What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Preparing your hospital bag for childbirth can either be a nerve wracking experience for a nervous Mom, or a soothing experience for the nesting one. Hopefully, having a checklist handy will help the former become the latter.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

You’ll be packing a bag for you, your arriving baby and even for your spouse or partner so let’s organize the items for each of them here. You can also print off the attached handy checklist below care of Pregnant Chicken!

For Birthing Mom

Here’s your list for the Mom-to-Be.

1. Pillow. Preferably a non-white pillowcase.
2. Hospital shoes. Any type that slips on will be easiest. However, if you plan to shower at the hospital, flip flops or waterproof options like Crocs are best.
3. Warm socks. Delivery rooms are kept cool so if you suffer from cold extremities, bring the warmest socks you have.
4. Comfortable Bra. Sports Bras are great for the *Ahem* size shifting you’ll experience after childbirth and with engorgement.
5. Pajamas. No one wants to sleep in a starchy hospital gown!
6. Robe. You’ll want it to walk the halls a bit. Especially if you deliver by C-Section or plan to go view the babies while you’re there.
7. Underwear.
8. Maxi Pads and Nursing Pads. You’ll be a bit leaky in the days after childbirth. Come prepared!
9. Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste.
10. Contact Lenses. If for some reason you have an unexpected C-Section, you’ll want the case and solution to store them during the surgery.
11. Identification, Insurance Papers, Birth Plan.
12. Camera or Video Recorder.
13. Hair Ties if you have long hair.

Check the list for additional items you may or may not need depending on your chosen hospital or birth center and how long you’ll be required to stay after birth.

For Baby

1. Diapers and Wipes.
2. Scratch Mittens.
3. Cozy Hat.
4. Receiving Blankets. Bring a couple.
5. Nursing Pillow.
6. Baby Book.
7. Car Seat. Don’t forget the car seat! You won’t be allowed to leave the hospital with baby without it.

For Your Partner

1. Pillow
2. Change of clothes including clean undergarments.
3. Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Deodorant.
4. Sleeping bag or cozy blanket. Many hospitals have furniture that your partner can sleep on in the labor and delivery rooms. Check ahead with yours. If it doesn’t have them, your partner will want that sleeping bag to keep them off the cold, cold floor in case your new arrival takes their sweet time arriving. They often do!
5. Change for those nearby vending machines. Remember, Mom can’t eat. If she looks hungry, go ahead and down those snacks by the machine. If she eats during labor and delivery, she could become very sick afterwards.
6. List of people to call to announce the labor and/or delivery!

All of these items are geared towards making your labor and delivery as smooth as possible. Print up the handy checklist below when you want to make sure about what to pack in your hospital bag!