It’s official! I’m 37 weeks pregnant and ready to have this baby! It’s still a little early, but I’ve got our bags packed and ready to go. After talking with lots of moms and watching countless youtube videos, I think I’ve got this hospital bag thing down to a science. So, if you’re curious what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery, I got you!
I’ve had this bag mostly packed since about 22 weeks because I’m just the type of person who enjoys planning for things. And since then, I’ve added, removed and reconsidered almost everything in it. But now, I feel totally confident that I’ve got everything I could ever need and a few additional things I’ll want for comfort.
At first, I bought a cute — but small — duffle bag thinking that I’d force myself to fit everything in it and avoid my usual overpacking. But this ended up being a bad idea because I literally couldn’t even fit the necessities. Even if you don’t overpack, you’ll still need quite a bit of stuff.
So instead, I went with a carry-on suitcase with wheels for two reasons: it can hold much more, and the fact that it’s on wheels makes it easier for Alex to haul all our things from the car in one trip.
Not only do you need to pack for yourself, you’ve also got to get a few things ready for your baby and partner. I’ve included their lists as well!
What’s in my bag (mom’s bag)
Clothing:
Robe – I wanted something quick to cover up with any time I need to move around the hospital or if guests are stopping by. This one from Baby Be Mine Maternity is gorgeous and not too warm.
Nightgown – I plan to lounge around in this after I take that first shower. I opted for an outfit without pants because there will still be lots of downstairs examining after birth. Also, everything is black because things are likely to get dirty.
Pajama set – We’ll be at the hospital for 24-48 hours after birth, so I’m also bringing this loose, comfy pj set. The buttons will make it easy to nurse and loose sleeves still give access to anything they need to check.
Nursing bra – I don’t really plan to wear a bra in the hospital, but if I change my mind it’ll be nice to have one. Also, just in case my milk comes in early and I need nursing pads, a bra will be helpful.
Socks – Some fluffier slipper-type socks and one pair with grips on the bottom because my hospital requires you to have grips for your safety.
Slippers – These ones that easily slide on and off.
Flip flops – So I don’t have to touch the shower floor. I’m a huge germaphobe when it comes to showers and bathtubs.
Going home outfit – It’ll be the middle of winter when baby is born, so I’m bringing some loose-fitting joggers, a long-sleeve nursing shirt, socks, another nursing bra, sneakers, and a wool coat which I’ll probably wear to the hospital.
Toiletries:
Makeup – Just a few essentials so I can look alive in any photos. I’m just bringing a concealer, mascara, and eyebrow pencil.
Makeup wipes – Just in case I end up at the hospital with a full face of makeup.
Shampoo – Although I don’t think I’ll want to wash my hair.
Body wash – For obvious reasons.
Loofa – I got a $1 one that I plan to throw away.
Lotion/oil – My sister got me some BioOil that I plan to start using after birth. I also have a few sample sizes of stretchmark lotion that I threw in my toiletries bag.
Towel – I’ve only heard bad things about the thin, scratchy hospital towels so I’m bringing my own. Again, I opted for a dark color in case things get dirty.
Deodorant – Because I don’t like to stink.
Toothbrush & toothpaste – Again, for obvious reasons. I just got a cheap two-pack so we don’t have to worry about packing ours as we run out the door.
Hair stuff – Hairbrush, extra hair ties, dry shampoo, and a headband.
Chapstick – I’m bringing like two or three so I can have one at all times. Your lips get very dry in hospitals, especially with all the heavy breathing that comes with labor.
Adult diapers – A less glamorous item, but something I’ve been told I need. The hospital provides large pads and mesh undies, but some people hate using them. In case I’m one of those people, I threw in four diapers for myself.
Nursing stuff – Your milk usually doesn’t come in for a few days, but just in case I’m bringing a few nursing pads and nipple cream.
Other Stuff:
My birth plan – I printed out a few sheets of my birth plan in case any doctors or nurses need to refer to it. There’s no promise that my midwife will be the one delivering the baby, so I want everyone to be aware of our wishes.
Prenatal vitamins – Because I plan to continue to take these after the baby’s born. I’m bringing an unopened bottle because my hospital can “prescribe” them to me instead of their giant horse pill ones. They can’t do this with an open bottle.
Sleep mask – I never use these, but I got this one just in case the lights in our room really bother me when I’m trying to sleep. I’m pushing a little human out of my body, so I think this is an acceptable time to be boujee.
Headphones – To drown out any hospital sounds or to keep my music or videos to myself when Alex is trying to sleep. Mine are bluetooth, so I’m also bringing the charger.
Mesh laundry bag – This folds up really small and doesn’t take up any space. I want to be able to put all my dirty clothes in their own contained bag.
6′ Extension cord – Because the chances of me being close enough to an outlet is slim. You can also get a long phone charger, but I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t run into the “this accessory may not be supported” issue that sometimes happens when you buy non-Apple chargers.
Bluetooth speaker – So I can play my music during labor.
Reusable grocery bags – There’s so much stuff that will be leftover when it’s time to go home. Like diapers, wipes, pads, mesh undies, and whatever other postpartum things they’ll supply. I want to make sure we have bags to take all of it home — we paid for it after all.
Nursing pillow – I plan to get as much help as possible from the lactation consultants while in the hospital, and I want them to show me the best way to use the Brest Friend pillow I got. This will stay in our car until after baby is born.
Breast pump – Same thing as the nursing pillow. If I can get some advice from an expert while we’re there, that would be great — even if my milk hasn’t come in yet. I could leave this in the car initially, but I’m just going to bring it in because it’ll be single-digit temperatures.
What’s in baby’s bag
Outfits – There’s no telling if he’ll be in newborn size or 0-3, so I’m bringing a few options in different sizes that will work for photos and cold weather on his trip home. I made sure to pack hats, socks, booties, and these mittens that are apparently the only ones that stay on a newborn’s tiny hands.
Muslin Swaddle – The hospital will provide some, but I’m bringing two of our own for photos.
Infant car seat – Obviously not going in any bag, but it’s installed and ready to go. We also have a nice bunting bag that will keep him extra warm in February weather.
What’s in Alex’s bag (dad’s bag)
Change of clothes – Sweatpants, comfy shorts, t-shirt, a hoodie, underwear, and socks. He’s also bringing his slides to wear around the hospital.
Toiletries – Just the basics like his toothbrush and deodorant. If he decides to shower, the travel-sized things I’m bringing will be enough for him too.
Gum – For both of us.
Snacks – Just a few things like a bag of chips, beef jerky, and an energy drink. I also threw in a baggie with some quarters for the vending machines.
Laptop, charger, & headphones – So that he can watch videos or do whatever while we’re there.
Pillow & blanket – He’ll be stuck sleeping on a couch, so to make it as comfy for him as possible we’ve kept these ready in my car for a while.
Tylenol – For any headaches or whatever. The hospital isn’t going to give him any pain medication haha.
And that’s it! I don’t feel like I’m overpacking, but we’ve still got a carry-on and two backpacks full of stuff — no shame! It might look like we’re packed for a small vacation, but for this special occasion, I could care less what anyone may think. I’ve done plenty of research, so I feel confident that we’ll have everything I may want or need.
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