Packing Your Hospital Bag
As a new mom, I did A LOT of research when packing my hospital bag the first time. I figured it was better to have more than less, right? Well, it turns out less is more. So after packing everything but the kitchen sink I decided to refine my list and only pack what I actually needed for baby #2. Here’s the rundown!
If you want specific items we used check out my hospital shopping guide HERE!
For Mom
Paperwork
Driver’s License - Always smart to have some form of ID on you
Insurance Card - I don’t remember ever having to present my insurance card upon admission, but you just never know. Better to have it than not
Birth Plan - If you have a birth plan, print out a few copies to have on hand so there is no miscommunication.
Clothes
Bathrobe/ Nightgown - Allows for lots of skin-to-skin time and makes it easy to cover up when needed
Sticky Socks - Makes getting around a lot easier especially when you’re sleep deprived and sore
Going Outfit for Mom - Think soft & stretchy. Maternity leggings, top, sweatshirt, nursing bra, sneakers
Flip Flops - Keep those feet clean while walking around the room and in the shower!
Toiletries
Lip Balm - Keeps your lips hydrated from all that pushing and dry hospital air
Hairbrush
Hair Ties
Headbands
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Flos
Toothbrush
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body wash
Moisturizers (Face & Body)
Bag for Dirty Clothes - I just threw a trash bag in our hospital bag and my husband and I shared
Cosmetics - No need to pack a full face of makeup but you may feel like freshening up
Glasses/glasses case
Contacts/Contact Case
Misc.
Phone & Charger - Plan to bring a couple of extra long ones since you’ll want to FaceTime and snap lots of pics!
Headphones and Playlist
An Extra Tote - You’ll get lots of goodies from the hospital like diapers, blankets, and hats!
Postpartum
Peri Bottle - I brought my own and liked it more than the one the hospital provided
Postpartum undies or adult diapers - No need to ruin your regular undies!
For Parents
Snacks/Drinks - Nothing worse than being ravenous and the kitchen is closed
Water or water bottle
Ice Packs/cooler
For Partner
Driver’s License
Snacks/Water
Phone, Charger, & Headphones
PJ’s & Regular Clothes
Glasses & Contacts
Toiletries
Laptop/ iPad
For baby
Carseat - The hospital may or may not adjust the baby once the baby is in the car seat to go home. You can have your car seat checked at your local fire or police station if you want to be extra safe!
Blanket - In the colder months, it’s always nice to have them covered in a little blanket
Onesies & Going Home Outfit - I brought one going home outfit and a backup pair of footie pjs in case there was a blowout situation
Hats/ socks
Velcro swaddles! Ollie swaddles are the best!
Baby Book
If applicable
What NOT to Pack
🚫Diapers - you will get a million so don’t waste the space in your bag!
🚫5,000 outfits for you and your baby. I spent the majority of our time basically naked
🚫Regular Undies for Mom - You will be going home in postpartum pads and undies
