What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

At some point in our lives, we’ve all probably fallen victim to the sweet trap of procrastination and experienced the panic that sets in when you realize that you still have to pack hours before a big trip. Well, packing the hospital bag for your baby’s delivery is probably something you don’t want to procrastinate on. Knowing that you have everything ready to go could be a huge source of comfort on your big day for both the birthing mom and the partner.

We think it’s a good idea to start thinking about what you want to bring to the hospital at the beginning of your third trimester. While everyone’s situation and birth location could be different, we recommend that you have your hospital bag ready before the 37-week mark (which is when your baby gets to full term). Even if you don’t plan on having your baby at a hospital, it’s still good to be prepared just in case.

So what should you pack in your hospital bag? We have categorized what you need into a few different groups.

Essential Documents

First thing’s first – make sure you have all the documents you need to ensure a smooth check-in process.

Birth plan
Picture ID
Insurance information
Hospital registration forms (even if you have already registered)
Email / call list to announce birth

Clothing

While most hospital provides gowns and socks, being in your own clothes will made a big difference in terms of increasing your comfort level.

For mama
- Your own robe or gown that buttons up in the back (you may be in labor for quite some time, don’t spend it in a rough hospital gown)
- Several pairs of undies (bring disposable ones or bring your own pads too if you don’t want to wear the ones they give you at the hospital)
- Maternity friendly / nursing friendly clothes for post partum
- Nursing bras
- Socks
- Slippers
For partner
- Button down / zip up shirts for skin-to-skin time with baby
- Extra clean clothes
- Warm layers (hospital can get very cold)
- Slippers / comfortable shoes
For baby
- A couple of outfits for going home
- Undershirt and onesies
- Hat
- Socks

Toiletries and Personal Care Products

The goal here is to ensure that your stay at the hospital is as comfortable as possible, so don’t skimp out on bringing your personal care products.

Shampoo / conditioner / body wash (your first shower after birth will be so much nicer if you are using your own products)
Tooth brush / tooth paste
All your favorite skin care products, including lip balm and lotion (the hospital tends to get very dry)
Hair brush and hair ties / clips that can keep hair out of face during labor
Contact cases and solution

Baby Essentials

Receiving blanket
Diapers (hospitals have them too, but if you have a preference, bring your own)
Infant car seat (must be installed)

Food

Snacks / protein bars / nuts
Water / coconut water / energy drink
Soup packets
Mints

Items to Elevate Your Experience

Labor can be an overwhelming experience for both the birthing mom and the partner, so we want to create an environment that will help you relax. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but more so a way to get you started brainstorming on your own list.

Your own birth ball
Your own pillows and pillow cases (hospital pillows are not comfortable)
Hot pack / ice pack
Essential oils (aromatherapy)
Bluetooth speakers for your favorite music
Movies / books
Electric candles in place of the harsh hospital florescent lights
Blanket / scarf from home
Head massager / tickler
Eye mask and ear plugs

Misc

Cash and change for snacks and gift store runs at the hospital
Phone charger
Extra bag or two to take home all the free items you get at the hospital

If you are torn by the dilemma of to bring or not to bring, our advice for you would be to just bring it. Don’t worry about packing too much – you may get a few stares from strangers, but it’s way more important to make sure you have everything you may need for a satisfying delivery!

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