Congratulations mama! The big day is almost here and wrapping up the last minute details for your delivery can be overwhelming to say the least. Keep in mind your hospital will likely have a lot of the items you and your baby will absolutely need (i.e. baby diapers, postpartum items for mama, etc.). However, it doesn’t hurt to be over-prepared or add extra items for comfort during your hospital stay. Here’s what’s in my hospital bag. I hope you find this helpful. Wishing all the mamas out there a smooth delivery with their babe(s)!
+ Documentation
- Identification card (i.e. driver’s license)
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Hospital paperwork (fill out as much as possible and ask your hospital if they can collect the paperwork prior to your due date!)
- Your birth plan and “who to call” list to share the good news
+ Don’t forget the essentials
- Breast pump of your choice (remember, most breast pump options are covered by insurance! Order at least 1-2 months ahead of your hospital stay to ensure your breast pump arrives in a timely manner)
- Comfortable clothing (i.e. sweat pants, a jacket that zips in the front) and PJs (Kinderly Love has great options for nursing PJs)
- Deodorant
- Hair brush & hair ties
- Nipple balm
- Nursing bra(s) and breast pads
- Postpartum panties, panty liners and/or postpartum adult diapers as you see fit
- Travel sized body lotion
- Travel sized shampoo & conditioner
- Travel sized skin care (i.e. cleanser, scrubs, moisturizer, etc.)
- Travel sized toothbrush & toothpaste
- Going home outfit
+ … Or the entertainment
- A juicy novel and/or the parenting book of your choice
- Electronic chargers as needed
- Laptop for Netflix and chill
- Phone (for all the cute Facetime videos you’ll be doing after mama and baby are rested!)
- Snacks from home
- Speaker and/or headphones for music
+ Nice-to-have items and services for Mama
- 40 Oz. Stanley Quencher Cup
- Birthing ball
- Delivery gown, hospital socks, slippers (again, these will be provided for you at the hospital but if you want extra comfort, go the extra mile.)
- Extra postpartum items that may be better quality than what is provided via the hospital (i.e. Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads, Frida Peri Bottle, Dermoplast Itch Spray)
- Massage oils and lotions for labor
- Pillow from home (for extra comfort)
- Robe from home
- Hired photographer for baby announcement (ask your hospital if they have a photographer onsite ready to take newborn pictures. Many hospitals offer this service for free or minimal price!)
+ Nice-to-have items for Baby
- Baby lotion, diaper cream, diapers (these items will be provided by the hospital as well.)
- Going home outfit, including socks or a pair of adorable booties (Honestly, this is likely the only must-have for baby’s arrival. The hospital will likely provided the rest.*)
- A receiving blanket and some burp cloths
- Extra layers for chilly hospital environment and/or weather conditions
- A hat with a little brim for sun as you see fit
+ Transportation items
- Install your baby’s car seat ahead of time and have it professionally looked over (ask your hospital if they have staff who can assist with your car seat if needed. If not, check your local area for this service.)
For more information about what your partner should pack in addition to any other information that may apply to you (such as cord blood banking), you can review a comprehensive checklist at What to Expect.
