If you’re anything like me, pregnancy is full of checklists: nursery items, house projects, meal prep, etc. As you wrap up the last few weeks of pregnancy, it’s time for one more – your hospital bag checklist. While there are actually very few must-have items, it is helpful to have some things beyond just the basics to make your stay more comfortable. As for when to pack, it’s a good idea for your bag to be ready around 35 weeks so you’re ready to go when baby is. Keep reading for my hospital bag checklist!
Table of Contents
Hospital Bag Checklist: Must-Haves
Like I said, there are really only a few critical items you’ll need to bring with you to the hospital. Here are the bare minimum items I recommend:
- Car seat: Ok, this is technically not in your bag but it needs to go first on the list because you cannot take the baby home from the hospital without a car seat. I would leave a post-it reminder on your bag once it’s packed or keep the car seat right next to your bag.
- Cell phone charger: You’ll be at the hospital for at least 24 hours, so you’ll likely need to charge at some point. A lot of people like an extra-long cord to reach from the wall to the bed.
- Loose, comfy clothes: Once you’re admitted, you’ll be given a gown (unless you bring your own), but you’ll want some comfy clothes to wear after delivery and to go home. Pack some loose clothes that fit you during the second trimester since you’ll still be sporting a small bump for a bit. If you’re planning to breastfeed, pack a nursing bra and/or tank as well.
- Wallet: We always need this, right? Make sure your insurance card is in there, just in case it’s not on file at the hospital already.
- Toiletries: You will almost definitely want to freshen up after labor and it can help you feel a lot better to have some of your toiletries from home.
Hospital Bag Checklist: Nice-to-Have Items
Next on our hospital bag checklist are items that I’m calling “nice-to-have.” While they’re not necessary, I still highly recommend considering them if you have room in your bag. Labor is tough, so you may as well have some comfort items with you.
- Birth plan: It can be helpful to have a couple printed copies of your birth plan so your team knows what your preferences are during labor.
- Chapstick: Hospitals can be dry, and you might be doing lots of heavy breathing during labor.
- Gum or mints: I liked chewing on some gum as a distraction during labor. Peppermint is also helpful if you have nausea.
- Bluetooth speaker: If you have some music you’d like to play, a small Bluetooth speaker can help set a positive, calming mood.
- Your own pillow: Those hospital pillows leave a lot to be desired. This is definitely not a necessary item, but it can be so nice to have your comfy pillow from home!
- Snacks: Sometimes the cafeteria hours at a hospital can be limited, and you might not want the vending machine options. Pack some non-perishable snacks with some protein, like trail mix, protein bars, or nut butter pouches. Some electrolyte packets to add to your water is also a good idea. Labor is like running a marathon, so you want to keep your body fueled as long as you’re allowed to eat.
- Makeup: There’s no need for full glam, but you might be happy to have some tinted moisturizer and mascara in your bag for those first photos with baby.
- Shower flip flops: Some cheap plastic flip-flops are helpful to have for that glorious post-birth shower.
- White noise machine: Babies are used to sleeping in a noisy womb, so white noise can be very calming to them. It also is helpful to block out hospital noises so that you can sleep, too! This one is great because it also has a night light on it that you can use for those middle-of-the-night feeds.
- Nursing pillow: If you’re planning to breastfeed, you’ll be glad to have a nursing pillow. Babies feed a lot during those first 48 hours.
Items for Baby
The hospital will provide virtually everything you need for baby, so skip the diapers, wipes, and excess onesies. There’s just a few things you’ll want to bring for baby:
- Special swaddle or outfit for photo: The hospital will swaddle baby in the classic receiving blankets, but you might have something special to change them into for photos if you’d like.
- Going home outfit: Pack something seasonally appropriate for baby that they will go home in. Avoid anything too bulky or thick so that the car seat buckle fits properly.
- Car seat blanket: Even in the summer, you will probably want to drape a muslin blanket over baby to keep them warm. In the winter, a fleece or even wool one will be helpful to keep them toasty.
Time to get packing! I hope this hospital bag checklist serves you well as you prepare during the last few weeks before baby. Good luck!
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