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Getting ready for the big day? There is a whole list of things to do while you’re waiting for baby to arrive and packing the hospital bag is definitely one of them.
Packing your hospital bag ahead of time is a must.
With my pregnancy, my contractions started very close together and were pretty intense.
I know if I hadn’t had my bags packed I definitely would have forgotten something or probably not even had time to grab anything before we had to leave to the hospital.
You don’t know where or when you will go into labor, but when you do make sure the bags are packed and already in the car or waiting by your front door.
It’s a good idea to have them packed as you enter the eighth month because its possible to go into labor early.
Below you will find three hospital bag packing lists, one for mom, dad, and baby! These are all the items we were happy we had and a few we wish we had brought.
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Mom’s Hospital Bag Packing List
Hospital Paperwork
During your hospital tour you may be given some paperwork to fill out. Make sure to bring this with you to the hospital.
Insurance Cards
If you preregistered at your hospital they likely have your insurance on record but bring your insurance card with you anyway.
ID
Don’t forget to bring your license or ID card
Birth Plan
Not everyone writes a birth plan but they can be helpful especially if you have special request for your birth, like you do or don’t want an epidural, or you do or don’t want baby to have a pacifier.
I had typed one up on the computer but for some reason (baby brain) I never printed it out. My birth went just fine without it, so don’t sweat it if you don’t have one.
Bathrobe
Bathrobes are comfortable and good to wear while doing skin to skin and give easy access for breast-feeding.
Nightgowns
Those hospital gowns are uncomfortable and ugly. You’ll be much more comfortable if you bring your own. If you plan to breast feed make sure to get one that accommodate that.
I lived in my nightgown for a week or two after giving birth. I definitely recommend getting more than one so there is always one available while the others are in the wash.
Bras
Nursing bras if you plan on breastfeeding. If not still bring something comfortable and supportive.
Nursing Pads
Some women don’t leak, some do A LOT. If you are at the hospital long enough for your milk to come in you will definitely be happy to have nursing pads with you. I found the disposable pads lasted longer but cost too much for something I was going to throw away. I loved my reusable pads much better, but they don’t last as long.
Loose Fitting Underwear
After birth you can bleed up to six weeks. Since you can’t wear tampons for a while you will want comfortable large underwear to fit the monster pads you’ll be wearing.
Socks
Preferably with grips so you don’t slip and fall.
Slippers
Slipper can help you feel more comfortable in the not so comfortable hospital
Flip Flops
To wear in the shower.
Toiletries
Anything you use for daily hygiene purposes, so…..
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Soap
Bodywash
Face wash
Face Lotion
Body Lotion
deodorant
Hair Brush
Hair Ties
Q-Tips
Blowdryer
Razor
Cosmetics
If you wear them. You might not want to do your makeup while in the hospital and that okay but some women like to for the pictures.
Glasses/ Contact Lenses
If you wear them. Don’t forget the contact solution and case as well.
Phone/Charger
I was definitely happy to have my phone to take pictures.
Clothes
This ones going to differ for everyone. Personally I didn’t want to be in anything but my nightgown, even when I left the hospital. Like seriously I wanted nothing to do with uncomfortable clothes at all.
Just remember it takes some time for your body to go back to prepregnancy size, and fit into your old clothes. So, bring clothes that fit you at six months pregnant and you should be safe.
Snacks/Drinks
You may or may not be able to eat or drink during labor, but it’s nice to have a few of your favorite snacks and drinks for afterwards. It’s weird, I didn’t think about food the entire 7.5 hours I was in labor, never even crossed my mind, but after I was starving.
Money
Bring some change just incase you’d like something from the vending machines.
Nursing Pillow
I had one, but didn’t think to bring it to the hospital with me. I wish I had, they add great support.
Related:The Ultimate Pregnancy To-Do List
Related: The Not So Pretty Postpartum Care List
Hospital Packing List For Dad
Clothes
Dad will need a few changes of clothes, especially if he’s staying in the hospital with you.
Phone/Charger
For taking pictures, entertainment, but also for calling family and friends to keep them updated.
Entertainment
Some labors are long and there is a lot of waiting around. Dad might want to bring the iPad, headphones, or anything that keeps him entertained.
Snacks/Drinks
I remember Devin telling me afterwards that he was so thirsty the whole labor but he didn’t want to leave and miss the birth.
Medications
Don’t forget any daily medications, or even Advil, you don’t want a surprise headache ruining the first time you meet your baby.
Hospital Packing List For Baby
Clothes
Some babies are too big for newborn sizes at birth so bring newborn and 0-3 months to be safe. Also remember to take the weather into consideration.
Burp Cloths
Baby Memory Book
Bring your baby book and ask to have your babies footprints put in!.
Swaddle Blankets
Swaddling Baby reminds them of being in the womb and can help them feel safe.
Plastic Bag
For dirty clothes.
Pacifiers
If you plan on using them. Bring more than one, they’re sneaky little things that like to disappear when you need them 😂
Car Seat
Well, don’t pack it in your hospital bag but definitely make sure it is installed in the car so you have a way to bring baby home.
***BONUS TIP***
Some of the items you’d like to pack in your bag are items you use everyday, like the cell phone charger or your toothbrush.
For all of the items you can’t put in your bag, write them down and tape that note to the front door or the top of your bag so you don’t forget them!
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As an expert and enthusiast, I don't have personal experiences or emotions like a human, but I can provide information on the concepts used in this article. Let's go through the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Hospital bag: The hospital bag is a bag that expectant parents pack in preparation for the birth of their baby. It contains essential items that will be needed during their stay at the hospital.
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Pregnancy: Pregnancy refers to the period of time during which a baby develops inside the mother's womb. It typically lasts around 40 weeks, and during this time, the mother experiences various physical and emotional changes.
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Contractions: Contractions are the periodic tightening and relaxing of the muscles in the uterus during labor. They help to push the baby out of the womb and into the world.
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Labor: Labor is the process by which a baby is born. It involves the contractions of the uterus, the dilation and effacement of the cervix, and the eventual delivery of the baby.
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Eighth month: The eighth month of pregnancy refers to the period between 29 to 32 weeks of gestation. It is during this time that the baby's organs are maturing, and the mother may start experiencing more discomfort as the baby grows.
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Birth plan: A birth plan is a document that outlines the preferences and wishes of the expectant mother regarding the birth of her baby. It may include preferences for pain relief, interventions, and other aspects of the birthing process.
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Skin-to-skin: Skin-to-skin contact refers to the practice of placing the newborn baby directly on the mother's bare chest immediately after birth. This contact has been shown to have numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby.
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Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is the act of feeding a baby with breast milk. It provides optimal nutrition for the baby and has numerous health benefits for both the mother and the child.
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Nursing bras: Nursing bras are specially designed bras that provide easy access for breastfeeding. They have flaps or openings that allow the mother to breastfeed without having to remove her bra.
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Nursing pads: Nursing pads are absorbent pads that are worn inside the bra to absorb any leaking breast milk. They help to keep the mother's clothing dry and prevent embarrassing leaks.
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Loose fitting underwear: After giving birth, women may experience postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia. Loose fitting underwear is more comfortable and can accommodate the use of large sanitary pads.
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Swaddle blankets: Swaddle blankets are specially designed blankets that are used to wrap a newborn baby snugly. Swaddling can help the baby feel secure and may promote better sleep.
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Car seat: A car seat is a specially designed seat that is used to transport infants and young children in a vehicle. It provides safety and protection in the event of a car accident.
These are just a few of the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any specific questions or need more information about any of these concepts, feel free to ask!
