If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already checked off most of your to-do’s before baby arrives: You’ve built your registry, set up the nursery, nested like no other, and installed the car seat.
Now, your last to-do before baby arrives: Pack the hospital bag.
If you’re a first-time mom wondering where to start, we get it, we’ve been there (hi from a team full of parents!), and we’re here to help. Read on for all the deets, including when to pack, what’s essential, and what’s nice to have—for you and for baby.
When To Pack Your Hospital Bag
There’s no deadline that you need to have your hospital bag packed by (except you know, by the time you’re actually on your way to the hospital). But, in most cases, having your bags packed somewhere between 36-38 weeks is a safe bet. Even if it isn’t fully packed, it’s nice to at least have the basics covered if you happen to go into labor early.
What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For You
What you pack in your hospital bag will largely depend on your own preferences and plan—are you a minimalist? Overpreparer? Is the hospital close enough that your partner could easily run home and grab something if needed, or is it a bit of a drive? Are you planning to deliver vaginally (typically a 1-2 day stay at the hospital) or via c-section (closer to 3-4 days at the hospital)? Though what you pack will ultimately be based on your own unique needs, this hospital bag checklist for mom is a great place to start.
The Essentials:
- Important documents and a folder: Bring your photo ID, insurance information, pediatrician’s contact information, and birth plan if you have one. You might also want to bring an empty folder for any paperwork the hospital gives you.
- Cell phone charger: Opt for one with an extra long cable—the outlets tend to be far away from the beds in hospital rooms!
- Toiletries and personal items: Toothbrush and paste, contacts/eyeglasses, face wash, deodorant, shampoo + conditioner, etc.
- Headband or hair tie: Something to hold your hair back while you’re in labor!
- Comfy clothes: You might spend a good portion of your time in the hospital robe, but you might want to change into something comfy and familiar after a while. If nothing else, you’ll definitely at least want a cozy outfit to go home in (might we suggest this?).
- Breastmilk bags: Your milk likely won’t come in until you get home, but you’ll be producing colostrum right away (aka liquid gold!) and will want to save it if you end up pumping at all at the hospital
- Nursing bras + nipple care: You’ll want a few good bras (these ones are great) that you can easily nurse in, plus a good nipple cream, and these silver nursing covers (they’re such a lifesaver for sore, cracked nipples—especially in the early days!)
Extras + Nice-to-haves:
- Makeup + hair styling tools: In case you feel like you want to fully get ready at some point post-birth, or want to be done-up for a photo op!
- Snacks: Because no one really enjoys hospital food, and you’ll be starving after the hard work of delivering a whole human!!
- Nursing pillow: The hospital will have plenty of pillows for you to prop baby up on while you feed, but having an actual nursing pillow can be nice, especially as you and baby adjust to one another.
- And a regular pillow, too: Just make sure to put it in a pillowcase that can be easily distinguished from the hospital pillows.
- Towel: You can totally use the hospital towels, but they’re often thin and small. Having a nice fluffy one from home would prove to be a nice creature comfort.
- Portable speaker: For listening to music while you’re in labor—or after! Need a playlist? This one is perfectly chill.
- Postpartum essentials: The hospital will provide everything you need, but many brands provide toolkits with higher quality items. This one from Frida Mom is our favorite—the peri bottle and disposable undies are the best! They also have one specifically designed for after a C-section.
What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Baby
- Car seat: Okay, so this one won’t actually go in your bag, but you’ll need to have it ready and installed properly in your car…preferably well in advance of going into labor!
- Going home outfit: Might we suggest one that matches with you? Talk about the sweetest photo op!
- A swaddle: The hospital will provide a swaddle and hat, but a super soft matching set will make for the most adorable photo.
- Bottles: If you’re planning to bottle and/or formula feed from the get-go!
And that’s it! No need to bring diapers and wipes (unless you’re really set on a specific brand)—the hospital will have plenty!
What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Your Partner
- Comfy clothes
- Toiletries
- Snacks: Their own! Not yours!
- Camera: For the above mentioned photo ops!
Once You’re Packed Up
And ready to go, maybe try resisting the urge to do all the things. Choose a few essentials (wash baby’s clothes and maybe prep a meal or two), and then do your best to rest and savor life as it is…because it’s about to change in the biggest and best way.
