Yes, this is another hospital bag checklist floating around the internet (: My sister is expecting her first baby this month and was asking what she really needs because once again the amount of information she has encountered in regards to having a baby is overwhelming. So I decided to wrap it all up in a post in hope that it will be beneficial to some other expecting mamas out there looking for a simplified list. This list is my personal preference, but after recently delivering baby #3 I’ve found that there isn’t really too much you need, as hospitals will supply you with the necessities. If there was an emergency or spur-of-the-moment arrival (God forbid) and you showed up at the hospital with nothing, you would be ok. With that said, there are a few items that will make your delivery and hospital stay a little more pleasant.
Baby
- A couple diapers and wipes
- 2 burp cloths
- 1 swaddle blanket
- Going home outfit (I don’t pack any other clothes because in the first 48 hrs I keep baby in a diaper swaddled up, due to all the tests and skin-to-skin)
Mom
- ID
- Insurance Card
- Name & phone number of your babies doctor
- Nursing gown for recovery – Like the hospital gowns but a little cozier. Easy access for nursing.
- Sweater or robe ( I like to have something to cover up for visitors)
- Slippers or sandals (I arrive and leave in my Birkenstocks and wear those around the hospital room )
- Going home outfit: leggings – I love both Blanqi or Zella brand (great support for both v-back & c-section recoveries), my favorite postpartum underwear, best nursing bra, Blanqi nursing tank, and a sweater )
- Nursing pads
- Toiletries (hairbrush, dry shampoo, body wash, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste & toothbrush, face wash, chapstick )
- Makeup ( I like to bring a little mascara and lipstick to throw on after my first shower, helps me feel a little more human after my body has been through so much)
- Headphones
- Notepad/pen – a place you to journal and reflect, jot down and track baby’s feedings.
- Whatever makes you comfortable, whether it’s a special blanket, pillow, essential oils, a specific water bottle – throw it in the bag. An item that gives a little extra comfort is my rosary, so I like to bring that along.
Don’t worry about bringing pads, tucks, pain meds, and so on – the hospital should give you whatever is needed for recovery, and they will most likely send you home with a few things as well. Soon a post to come on the 4th trimester, where I will cover all the bases for postpartum care – the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Dad
- A couple changes of comfy clothes
- Toothbrush & deodorant
- Gum or mints
- Snacks
- Id
- Computer & charger
- Books/magazines
- Phone charger (this is an extended cord, useful if the hospital bed is away from the outlet)
Again, these recommendations are my personal preferences learned through my own experiences. All products listed are ones that I use and love. This post does contain affiliate links, and as always I appreciate the support (:
I hope this post is helpful! Stay tuned for all things postpartum and baby!
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