A Complete Hospital Packing List for Mom and Baby: Top 10 Essentials

Are you getting closer to your due date? Ready for the big day? I remember how I planned weeks, maybe months ahead of time, to prepare for that unknown day when my husband and I would drive to the hospital and I would become a mother. I didn’t have a hospital packing list at the time, and ended up packing a couple things I didn’t end up needing, and forgot a few items that would have been nice to have.

When I was anticipating and expecting the birth of my two girls, I remember wanting to be as organized as possible. I read anything and everything I could find to help me prepare and feel more confident in my pregnancies. My hope is this post will help you in feeling as confident and prepared as you can be for delivery. Remember, you are going to be tired, and obsessed with your new little love, so don’t worry about bringing books, movies, or other entertainment items. Enjoy your stay in the hospital. This is going to be the last time for a very long time, that you, mama, will have the chance to be attentively looked after. Use the time to get your rest!

Chances are, if your partner and yourself are expecting, you’ve both been spending the last couple of months decorating the baby’s nursery, stocking up on baby gear, and figuring out how to correctly install your baby’s new car seat. If you’re in your third trimester, please don’t forget to prioritize packing that hospital bag of yours! You never know when baby might decide to make an appearance.

The below photos are of our second daughter Summer and me on the day she was born. I look happy, though extremely tired! Note the mobile phone charger on the side table. Consider buying an extra one and putting it in your hospital bag. You’ll be sending lots of texts, emails, and photos from your hospital bed!

Hospital Packing List

My first instinct, especially now being a mom, is usually to over-pack, and always be prepared, however, for the hospital bag packing list, I’ve only included items that you might absolutely need. This is one trip where you won’t need much, though the items you will need, you will NEED. Trust me on that, and

To shop the collage, click here, or click directly on the collage. 

Ideally, I would recommend packing a large tote or duffle bag with you and having it ready to go when you’re 36 or 37 weeks pregnant. Just in case, you might deliver before your scheduled due date!

If you don’t have a large tote or duffle bag handy, here’s a few.

Now without further ado, let’s take a look at hospital packing list must-haves that will definitely help you feel at ease before, during, and after your labor and delivery experience.

Click here for a downloadable PDF of this  Hospital Packing List

 

Hospital Packing List For Mama

Important documents: This includes your birth plan (if you have one), hospital paperwork, your ID’s, Insurance Card and any other personal information that is required.

Eyeglasses: If you wear eyeglasses, you’ll definitely want to bring them. Contacts are the last thing you’ll want to worry about when in labor. 

Bathrobe and nightgown: Packing a nursing friendly nightgown and/or a bathrobe might provide you with somfort after labor. Let’s face it, the hospital gowns are not the most attractive or comfortable, and you might feel better if you’re able to wear your own clothing.Bathrobes are such a good go-to, especially after that first post-delivery shower.

Toiletries and personal items: Having a fully stocked toiletry bag will help you feel a bit more comfortable during your hospital experience. You’ll want to be able to brush your hair, your teeth, and feel as fresh as you possibly can. A fully stocked toiletry bag will give you piece of mind that should you need anything, you have it. Store your deodorant, tooth paste, tooth brush, dry shampoo, hair ties, headbands and more – in one place!

Slip-On Footwear: You’ll want to pack an easy to slide-on pair of footwear. Whether that’s a pair of slippers, flip flops, or slides, make sure to pack them. Your feet could potentially be so swollen, they’ll literally fit in nothing else.

No Skid Socks: A great replacement if you don’t have any slip-on footwear that will fit your swollen, post-delivery feet. No-skid socks are what I wore in the hospital, as sometimes it’s necessary to quickly get out of bed to care for baby.

Lip Balm: Lip balm is a must have for me anytime, anyplace. Having some on hand while in the hospital is not a luxury, it’s a necessity! 

Sugar-free hard candy: Candy with sugar makes you thirsty! Your mouth may get dry during the labor process and the sugar-free candy or lozenges may help to keep you somewhat distracted, as well as keep your mouth feeling fresher.

