Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor and Delivery:

Here’s what you’ll need to pack for labor and after—and what you don’t—in your hospital bag.

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

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Our OB recommends packing aa hospital bag 36 weeks or one month before our due date. You could go into labor early. I had my first 10 days early, so luckily we were prepared.

Even though a car seat doesn’t actually go in the hospital bag, it is essential to install your car seat at that time too. Make sure you know how to adjust the straps as it is your responsibility as a new parent to strap your brand new baby in his or her car seat before leaving the hospital.

By 36 weeks pregnant, I also recommend setting up your bassinet. My husband and I chose SNOO bassinet. Stay tuned for my Honest Review of the SNOO bassinet blog post after we’ve had enough time using it. Have you purchased back up sheets and swaddles? Buy them HERE. Buy SNOO-HERE.

You do not need to wash all of your baby’s clothes ahead of time! Heck, you may not even use them all. Babies grow fast. I do recommend washing enough clothes for the first month in DREFT. Especially, anything you are bringing in your hospital bag.

Check out my post: Must-Have Items Post Baby Delivery with direct links to Amazon.

What to Pack in a Hospital Bag for Mom:

A Robe-a robe is an essential post-delivery item. It is comfortable and easy to manipulate for breastfeeding and going to the bathroom.

Some of my favorite robes: (Click on the link to buy directly)

Soma Intimates Kimono

Soma Intimates Pom Trim Short Robe

Soma Intimates Cool Nights Kimono

Victoria Secret Super Soft Robe

Victoria Secret Lace & Satin

BHLDN Yumi Kim Vala Robe

BHLDN Flora Robe

Nordstrom Cozy Chic Robe

Williams & Sonoma Teddy Bear Robe

Documents- a birth plan (if you have one)-make a couple of copies. You will also need a picture ID, health insurance information, and hospital registration.

Comfortable Clothes-If you plan on breastfeeding, pack a nursing bra or nursing tank. Here are some good options.

Cotton Candy Nursing Bra

Bravado Pump Hands-Free Nursing Bra

Third Love Classic Nursing Bra or THIS

Third Love Seamless Lounge Bra

Motherhood Maternity Nursing Bra

A Pea in the Pod Nursing Bra

Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bra

Also, bring sleep joggers or a pajama set. Slipper socks are great for staying cozy. For footwear, I would bring Birkenstocks or Crocs to go home. Your feet might be swollen and you will be thrilled to have slip-on. I recommend slippers for the hospital room.

Buy Birkenstocks HERE

Buy Victoria Secret Satin PJ set HERE

Buy Button Down Pajamas from Amazon HERE

Buy Cozy Amazon Sleepwear Set HERE

Buy Pajamas from Amazon HERE

Motherhood Maternity 3-Piece Set HERE

A Pea in the Pod Set HERE

Don’t forget YOUR going home outfit. You will probably be wearing adult diapers and look 6 months pregnant so bring a maternity dress or a tunic with maternity leggings. Here’s a link to a cute Aerie jogger set on sale.

Toiletries-Hair brush, travel size shampoo, conditioner, and soap or dry shampoo. Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, hair ties, and face wash.

Cell Phone Charging Cord-some moms recommend an extra-long charging cord if you have one as your bed may be far away from the outlet. You can also bring a portable charger.

Pillow and Bath Towel (optional)-The hospital WILL provide both pillows and bath towels although neither will be very large or comfortable. I like sleeping with a silk pillowcase or it looks like I lost a fight to a pack of monkeys, so I bring my own pillow and case.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker-Create a Spotify playlist. We listened to music during Harper’s entire delivery and again during downtime in our postpartum wing.

Drinks and Snacks-I recommend a reusable water bottle with a straw. I also would bring some Gatorade zero or coconut water. Treat yourself to a 32oz Yeti Rambler like this one HERE with a straw! You will use it for all the months to come postpartum to stay hydrated. Or purchase a 22oz Hydroflask tumbler HERE.

Adult Diapers, Nipple Cream, and any Personal Products-the hospital WILL wingless pads, disposable underwear, and perineal wash but I do recommend bringing a few of your own adult diapers, pads with wings, and nipple cream.

Buy Frida Postpartum Recovery Kit HERE

Buy Perneal Witch Hazel Healing Foam HERE

Buy Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads HERE

Optional Items-There should be no shame in your game if you pack a hairdryer, mascara, concealer, hair spray, blush, etc. You want to feel good.

What to Pack in Hospital Bag for Baby:

Car Seat-make sure it is installed properly and you know how to adjust the straps.

Going Home Outfit-Ah his or her first outfit. Make sure you pay attention to the weather. When in doubt, bring extra layers and a hat.

Cute Swaddle or Knot Gown-We wrapped Harper in a floral swaddle with a bow and I have a sweet knot gown for baby boy with a hat. Knot gowns are great for diaper changes.

Pediatrician Info– Make sure you have contact info for your future pediatrician.

Bottle (in case)-Whether you plan to breastfeed or not, make sure you pack a bottle just in case you need to pump or have your baby take formula. I recommend the Como Tomo bottles.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Your Partner?

SNACKS– First and foremost, partners need to maintain their strength through the process. Beef jerky, pretzels, mm’s, trail mix, etc.

Entertainment-Ipad, laptop, books, podcasts, air pods, etc.

Buy Airpods-HERE

Toiletries-he or she will want to brush their teeth too and maybe take a shower? I would also bring a change of clothes.

Cash-for vending machines-snacks and drinks.

Pillow, Blanket, etc.-hospital sheets and pillows can be really crummy.

It’s Time to Breathe

Remember – the hospital likely provides underwear, pads, a peri bottle, over the counter pain killers, stool softeners. If you’re worried, you can always call and check beforehand. Don’t forget lip balm/chapstick. Hospitals are notoriously dry.

They also generally provide diapers, wipes, butt cream, blankets, etc. But it would never hurt to call and ask.

XOXO
Mackenzie