Hospital Bag Checklist for You, Your Partner and Your Baby
It’s getting close to your due date and you’re so excited! There’s so much to think about and remember that I’ve compiled a list of everything you might need during your hospital stay so you don’t have to do it all!
Packing a well-thought-out hospital bag for labor and delivery is an essential part of preparing for the arrival of your baby. Of course you do not NEED everything on this list but this is a list of everything my husband and I used during my extended 6 day stay at the hospital. I would recommend packing at least four weeks prior to your due date in case your baby decides to come early. Here’s a checklist of items you might want to consider including in your hospital bag:
Electronics
- Roku or HDMI cable to connect laptop to tv – we watched a fair amount of tv while waiting for labor to happen but some people don’t. I would bring just in case you need a distraction. I certainly did.
- Speaker and charger
- Laptop and charger
- Headphones – noise cancelling would be best for your partner
- External charger
- Extension cord – the layout of the hospital room could be interesting and an extension cord came in very handy
- Long phone chargers – must have
For Sleeping
- Ear plugs – a must for post partum room, at least for your partner. The angel nurses come in all the time during the night to take your vitals.
- Pillows and non-white colored pillowcases for both of you so they don’t get mixed in with the uncomfortable hospital pillows
- Sound machine and nightlight (Hatch is fab) – a must have. Nice to be able to check on baby and move around during the night. It also discourages nurses from turning on lights in middle of night.
- Eye masks
- Stroller fan or small fan – I used this 24/7 because I kept getting so hot
- Big comfy blanket – another must have.
Clothes
- Slippers
- Shoes to go home in
- Going home outfit (nothing tight bc you’ll be in diapers)
- Underwear
- Soft socks
- Nursing nightgowns – bring a few options with long or short sleeves because the temperature of your room and body could fluctuate
- Shower sandals
- Robe – that first shower post delivery is life changing and just sitting in my comfy robe after was amazing
- Pumping bra – so you can pump hands free.
- Nursing bra
Personal items
- Moisturizer
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash – I brought my favorite and not some cheap drugstore one and it was life changing
- Deodorant
- Makeup
- Vitamins
- Face wash
- Hair brush
- Lip balm or chap stick – a must. Hospital makes lips so dry
- Hair dryer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair ties
- Hair clip
- Makeup wipes – for when you want to wash your face but don’t want to get up out of bed. I did this when I was hooked up to catheter
Post Partum Items
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing breast pads
- Nipple balm
- Dark bath towels
- Your pump and parts – if you’re going to be pumping
Miscellaneous
- Hydro flasks or your most trusted water bottle – a must have. Otherwise they give you tiny cups
- Folder – for all the paperwork and pamplets you’ll be receiving
- Lamp – this is an odd one but the overhead hospital lighting can be horrible. The subtle light from the lamp was much more welcoming and even our nurses were loving it
- Empty shopping bags for hospital postpartum and baby supplies
- Trash bag for dirty clothes and used towels
- Gum/mints/hard candy – I was chewing gum non-stop
- Heating pad – they do not have these at hospital
- License and insurance card
- Snacks – don’t go overboard but some snacks are good to have on hand because the hospital food can get old
- Champagne – for post birth celebrations!
For Your Partner
- Eye drops
- Any over the counter medicine like Tylenol or Ibuprofen – the hospital can give you meds but they can not give them to your partner
- Shower shoes
- Loungewear like sweatshirt and sweat pants
- Change of clothes for at least 3 days
- Toiletries
- Slippers
- Robe
- Deodorant
- Pajamas
- Eye cover
- Ear plugs
For the Baby
- Swaddle – a cute one if you want to take pictures not in hospital swaddle
- Pacis
- Hat – the hospital gives you one but if you want to bring a cute one
- Going home outfit that will be fine in a car seat
- Another going home outfit in case there is an accident in the first outfit
- Baby blanket
- Baby book – they will stamp baby’s feet and hands if you want them to
- Car seat
The Hospital Will Provide
- Cooling gel pads for boobs
- Pads
- Belly support band
- Puppy pads
- Mesh boy short underwear
- Pain meds
- Perineal ice packs
- Dermaplast
- Flushable wipes
- Baby nose sucker
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Formula samples
- Nipples for ready to feed bottles.
- Plastic bottles to feed colostrum. Fit the ready to feed nipples. Nice and easy to use in beginning before your supply is fully in.
Check with your healthcare provider or the hospital for specific recommendations or restrictions. It’s also a good idea to have your bag packed and ready well before your due date to avoid any last-minute rush.
