Hospital Packing List
- Alex Bunkers
- Aug 20, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 8, 2022
As a "preparer", what to pack for the hospital was one of the most intimidating parts of becoming a mom. As one of the most life changing and potentially stressful times, you don't want to wish you had something you need...but you also don't want to be a pack rat lugging multiple suitcases around the hospital. I scoured the internet and popular mom blogs to create the most comprehensive list below.
In an effort to help you not overpack, I separate out the list below to include the must-haves and call out separate sections for additional items certain moms might want above and beyond.
Before diving in:
You can likely pre-register at your delivery hospital to make the check-in process easier when you arrive - Talk to your doctor and / or visit your hospital's website to learn more. Either way, be prepared to sign a bajilion papers while in the middle of contractions -- if that's not signing under duress then I don't know what is.
If you have a vaginal delivery, you might only spend 1-2 nights at the hospital...Up to a week if you have a c-Section...
Be sure you pack in a bag with wheels that's easy to roll around. Your husband will likely be the baggage handler and will thank you later.
You're likely not too far from home and your husband or family members can bring you things if you really you need them. So air on the side of packing light. If you really feel like you need to, you can even pack a "backup" bag with all the things you're not sure you'll need and leave it by the door so that friends/family can easily grab this pre-packed bag and bring it should you need.
You might need to also pack a bag for your pet(s) and other children if they will be staying with others while you're in the hospital. Make sure you have arrangements for that.
Most hospitals will not allow you to leave without a properly installed infant car seat - Be sure that is done a few weeks before your delivery date. The ride home can also be uncomfortable for mom, so you might want to make sure a donut pillow or something soft to sit on is ready for your ride home. I didn't use one, but you know yourself best.
COMING SOON - PRINTABLE HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST
For Mom
The Basics
Driver's License
Insurance Card
Birth Plan (if you have one...I just let the docs do what they do best)
Cell Phone Charger (a looong one)
HSA / FSA Credit Card - If you have a special medical credit card linked to your HSA or FSA account, be sure to bring this to pay for any bills or covered items at the hospital.
Labor & Delivery / Insurance information for pre-payments meeting deductible. - This was one of the most confusing areas for me as a first time mom. The medical costs with having a baby involves charges from your doctor for prenatal care plus the labor and delivery fees, you'll be charged from the hospital and accumulate all sorts of charges from third parties involved in blood tests, ultrasounds, and genetic testing. Knowing that we'd meet our annual deductible with all these medical costs, I splurged on other medical things I wanted to do (chiropractor, dermatologist, etc...). However, since your doctor and the hospital can't actually file until the birth, you might end up being OVER paid on your deductible by the time this happens. Don't expect your insurance to reimburse you for this. You will actually need to have the doctor and hospital contact your insurance company to confirm deductible and then get reimbursed directly from those providers themselves. Instead of pre-paying and dealing with this reimbursement headache later, my hospital allowed me to provide documentation and skip the prepayment so that they would just be fully paid by my insurance.
Clothing
I used the hospital gowns throughout labor and the first night post partum. The next day I basically lived in the diapers and my robe or this gown without any bra since there's constant nursing happening.
Comfy Night Gown(s) ..If you're having a vaginal delivery, you'll probably go home in 2 days. If have a c-section, expect a bit longer and will need more.
Robe
Socks / Slippers - I opted for socks that have grips on the bottom.
Going Home Outfit - You'll probably still be wearing a large diaper, so I opted for a comfy dress, but also have friends that wore leggings and a long tunic.
(optional) Nursing Bras (~2-3)
Toiletries
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Chapstick
Deodorant
Hair Brush
Hair Ties
Optional / Personal Preference (aka you might not care):
Lotion / Body Moisturizer
Shampoo, Dry Shampoo, Conditioner
Body Wash & Loofah
Shower Sandals
Essential Oils
Razor
Face Wash
Face Serums / Creams
Makeup (Your face will be swollen and you probably won't care so I'd skip this if you can).
Personal Diapers - Your hospital will provide you with post-partum underwear, but the ones provided are one size fits all so they can sometimes be loose depending on your size... I brought my own diapers I had gotten off Amazon and they were much more comfortable / stayed put.
Post Partum Specialty Items (Arnica, vitamins, etc...)
Some Extras You Might Consider:
Pillow - Actually a MUST HAVE in my opinion. If you don't mind sleeping on flat / uncomfy pillows, than skip this...If you want to be comfortable during this process, then bring your pillow from home -- however you might consider putting a pillowcase that you don't care about on it in case it gets some blood on it.
Portable fan - My close friend Kristine recommended this as the postpartum night sweats hit. You probably have one for the stroller anyway, so throw that in the bag.
Thank you notes for nurses & delivery team
Letter / Gift for Significant Other or Siblings
Baby Book - If you have a baby book that has a spot for footprints and handprints, be sure to bring the book or the page (just make sure it's packed in a way that doesn't bend/crumple it.
Kindle / Book
Water Bottle - Most hospitals provide you with a big cup as part of their patient care, but if you're picky, you might consider bringing your own. You can also confirm during your hospital tour. I actually loved the one that the hospital provided - less to pack!
Snacks - You might not feel like going to vending machine or be able to get food, so bring a few snacks for yourself and your husband! See my post HERE on healthy snack options for pregnancy and beyond!
Cash / Coins - Most vending machines these days accept credit cards, but good to have just in case.
Portable Speaker - While I can say this was definitely not something I personally thought was necessary, I'm including in an effort to truly have a comprehensive list of items since I know many ladies like to have their own labor playlist. Decide for yourself!
Laptop & Charger - Also not something I would really worry about since most things can be done from your phone these days. Also, my husband was bringing his laptop that I could always use if truly necessary.
Eye Mask
Headphones
For Baby
First, the hospital will have everything you need, so most of these things are all "above and beyond". You could easily bring nothing and be fine. Keep in mind your baby will be taken in and out of the room for tests and other procedures so you might lose some pieces.
Outfit for Going Home
Some Extras You Might Consider:
1-3 onesies - Depending on if you're having a vaginal delivery or C-section, you wont be in the hospital long. They provide clothes for baby so you really don't have to bring anything, but if you are particular about what baby wears the first few days, then bring your own outfits!
Boppy / Breastfeeding pillow - While this was a staple in the early days, the hospital bed had so many pillows and Penelope was less than 7lbs so we got by leaving this at home.
Mittens, beanie hat, socks
Sound Machine
Specialty Swaddles
Pacifiers - The hospital has some, but they were huge...I wish I would've had some of my nanobebe ones.
Blanket / Outfit / Accessories for photos in hospital
For Dad
1 - 3 Daytime Outfits - Up to your husband on how fancy he wants to be with his daytime outfits.
Sleepwear / Loungewear - Most guys sleep in boxers/briefs, but nurses and staff will be in and out of the room all throughout the night; so make sure your husband is dressed in a way that's comfortable for company!
Slippers
Kindle / Book(s)
Dopp Kit / Toiletries - If you live close to your hospital, your husband might rather go home to freshen up than in the hospital bathroom.
Pillow
Headphones
Eye mask
Cell Phone Charger
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