The Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List
Enter the hospital with one overstuffed tote of supplies, and walk out with a real-live human baby. It’s pretty magical. Here are my recommendations for stuffing that bag, to make this weird crazy miracle a little more comfortable.
For Everyone:
- Phone chargers – Pack ‘em up for you and your partner. We brought extra long charging chords – since the outlets won’t necessarily be by your bed.
- Snacks – You might not want (or be allowed) them during labor, but they’re good to have after and for peckish partners. We brought a bag of Take 5 bars, and some Luna Bars.
- Birth Plan – Ask your hospital if they have a template. Some have standard questions that are good to think through ahead of time. Bring a printed copy (or 3) of your plan.
- Your pediatrician’s contact info – The hospital will want to make sure you get your first few visits scheduled. If you don’t have one picked out. Ask your obgyn or friends for recommendations.
- Nurse present – Your nurses will be your favorite people on the planet by the time you leave. You can bring them snacks or other treats, if your hospital allows it.
- Extra tote bag – Any reusable grocery bag will do. Ask your nurses what supplies you can take home from the hospital. You’ll likely be able to have some extra diapers for baby and pads, mesh undies and other recovery supplies for you.
- Car Seat – You can’t leave the hospital without it! Installing the base is easier than you think. You can find a how-to YouTube video for just about any model. We like our Chico Keyfit30. Tip: Leave this in the car when you first arrive. You don’t need to lug it into the hospital until the day that you leave.
For Mom:
- Toiletries – You’ll likely be there a couple nights, bring what you need to shower, brush your teeth, any contacts/glasses situation. You know the deal.
- Chapstick – Hospitals can be dry, plan accordingly. Chapstick brand chapstick is my favorite.
- Trash bag – Stick a trash bag in your car. When your water breaks it can be a trickle that lasts for a while. Your car seats will thank you if you have some plastic to sit on.
- Nursing bra – If you’re planning to breastfeed you’ll want to have easy access to those breasts. I like a simple nursing bra that doubles as a pumping bra, cuz who has the time for bra changes.
- Nursing Pads – In case your milk supply is over enthusiastic. These little pads soak up any leaks.
- Nipple Cream – They’re going to do some hard work. Treat them to some nice lanoline.
- Socks – It’s nice to have clean socks handy. Bonus points if they’re extra cozy.
- Going home clothes – You’ll want some comfy clean clothes to head home in.
For Partner:
- Toiletries – Tell dad or your partner of choice to pack their overnight essentials. Or grab them a travel kit.
- Pillow (optional blanket) – Partners tend to get pretty sad sleeping options, so comforts from home can be nice to have.
- iPad – My husband made a slideshow of our dog for me to watch on the iPad during labor and it was pretty much my favorite part of the whole day … until my baby showed up.
- Cash for vending machine – It just might be the easiest way for your partner or guests to get a bite.
For Baby:
- Baby Book – bring your baby book and your nurses can put baby’s footprints right into it! I love our simple Lucy Darling book that we are filling with Parabo prints.
- Hat – You gotta keep those newborns cozy. Unless you have an August due date in Florida, bring an adorable teeny hat.
- Blanket – They’ve been living in a hot tub, bring a blanket for extra warmth on the car ride home.
- Going home outfit – you’re going to want to take some pics, so pick something cute and cozy. I love a good simple PJ set.
Little List 