Maternity Bras and Nursing Pads: Maternity Bras without underwires make the breastfeeding process much easier. I found both washable and disposable nursing pads, a definite must while breastfeeding, 

Nipple Cream: It’s normal, your nipples might be in some pain throughout the breastfeeding process. It does get better once mom and baby figure out what works best for them as a team, though nothing like a bit of nipple cream to ease the pain in the meantime. I like this brand as it’s organic, non-GMO, and lanolin-free.

Incontinence Diapers: Although your hospital will provide you with ultra thick pads and mesh underwear for the recovery process, some women still like to bring their own incontinence diapers. Whatever you are most comfortable with mama.

Hospital Packing List For Dad

Extra change of clothes: Dad will definitely want to pack an extra change of clothes, especially if he’ll be staying overnight at the hospital with you. 

The “Essentials”: This includes anything that will entertain both mom and dad. Whether it’s a book, a tablet, laptop and headphones – those are definitely going to keep you both entertained while you wait for the mommy to be fully dilated. Let him pack those things, as I mentioned before, once baby is born,  you likely won’t have the time, energy, or interest in outside entertainment. 

An extra long charging cord: Another great essential. Making sure dad’s phone is fully charged is a must. He’ll be the one taking pictures, videos or delivering the news to your close friends and family, while mommy focuses on the recovery process.

His/Her Snacks: Your partner should definitely be in charge of packing all the snacks for both mom and dad. Bringing snacks and drinks to keep you both hydrated and properly fed is a definite priority. Mommy will absolutely appreciate all the post-labor snacks! Everywhere is different, though with COVID-19, some hospitals are not allowing people to leave and then return to hospital rooms. So that makes packing any necessary snacks an essential. After delivery you will be ravenous!

Pillow & Blanket: If you both will be staying overnight at the hospital, pack all the necessary pillows and blankets that you think your partner might need so you both will be comfortable.

 

Hospital Packing List for Baby

Carseat: Your hospital will not let you take baby home if you don’t have a car seat readily available. This is obviously non-negotiable. Making sure it’s properly installed before going to the hospital will help ease any going home anxiety, and make your life much easier.

And here’s a cute suggestion. When you’re discharged from the hospital, watch how your partner drives home. My husband drove so slow and careful on that journey. It was the cutest thing, he knew he was carrying precious cargo!

A Going Home Outfit: Your newborn deserves to go home in style! I would recommend packing a couple outfits for your new baby, you won’t know how big they are until they arrive. Aiming for a newborn outfit and a 0-3 months outfit would be ideal. I found that both my girls were absolutely swimming in the 0-3 outfits I packed, though each baby is different! Don’t forget to bring the necessary hats, mittens or socks. Unless it’s a blistering hot day, baby likes to feel cozy.               

Blanket: You’ll need to wrap baby up and having a fresh, clean blanket to do so will make things real. Choose wisely, baby might form an attachment with whichever blankets you choose to use.

Diapers & Baby Wipes: The hospital will have diapers and wipes for you to use while there, and they may send you home with a few diapers and wipes.  You will want to ensure you have diapers and wipes at home on hand for when you arrive. Newborn babies soil their diapers rather quickly, and are constantly needing to be changed. Not to scare you or anything!

Nursing Supplies and/or Bottles: Sometimes the way we decide to feed baby is out of our hands. Whether you end up nursing or bottle feeding baby, and often it’s a combination of both, you will need nursing supples. I feel like nursing is a post unto itself, there are so many different types of bottles and nipple types out there, and only your baby will be able to help you figure out what works best for the both of you.

 

I wish all of you expectant mamas the absolute best! Being a mom is no doubt a full-time job in itself, though it’s also the sweetest experience, filled with unexpected moments of joy, wonder, and love. And, I promise, once your baby is “out” and placed in your arms, that moment will be the highlight of your life!

Hope this hospital packing list and post helps any expecting mamas out there! Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any questions. Becoming a mother is such a special time, and I’m super excited for you!