With so much on your mind as the “big day” approaches, one thing that’ll feel great about crossing off your seemingly endless to-do list is packing your hospital bag! We recommend doing this about 1 month in advance — due dates and even induction dates are rarely firm! — and keeping it by your front door for quick access.
Although packing your hospital bag might feel overwhelming, it’s much simpler than you think! Based on our own experience and speaking with countless parents, we created this packing list as an ideal starting point to ensure you have all the essentials needed during your (and your baby’s) stay at the hospital. Your packing goals are to bring items that will:
- Make you feel as comfortable as possible.
- Make your baby’s transition into the “real world” as gentle as possible.
- (if applicable) Make your partner feel reasonably comfortable while supporting you.
The bottomline: Keep it simple and practical. And after you’ve got the basics covered, layer on the personal items that only you know will specifically make you feel your best during this unique time.
Checklist for Mama:
- Post-Labor Outfit that is loose-fitting, nursing-friendly, and very comfortable )in case you want to change out of your hospital gown after the labor)
- Going-Home / “Photogenic” Outfit in case you want to slightly dress up for photos at the hospital (e.g. a knit dress that is nursing friendly, or a top that doesn’t look like pajamas)
- Comfortable Slippers / Footwear
- Toiletries (medications, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, skincare, shampoo, conditioner, soap, comb)
- Phone + Phone Charger
- (Optional) Portable Speaker to play music
- iPad or Laptop + Chargers (don’t forget to download shows in case WiFi is spotty!)
- (Optional) Camera for newborn photos
- Headphones
- Gigantic Water Bottle
- Snacks because the length of labor is so unpredictable, you’ll never regret having these. And you can always eat them afterward.
- Important documents (Your ID, insurance, birth plan)
- Nursing pads and breast pump (if planning to breastfeed)
- A few Sentimental Objects that will act as touchtones for you to help you feel calm, safe, and strong. You got this!
Checklist for Baby:
- 2x Going-home outfits (newborn size + 1 size smaller or larger)
- 1x Hat
- 2x Swaddles
- Diapers (most hospitals provide these, but having a few just in case for the journey home)
- Carseat
Checklist for Partner (if applicable)
- Going-Home / “Photogenic” Outfit in case you want to slightly dress up for photos at the hospital
- 2x Changes of Clothes
- Pajamas
- Comfortable Slippers / Footwear
- Toiletries (medications, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, skincare, shampoo, conditioner, soap, comb)
- Phone + Phone Charger
- Water Bottle
- A few Sentimental Objects that you think will help support your partner during the labor!
