A hospital bag checklist can seem overwhelming. But, the good news is that many hospitals will carry most of your absolute necessities.
As a matter of fact, when it comes to packing your hospital bag, you should visit the hospital you plan to deliver at. Ask them what they include in your hospital stay. Then remove any item that they provide to you, during your stay.
Some people prefer to still bring their own items (toiletries, underwear, etc.) although the hospital provides them. The choice is completely up to you.
However, if you are someone that can go a couple of days without then there’s no need to pack it all up. Because remember, everything that gets packed up will need to be unpacked, as well. ?
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If you want to be prepared for it all, the below hospital bag checklist will help you get there!
What to Pack in a Hospital Bag for Labor
- Photo ID
- Insurance Cards
- Birth Plan
- Camera and/or Video Camera
- Hair Tie, Headband, etc.
- Cord Blood Banking Collection Kit (if applicable)
- Phone and Charger for you and significant other
- Snacks and Change for Vending Machines for significant other
- Tennis Ball or Massager to help during labor
- Puzzle, Books, Cards, other activities to do in event labor is long
- Pen and Paper
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
- Slippers and No-Slip Socks
- Flip-Flops for Shower, if you wish
- Nursing Bra
- Nursing Pads, irregardless if you are nursing or not
- Nipple Cream
- Boppy Pillow
- Breast Pump Flanges (if you’re unsure of flange fit, some hospitals will help size you)
- Maxi Pads or Depends
- Large Water Bottle, Yeti type (where they keep your drink cold or warm)
- Old Underwear
- Snacks for After Delivery
- Toiletries: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Soap, Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hair Brush, Lip Balm, Moisturizer
- Travel Mirror
- Travel-Sized Blow Dryer
- Makeup, if you wish
- An Old Robe (or one you don’t mind getting “messy”)
- Two Pairs of Change of Clothes – loose fitting, comfy
- Eye Glasses, Contact Lens if you wear them
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
- A Going Home Outfit
- Outfit for Picture, if you wish
- An Approved Car Seat, installed in your vehicle
- Couple of Sleepers and Onesies
- Mittens for Hands and Hat
- Nail Clippers (nails may come out long)
- Receiving Blanket
- Weather Appropriate Attire (blanket, jacket for winter, etc.)
- Newborn Diapers
- Unscented Baby Wipes
- Baby Book for Footprint (if hospital will do)
What to Pack in a Hospital Bag for Dad
- Pillow and Blanket, if staying the night
- Contact List (people you want to notify right away)
- Phone and Charger
- Snacks and Vending Machine Change
- Change of Clothes
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Eye Glasses, Contact Lens if they wear them
