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Preparing for labor and delivery can be both an exciting and overwhelming process all at once. And hey, this is totally normal!
There’s so much to think about as you get ready to meet your little one. And, your baby may decide to make their appearance on, after, or even before your due date, making every task feel super urgent. One of the most important tasks to complete is packing that hospital bag for labor, delivery, and recovery!
It can be VERY hard to know what to bring, especially with so much information floating around the internet. However, creating a checklist can make the task feel A LOT more manageable, allowing you to relax, sit down, and really consider everything you need for a comfortable delivery and recovery.
Making your checklist solo isn’t always the way to go, because what you think you need to pack and what you need to pack are two different things. (First time moms, I see you!) You can find lots of example hospital packing lists online . . . but were they actually created by a mom? Does it really apply to you?
You need a hospital bag checklist from a mom who’s done the whole labor, delivery, and recovery thing a time or two. That’s what I’m sharing today–here’s a hospital bag checklist that actually tells you want you need:
What Should I Pack In My Hospital Bag: Hospital Bag Checklist
What to Pack In Hospital Bag for Mom:
ID + Wallet
Definitely pack your ID and wallet like you would anytime you leave the house!
Insurance Cards
Before you head to your labor and delivery room, you’ll have to fill out paperwork you’ll need your ID and insurance card for that intake process.
Snacks
Pack some nutrient-dense snacks and some comfort snacks for your recovery days in the hospital. Just in case you arent feeling the whole hospital food thing.
Toiletries
Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, hair ties, lip balm, face wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to feel refreshed. Of course, if you wear glasses or contacts, bring those, too.
Postpartum Toiletries
During recovery, the hospital will provide you with postpartum essentials. You can use theirs, and take home what they let you; but you will need these items at home as well: peri bottle, pads/adult diapers, and TUCKS pads.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key, so pack a water bottle, and even some electrolytes. The hospital will have a refilling station near each room.
Changes of Clothing
You will need some comfortable clothes for after delivery, including cozy socks, loose clothes, and slippers or flip flops.
Sweatshirt
The temperature of a hospital room can be unpredictable. Bring a sweatshirt!
Robe
A cozy robe is perfect for both labor and recovery.
Going Home Outfit
Don't forget a “Going Home” outfit for you, too. Don’t forget to take pictures!
Pumping Bras/Nursing Bras
Pack comfortable pumping/nursing bras for convenience during those early nursing days.
Headphones
Take some headphones with you to listen to your chosen music during labor, delivery, or recover.
Phone Charger
You’ll want to capture memories and be able to contact people when you need them, so bring a long charger and a portable power bank.
Breast Pads
You’ll need some breast pads to help with leaking while your milk supply comes in.
Medications
If you have any medications you take, make sure you bring them with you so you don’t skip them.
Positive Affirmations
The right positive affirmations can really help you through the process.
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What to Pack In Hospital Bag for Baby:
Clothing
2-3 onesies, 2-3 sleepers/gowns, a soft beanie, socks, and mittens to keep your little one cozy. Truthfully- you only NEED a going home outfit, but it can feel nice to have some clothing from your home.
Weather Appropriate Jacket
Depending on the weather, your newborn may need a jacket for the trip home.
Going Home Outfit
Last, but not least, pack a cute “Going Home” outfit to commemorate your baby arriving at your house for the first time! I use the same outfit when bringing home by babies! I love seeing it in use again, and again.
Car Seat
Bring an infant car seat or a newborn-ready convertible car seat to safely drive your baby home.
Pacifier
If you’re planning to use a pacifier, bring 1-2 to soothe your baby while recovering at the hospital! This is absolutely a choice, but if you know you want to use it, they dont often have them in the hospital.
Blanket
You’ll appreciate a light blanket to keep baby cozy when feeding or holding baby.
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What to Pack In Hospital Bag for Support Person:
Snacks
Your support person needs snacks too! Pack some granola bars, trail mix, chips, jerky, cookies, or other snacks of their choosing.
Birth Plan Copy
Don’t just verbally share your birth plan, keep a copy of it! This way the medical team is in the know and your husband or support person can enforce it if needed.
Toiletries
They'll need a toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps, deodorant, glasses/contact lens, and other essentials for the hospital stay.
Advil/Tylenol
Let’s face it, there’s nothing comfortable about a hospital stay, especially for a support person. They may need some painkillers the morning after sleeping on one of those couches.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated! Many hospitals have water refilling stations near your recovery room, so ensure your support person brings a reusable water bottle.
Changes of Clothing
They’ll want comfortable, clean clothes each new day spent at the hospital. Ensure they have a few changes of clothes too.
Pajamas
To help make sleeping in the hospital room more comfortable, have your husband or support person bring their PJs!
Phone Charger or Power Bank
Whether to take pictures, stay connected, or pass the time, your support person will want a long phone charger or power bank!
What to Pack In Hospital Bag for Breastfeeding (Pumping and Nursing):
Primary Pump
You might be on the fence about bringing your pump to the hospital with you. But you should! Bring your main breast pump to get started right away. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, we can help you choose the right breast pump!
Secondary/Wearable Pump
If you have one, a wearable pump can be convenient for mobility.
Flanges
Ensure you’ve got the correct size flanges for comfort and efficiency.
Backflow Protectors
To prevent any milk from backing up into your pump tubing.
Pump Parts
Make sure you bring all of your pump parts so you can begin pumping if you need to or plan to exclusively pump.
Pumping Lube
Don’t forget pumping lube to make the pumping process much more comfortable.
Cooler Bag with Ice Pack
Your hospital room will probably have a fridge where you can store breast milk, but just in case, pack a cooler bag with an ice pack to keep milk fresh.
Breastmilk Bags
You may need some breastmilk bags for storing milk in the freezer or hospital fridge.
Wet/Dry Bag
A wet/dry bag is super helpful to keep dirty or wet items separated.
Travel Bottle Brush Set
A travel bottle brush set is super helpful for cleaning bottles and pump parts.
Hospital Bag Checklist
Don’t panic! Deciding what to pack in your hospital bag doesn’t have to be hard with this must-have list! Here is a checklist of just the essentials:
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Feel prepared and at peace leading to your due date with a stocked hospital bag!
Packing your hospital bag is one of the most important tasks when it comes to preparing for labor and delivery. To make sure you’re fully prepared, read this blog post, and grab a copy of my Hospital Packing Checklist to make sure you’re covered!
