Hospital Packing List

Your Hospital Bag

One of the first thing's parents will say after leaving the hospital is that they brought too much. Remember: your hospital bag should have everything you'll certainly need and nothing you probably won't. If you absolutely know you're going to want something, bring it. If you're not sure, you probably don't need it (unless it's on this list!). You don't want to be lugging too much around the hospital, but you want to have what you need in order to feel comfortable.

Below is a list of must-haves for the hospital with links to the specific, recommended. If you're certain you will be having a C-section, you'll want to pack 2-3 more sets of clothing for yourself and your partner, but don't go nuts.

I would recommend having four separate bags to keep things organized:

This sounds like overkill, but it'll keep your head straight!

Also, make sure not to forget about Postpartum Care Essentials. These are highly recommended items that will save you in the first few weeks after coming home from the hospital, but aren't things you'll need to pack in your bag. You'll definitely want them for home, though.

01/ Mom's Bag

Clothing

Sweats or loungewear | Probably what you'll arrive in. Don't bring your favorites. [2 sets]
Cotton underwear | When you're in the hospital you'll mostly be in a gown but bring some to wear home. Hatch has great ones. [2 sets]
Nursing bra | Kindred Bravely has a popular one with snaps, as does Hatch. Both are soft and work really well. If you don't need one with snaps and just want a soft bra, this one from Hatch is incredibly comfortable. [1 bra]
Pajamas | You'll probably spend most of your time in a gown but bring comfortable pajamas that button down in the front in case you want them. [1 set]
Going home outfit | Highly recommend a dress for both types of delivery. [1 outfit]

Shoes

Slippers | Great for walking around. Bring a pair you're willing to leave behind that have rubber soles, like these. [1 pair]
Flip flops | You'll want a pair for the shower that you can leave behind. Bring some old ones that are due to be trashed. [1 pair]
Normal shoes | What you'll wear when you enter and leave the hospital. Sneakers, flats, sandals, whatever. [1 pair]

Toiletries

Toothbrush + toothpaste | Bring an old set that you're willing to trash when you leave
Face essentials | Get some cheap travel-sized containers that you can put your face wash and creams in and then can trash
Travel shower bottles | Just get some easy travel shampoo and body wash that you can leave behind. You won't care what you're using in the hospital. You'll take a good shower when you get home. Get some body lotion that you can throw away too. You don't need Aesop in the hospital.
Face wipes | You may sweat or just feel generally gross in the hospital but not have the willpower to get up and wash your face. Wipes will save you. I love these and they're non-toxic.
Makeup | If you want for visitors or photos.
Lip balm | Bring a good lip balm because its very dry in hospitals. I love the Olio e Osso one.
Hair brush | Again, would recommend an old or cheap one you can leave behind.
Hairbands and clips | Don't forget these! You'll be in labor, dealing with a new baby and, maybe, breastfeeding. You'll want your hair out of the way. Bring a few.
Mints or breath spray | Some people vomit during delivery so this is nice to have and easier than getting in and out of bed to brush your teeth ten times.
Prenatal vitamins | Hospitals these days sometimes won't let you take any pills while in the hospital so you may not want to bring these. Worth calling and checking the L&D department.
Eyemask and earplugs | The monitors are pretty disturbing - they are loud and bright - so these will help you sleep.
Glasses and contacts | Don't forget!
Travel hair dryer | If you know you are having a C-section, bring a small, travel hair dryer. You don't want to sit with cold and wet hair after a shower while you're recovering. This is a good one you can keep afterward for guests or travel. Otherwise, if you usually let your hair air-dry and don't mind that, this could be a good item to skip.

Other

Water bottle | Bring one with a straw that your partner can give you during labor. You definitely want to stay hydrated!
A plastic bag for laundry | Grab a trash bag so you can keep your dirty clothes separated in your hospital bag.
Phone charger | Bring an extra long phone charger (10 feet or more) because the outlets are often pretty far from the bed. This will be helpful at home when Baby arrives, too.
Headphones | In case you want to listen to music or watch videos while your partner and/or Baby are sleeping.

Optional

Pillow(s) | You may want your own pillows if you are very particular about this. I think this is a lot to lug around for just a few nights, but some people really benefit from this. If you bring your own, use dark-colored pillow cases.
Robe | If you're a robe person, bring a lightweight one that's dark in color.
Visitor outfit | If visitors are allowed back, you may want a slightly nicer outfit than sweats for when people come to meet the baby. I personally would wear sweats, but if you're not into that, pack another outfit. I would not recommend jeans - go for a dress.

