll still have a baby bump even after delivery, so it’s best to take maternity clothes or a loose fitted outfit to wear home from the hospital
- Toiletries- pack your own toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hairbrush. You might even want a razor while you are there.
Optional Items
- Breast pads – I list this as optional because the hospital will have some they will give you. However, you may prefer something a little more comfortable such as reusable cotton breast pads.
- A robe – hospitals are cold. Stay cozy by packing your favorite robe. This is a favorite of mine (I almost put it under essentials), because it also gives you easy boob access and skin-to-skin time.
- Adult diapers – this is something I discuss in my “what to expect postpartum” blog. You can find the link to that at the bottom of this blog!
- More comfortable clothes – whatever you like! Nike shorts, joggers, sweatpants. This is all dependent on you. My only suggestion is to pack shirts with easy boob access!
- Nursing pillow
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Essentials
- Coming home outfit
- Any personalized blankets and hats/bows you want to use immediately.
- Car seat
- 2 gowns or footed pajamas
Optional Items
- Extra pacifiers – the hospital will have these for you. If you deliver in a baby friendly hospital you will have to request one, and it’s not recommended to use while in the hospital if you are breastfeeding. I, however, breastfed all three of my child who all three took different pacifiers. With baby 2 and baby 3, my husband and I took a variety of newborn sized pacifiers with us to deliver and then let our new little babe decide which one she liked.
- Onesies and pants – I prefer sleep gowns without zippers or buttons, especially in the middle of the night. However, this is totally up to what you prefer.
- Socks – Personally, I preferred putting my newborns in footed pajamas during the day and not having to worry about keeping tiny socks on tiny feet. Again, this is totally up to you!
- Diapers and wipes in preferred brand
As an experience mom, I know the hospital provides most everything you need for your baby while you are there. I also know what it’s like to have a preference. If you prefer a certain brand, feel free to pack it up and take it with you. However, please note the hospital will give you TONS of diapers and wipes. All you have to do is ask for more with each nurse shift-change.
Hospital Back Checklist for Dad
Essentials
- His own phone charge!
- Snacks
- Drinks
- 2-3 outfits of his choice
I list snacks and drinks because labor can be a long process. While you will be connected to an IV for hydration, dad won’t be. My husband was the one who hated leaving me. After three deliveries he knew things could change quickly and without warning, so he was the kind who never left my side. Having snacks and drinks available for him was such a luxury that we were not prepped for with our first child.
Optional Items
- Slippers
- Entertainment – laptop, tablet, books, etc.
- An extra bag – you’ll probably receive some gifts from family and friends while you are there. On top of that, you’ll need somewhere to store the extra diapers, wipes, creams, and postpartum supplies that the hospital gives to you.
