As a fourth time mom, I’ve got a pretty specific hospital bag checklist. I’ll also share some of the things I don’t recommend packing. For me, it’s important to have everything I need to be comfortable and recover well, for the day or two that I’ll be at the hospital, without overpacking. I also recommend packing a bag separately for Baby. Everything is easier to find and well-organized that way. You’ll be moving rooms soon after Baby is born, and it’s nice to have separate bags to avoid digging through everything while living out of bags in a hospital room. Here’s what I recommend packing for Baby’s bag.
Hospital Bag Checklist
Weekender bag. I recommend this one! It fits everything I need, can be carried with a strap, or the strap is detachable, plus it looks so classy!
Pillow (in a colorful pillow case, so you won’t forget it). Even though a hospital bed is very uncomfortable, it’s amazing the difference having a great pillow makes in being able to sleep well, even at the hospital. I’ve raved about this pillow before, but it really is amazing!
Sleep Mask. I like to take full advantage of every opportunity to sleep right after delivery, whether that’s the middle of the night or day. Having a mask makes it much easier to sleep even when it’s light outside. *After just having a baby and being in the hospital a lot longer than expected, this was a MUST!
Adult diapers. If there is nothing else that you bring to the hospital, BRING THESE! That may seem dramatic, but if you’ve given birth before and had the huge pad and mesh underwear, compare that to these, and you will, ironically, almost feel like a normal human. They’re so much more comfortable, way less bulky; they’re just better, way better!
Nursing bras. I’ve shared about these beautiful nursing bras by Momanda several times, but they’re the best. Not only does a mama need to feel beautiful right after having a baby, they are super comfortable, especially when experiencing engorgement those first few days.
Snacks, especially high fiber ones for post-partum. I really like to have fruit, and a few of the Bolthouse Smoothies (or Naked, but they don’t have as much fiber as the other brand), per day, after having a baby. I also try to avoid dairy. Just to make that first time going number 2 after delivery so much easier. I’ve heard horror stories of it being super painful, but have never had issues.
Nipple Cream. This non-toxic, organic one by Bamboobies is a great option!
Disposable nursing pads. Also, the ones by Bamboobies, very absorbent, which is necessary when your milk first comes in. That could happen while you’re at the hospital or not until you’re home, but it’s good to have at least a few of these packed.
Reusable nursing pads. I love these reusable nursing pads by KeaBabies. They’re so soft, have a liner so that you won’t leak through your shirt, and are a great way to save money; as opposed to using disposable nursing pads for weeks (or months). Everyone is different, some women’s milk production regulates quickly, for other women, they have to wear nursing pads the whole time they’re nursing. I don’t remember exactly, but I usually only need them for the first 6-8 weeks.
Portable phone charger. So many people recommend packing an extra long phone charger, but my sister suggested a portable charger instead, so genius! With all the people FaceTiming and all the ways you’re using your phone in the hospital, keeping it charged and within reach is the best.
Flip flops. Good to bring something you can shower wearing.
Disposable mask + a nicer mask. I’ve had moms suggest wearing a disposable mask during labor and delivery, because you can breathe in them much easier. I also want to pack some of my nicer ones, but may not end up wearing them, we’ll see.
Nursing night gown and/or robe. I prefer the nursing night gowns, because it looks like a dress, so I feel like I’m clothed, but it’s comfortable and easy to nurse and sleep in. *After having an unexpected c-section, I recommend packing several nursing night gowns and robes. Queen Maddyn has great prints and provides a lot better coverage than any other robes I’ve found. Plus you can buy a set with a matching baby gown!
Outfit to wear home. Make sure whatever you plan to wear home is nursing friendly, comfortable, and something- loose fitting. Not going to be fitting in pre-pregnancy jeans on the way out the door, for sure. These maternity leggings are a great option, or here are some nursing-friendly dresses I really like.
Baby book or journal. I like to record as much of my babies’ births soon after delivery, as I can. I like packing their baby book to write in, because it’s my best chance at recording those memories right away.
Nice camera + tripod. The hospital stay is usually my best chance at getting good photos right away. If you’re hiring a photographer you won’t need these, but I like taking a few good photos when we feel like it without feeling stressed about someone else’s timing.
Book. Reading is a great way for me to relax, especially before falling asleep, so I like to pack something that I’m reading. I will also make sure I have an audiobook that I can listen to, especially during middle of the night feedings. It helps keep me stimulated and awake to be listening to something. Here are a few of my favorite book lists if you need a good recommendation; Romance Books, Top 20 Books of 2020, 15 Favorite Books to Add to Your Fall Book List.
Headphones. So I can listen to audiobooks.
Toiletries. I don’t really feel like I need to list out everything here. You know what you need for an overnight stay. I don’t typically pack my own shampoo and conditioner, but I also don’t usually wash my hair at the hospital. I like to shower when I’m in the later stages of labor, at home. It helps a lot with contractions too, and I’ve usually only been at the hospital for a day, so I don’t wash my hair there.
Makeup. I don’t spend a lot of time getting ready or doing makeup at the hospital, but I like to get ready for a few pictures and for when we leave the hospital. *I recommend packing a large compact mirror to do makeup in bed, especially after having a c-section. Here’s a great option!
What Not to Bring
Here are a few things I suggest leaving at home. The first is slippers. I’ve seen so many hospital checklists include slippers. Unless you plan on throwing them away before leaving the hospital, I would not want to bring slippers home that I walked around a hospital wearing.
Do not bring pads. They have as much as you could possibly need at the hospital, and send you home with a ton. Plus, these adult diapers, are the way to go. I promise you, these are so worth it!
Expensive or meaningful jewelry.
What to Buy for at Home Recovery
Sitz bath. If the hospital doesn’t send you home with one, I highly recommend buying one. It’s so good to use these 2-4 times a day after having a baby. It’s soothing and promotes quicker healing. Honestly, I’m proud of myself if I manage to use it once a day, but it still makes a big difference.
Perineal spray. This one by Earth Mama, has amazing reviews and I’m looking forward to trying it. I haven’t used it before.
Preparation H. I definitely recommend picking up some of this for post-partum hemorrhoids.
Reusable perineal ice packs. The ice pack pads they give you right after delivery are incredible. I ask for them immediately after delivery, and take short breaks before asking for more. Ice promotes much quicker recovery. After each baby I’ve asked if they’ll send me home with their ice pack pads, but they don’t. So this time I bought these reusable perineal ice packs. You can also buy the same thing the hospital has from Frida Mom here.
Tucks witch hazel pads. These are also great for putting in the fridge and lining your pad or adult diaper with to help with healing and relief.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
I like to pack my hospital bag right around 36 to 37 weeks. That way I’ll be ready to go when the time comes, without having to stress about what I might be forgetting. It also helps me mentally, to feel organized and prepared. Packing my hospital bag is part of the extreme nesting I always experience the last month of pregnancy. I feel so much less stressed the more organized I feel.
I hope all of these ideas are helpful and that you’ll feel prepared and ready when Baby comes! Let me know if I missed anything you could not live without at the hospital.
Sincerely,
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What I Pack in My Hospital Bag for Baby