Mom' bag

02/ Baby's Bag

Full-body onesie | Bring a couple of zip-up, full-body onesies for baby in case you stay more than a couple of days. The baby will mostly be in a diaper and hospital swaddle so nurses can monitor more easily, but you may want to put an outfit on once or twice. [2 sets]
Socks and hat | You likely won't use these, but they're tiny so it's worth bringing in case. [1 pair]
Swaddle | Again, unless you want this for hospital photos and don't want to use the hospital swaddle, you likely won't need this. But it's worth bringing in case. These are our favorites. [1 swaddle]
Going home outfit | This is the only outfit you will certainly use since, most likely, the baby will just be in a diaper and hospital swaddle during your stay. Pick something cute (and warm!) that you can save for Baby to remember. [1 outfit]
Blanket | Bring a cozy blanket for the car ride home. This is our favorite, softest, coziest blanket. If you're parking a car, leave the blanket in the car. [1 blanket]
Car seat | You must not forget this! The base should already be installed in the car. The hospital won't let you leave without a properly installed car seat. Bring the car seat up on your day of departure to put baby in upstairs so it isn’t scary once you get to the car. If this isn't allowed due to COVID, don't worry - you'll be ok!
Pacifier | This isn't totally necessary, but have one in case you want (or need) to use it at the hospital. Most hospitals won't provide. [1-2 pacifiers]
Nipple balm or cream | If you're planning to breastfeed, bring this in case you need it. The Motherlove balm is our absolute favorite; it is soft and incredibly healing. Hatch also has a soothing cream. More on this in Postpartum Essentials.

03/ Partner's Bag

Outfits | Bring clothes for the days after delivery. Since you may not know how long you'll be there, and COVID will likely prohibit "ins and outs," bring enough for three or four days. [3-4 outfits]
Flip flops | You'll want a pair for the shower that you can leave behind. Bring some old ones that are due to be trashed. [1 pair]
Normal shoes | What you'll wear when you enter and leave the hospital. [1 pair]
Extr a blanket and pillow | Your partner won't have a hospital bed and will likely have a pretty sad cot. Bring a pillow and cozy blanket for him or her to get some good rest. Don't bring anything too nice, though, since you may want to leave it behind.

Phone charger | Like for mom's bag, bring an extra long phone charger (10 feet or more) because the outlets are often pretty far from the bed.
Computer and/or iPad and chargers | You may want these to watch movies or shows during labor. If you plan to do this, download some ahead of time. Hospital WiFi can be spotty.
Camera, battery, and sim card | If your partner plans to document with a camera other than his/her phone, make sure it's packed, charged and set up.
Eyemask and earplugs | Again, the monitors are pretty disturbing - they are loud and bright - so these will help your partner sleep.
Water bottle | While you will be doted on with any drinks you want, your partner may not (depending on how nice your nurses are!). Make sure your partner has a water bottle that can be filled.

Baby's bag

Partner's bag

04/ Family Bag

Insurance cards | You will need this to check in.
Driver's license | You will need this to check in.
OB contact info | Your hospital should have this, but make sure you have it in case for some reason they do not.
Pediatrician contact info | Again, they should have this, but bring it in case.
Blood Cord Collection Kit | Do. Not. Forget. This. Everyone forgets this! Don't be one of them.
Towels | Bring old (or new and cheap) towels you don’t mind trashing at the hospital. The hospital towels are usually thin and TINY! You'll want your own. Don't get white. [2 sets, one for you and one for partner]
Snacks | Bring some of your and your partner's favorite snacks. The snacks in the vending machines aren't great, and you'll be beholden to the hospital food menu given COVID will likely prevent "ins and outs." Things like dates, nuts, bananas, crackers, chia seed pouches, nut butter packets, and apples are great options.
Essential oil | If you want lavender or some other massage oil/cream during labor, pack it.
Family and friends contact list | Get this organized ahead of time. I would recommend creating a group text thread of all the people you'll want to update throughout labor (e.g., immediate family, closest friends). That way, your partner will be able to send one update to everyone rather than sending ten texts every time you dilate one more centimeter. You might also want to write down a list of people you'll want to text or call when Baby is actually born. That way, you won't have to think about about forgetting anyone.
Folded tote bag | You may want to bring an extra bag for any postpartum supplies they give you to take home (e.g., diapers for you, squirt bottle, ice packs, etc.).
Masks + sanitizer | While COVID is still around, pack a bunch of masks that you prefer and hand sanitizer. You'll want this for both you and your partner. They will have these at the hospital, but you may want specific ones you like best.
Cash | Have cash on hand for parking and vending machines, if you get desperate!
Portable speakers | This is often recommended if you plan to play music during labor. This can keep the mood light and, if you are in a waiting game, pass the time. Some people like to prep a playlist, too.

Misc bag

Onesie

Your Hospital Bag​

01/ Mom's Bag​