What to Pack In Your Hospital Bag- for You & for Baby

When I had my first baby I packed everything I could think of I MIGHT need. The second time I was ready with what I ACTUALLY needed so I’m spreading the love to other first time mamas to help lighten your load, literally!

To be honest, there isn’t anything that you absolutely MUST HAVE. Lots of women deliver unexpectedly with nothing prepared & are just fine. The hospital pretty much takes care of everything you absolutely need!

So I’ll tell you what items are NICE TO HAVE. I’ll even put a * next to the things I think are extra worth it! (You’re welcome) Make sure you check out My Baby Must Haves to be extra prepared for your little one to arrive!

*Note: This post contains Amazon & Target Afffiliate links. This allows me to share the products I truly love and use myself, while also earning a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Visit disclosures page for further details. 

For You:

1. ID & Paperwork Chances are you’ve already registered at your hospital & filled out the appropriate paperwork. BUT I find it handy to have a copy of your birth plan printed out & also a list of meds you are taking to just hand to your nurses.
2. *Nursing nightgown/ PJs The hospital provides you with a nightgown that you could choose to wear the whole time if you wanted. I prefer to have the comfort of my own to change into. You definitely want the accessibility of a nursing top. If you do choose PJs that have pants…just remember there’s a good possibility you might get blood on them so don’t bring anything too fancy you wouldn’t want to ruin just in case. You will be wearing ridiculous mesh panties with lots of padding & such & I find a nightgown to be the best option.
3. Robe I liked wearing a robe over my nightgown for visitors or to take a walk outside of my room down the hall maybe for a coffee or snack.

1. *Socks/Slippers To keep your feet warm & for walking around. Also if you are weird about germs, you might bring flip flops for the shower.
2. *Going home outfit Choose something comfortable like some loose pants. YOU ARE STILL GOING TO LOOK A LITTLE PREGNANT! This is something you need to expect so you aren’t totally shocked. Don’t think (unless you are super lucky!) that you can stroll out of the hospital wearing your slimmest pre-pregnancy clothes! I just wear some loose joggers & a maternity tee home.
3. *Phone & Charger
4. Snacks for significant other The hospital provides your meals & snacks but not anyone else’s. They do have a cafeteria where they can purchase a meal. It’s always nice to bring some snacks from home for convenience. (or also if you don’t like the hospital food)
5. Movies This is especially nice if you are being induced. They have tvs that you can watch whatever you want but sometimes it’s nice to just watch a movie from home of your choosing.
6. *Toiletries Pack a few of personal items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, hair stuff, makeup if you wish…but keep it simple. Last time I forgot my own soap but the hospital had some so no problem. They also have blow dryers.
7. Camera with accessories if you aren’t using your phone for pics/vids
8. *Pillow It’s nice to have your own pillow from home! (Don’t forget hubby’s too if he’s staying the night with you)

**The hospital will provide you with: nightgown, mesh undies, spray bottle, pads, cooling spray, nipple cream & tucks pads. The only thing i purchased to have at home was more pads. You will want heavy ones & lighter ones to switch to as your bleeding decreases. They let you take the cooling spray, spray bottle, mesh panties & tucks pads home with you. Also take home your drink water bottle with the straw they give you, I still have & use both of mine!

For the Baby:

1. Gown/Outfit The hospital will put your baby in a gown. You can choose to have your baby wear the gown the whole time or put baby in one from home. I do suggest a gown however because it makes changing diapers so much easier.
2. *Going home outfit Bring a cute outfit to take baby home in! I suggest bringing both newborn & 0-3 month size just in case. Bring any cute hats/accessories you want baby to wear at hospital for visitors/pics.
3. Receiving blanket The hospital will have blankets but it’s nice to have a soft one you like from home. Plus you can’t take home the hospital one so you may want one for the car ride home if it’s chilly out.
4. *Car seat The hospital will want to see & check your car seat before you leave with the baby. It’s best to plan ahead & have it installed (in the back middle or passenger side is best) a few weeks ahead of time.

**The hospital will provide you with: diapers, nose sucker, hair brush, baby shampoo, lotion. TAKE IT ALL HOME! I repeat, take as much as you can home. Sometimes you will get a really awesome nurse that will hook you up! I always ask “Ok so what can I NOT take home?” (all of it will be in the baby’s cart) The answer is usually the stethoscope, the gown, & the bedding. The rest is up for grabs so don’t be shy. Definitely get the nose sucker, the ones from the hospital are the best. Oh & you can take baby’s little hat home too! Don’t forget your baby’s name & info sign on his cart, it’s a great keepsake!

Things I’ve brought in the past I didn’t use: Boppy, my own blanket, extra clothes, books, laptop, breast pump.

If you have other kids:

Your other little ones will most likely be visiting at some point thru your hospital stay to meet their new sibling which is so exciting! It can also be overwhelming for them or they may even feel a little left out. Packing a gift for them is always a great idea! Maybe a special shirt that says ” Big Brother” or a new baby doll that they can help take care of like the new baby. Make it a special day for them too!

Other things to include might be snacks, a toy or even some fun educational projects to keep them busy while you care for baby. I’m a huge fan of educational play & printable worksheets are great to pack for on the go. Celebrate the joy and peace of the season with this fun word search! Find more reading activities now at Education.com!   answer key

Keep it simple, don’t stress out over what to pack! At the end of the day it’s really not all that important! You will most likely forget about all that extra stuff once that bundle of sweetness is placed in your arms. The only thing you will want to do is stare at your baby & snuggle. (ok & maybe sleep)

You got this Mama!

**Don’t leave the hospital without having a plan for your baby! The one thing I wish I would have known about to be fully prepared is sleep training! Learn how to get your baby on a schedule with feedings, naps & nighttime & get them SLEEPING THRU THE NIGHT!