What to Pack in your Hospital Bag

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I recently gave birth to our second daughter, and I admit, I didn’t pack my bag soon enough… I almost forgot a few things on the way out the door. These are items that I either took with me the second time around or wish I had!

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Labor & Delivery

Clothing/footwear – Robe, nightgown, comfy top, comfy shorts, stretchy pants, comfy outfit to wear home, socks, nursing bra, comfy shoes, and flip flops for the shower.

Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, hair ties, body wash, deodorant, face wash, and makeup.

Boppy Pillow – This is helpful to have when nursing from the very beginning.

Clothing for baby – The hospital will provide basic clothing, blankets and possibly a sleep sack for your baby, but I packed a few cute onesies. Also, you’ll want to have an outfit for baby to wear home.

Blankets for baby – I love the aden by aden + anais Swaddleplus Blankets… They are softer and more lightweight than the hospital blankets… Plus they are cuter for pictures!

Camera, charger, SD card – Before we had our first daughter, I wanted to purchase a DSLR camera. We went with the Nikon D5300. At the time, I had no experience using a DSLR camera, so I’ve spent the last couple of years learning how to use it. It’s been a lot of fun learning how to take photos in manual mode, and I’ve been really happy with the Nikon. I use a Nikon 35mm f/1.8G Lens for the majority of the photos that I take.

Cell phone and charger – Of course, you’ll want to have your cell phone with you to capture photos and to let your family and friends know about your new bundle of joy. Just be sure and grab your charger before heading home from the hospital as cell phone chargers are one of the most common items left behind in hospital rooms.

Wallet – Driver’s license, insurance card, credit card, and cash/change for vending machines.

Baby book – I almost forgot to pack the baby book, but this is great to bring because the nurse will get a set of baby’s footprints and handprints for your book if you have it with you. I chose the C.R. Gibson Memory Book, Happi Baby Girl for our oldest daughter and the C.R. Gibson 5 Year Baby Memory Book, Bella for our newborn.

Car seat – We chose the Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base in the “Romantic” color, which is black and gray. You’ll want to install the car seat in your car about a month before your due date. This gives you time to learn how to install it before going into labor.

Related post: Car Seat Basics

Folder – A folder is helpful to have for all of the paperwork that you’ll receive from the time you’re admitted to the time of discharge.

Playlist/Speaker – For each of our girls, I made a playlist that we could listen to during labor and also while in the postpartum unit. We brought a little speaker to attach to our phone the first time around.

Extra bag – This is helpful to have for all the stuff you may acquire while you’re there… Gifts, paperwork, postpartum items, etc…

Diaper bag – Bring baby’s clothes and blankets in the diaper bag and then pack it with the extra diapers, wipes, and any other baby items the hospital sends home with you when you leave.

Optional items:

Mittens – Many hospitals do not supply mittens so if you’re concerned about your baby scratching his/her face with his/her fingernails, you can pack some mittens.
Emery board – An emery board can be helpful if you want to file your baby’s nails while in the hospital.
Nurse gifts – This is something that is definitely not a must but is such a thoughtful idea… Something simple like candy or cookies can mean a lot to those who take care of you while you’re in the hospital.

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