This is the ultimate hospital bag checklist pdf!
If you’re a soon-to-be mama trying to figure out what you actually need to bring to the hospital to have your precious babe, you’re in good company!
As a first time mom, I cannot tell you how many blog posts I’ve read and people I’ve talked to in order to create my hospital bag packing checklist. As a semi-minimalist, I don’t like to deal with a bunch of stuff I don’t actually need and I never like coming home from any trip having to unpack 847 things I didn’t use. đ
So, here you have the best hospital bag checklist printable that’ll keep all your bases covered, but also keep things practical!
Download or print the ultimate hospital bag checklist pdf at the bottom of this post!
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Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist PDF
Essentials for Hospital Bag
I’ve broken down the checklist for hospital bag by categories for baby, mama, dad, and even the non-essentials you may still want to bring, to make it easy on you! Enjoy!
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
- Going home outfit — It’s a good idea to bring two options of different sizes since you’re not sure how big baby will be!
- A cute outfit for baby’s “welcome to the world” social media picture! — Also wise to bring two options.
- A cute or personalized baby blanket — To lay baby on for their social media picture.
- A onesie and a nightgown — Since there’s no way of knowing for sure if the newborn onesies will fit, you can’t go wrong with bringing a nightgown!
- Newborn hat
- For baby girls: Bow headband options
- Baby socks
- Baby mittens — Newborn nails are known to be sharp!
- Baby nail trimmer — I’ve heard this electric nail trimmer is a life saver!
- An extra baby blanket — I’m bringing this because it’s a great way to introduce your new baby to your pets! I’ll have my mom take the blanket with baby’s scent on it over to our house and let our pets sniff it before we come home.âșïž
- A lovey — So baby can start bonding with one of their first sweet belongings of their own.đ
- Halo sleep swaddle — This isn’t necessarily a necessity, but, as a first time mom, I want to make sure I’m using my swaddles properly so I’m going to have the nurses check.
- Carseat (installed) — They won’t let you leave the hospital without your carseat installed. (We got the Doona carseat and stroller combo and we are STOKED to use it!)
- Baby welcome signs — For pictures.
- Boppy pillow — As a first time mom, I’m bringing this + all of my breastfeeding materials because I want to take full advantage of the lactation specialists at the hospital teaching me the best ways to use everything!
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
- Pillow — Because who doesn’t sleep better on their own pillow? đ„°
- Toiletries (ponytail holders, toothbrush, chapstick, lotion, shower essentials, etc.)
- Handheld fan — I’ve been told *do not* forget this! You will want your husband fanning you during labor.
- A comfy going home dress/outfit — A loose comfy dress is a great idea for this since you will be healing!
- Postpartum waist compression wrap — Did you know that your uterus will immediately start shrinking back after you have your baby? This wrap helps speed up the process and will assist in getting your post-baby belly back!
- Comfy sleep outfits — These sets are great for nursing and are adjustable around the waist.
- A night light — We asked for a couple of these touch nightlights on our baby registry and I cannot recommend them enough! All it takes is a simple double tap in the middle of the night while breastfeeding to turn it on. You can also dim the brightness, as well as change the color of the light!
- House shoes
- Comfy nursing bras — Your nipples will probably be sore from breastfeeding for the first time (or first time in a while if this is not your first baby) so comfy is key here.
- Written copies of your birth plan — Birth plans aren’t super common anymore, but if you have specific things you want your nurses and doctor to do, writing it out and handing it to them when you get to the hospital is so much easier than trying to vocally explain everything during labor.
- An extra bag for leftover hospital goodies — Every mama will tell you… Take ALL the leftover diapers, pads, and supplies from your hospital room! You paid for them, so stock up!
- Pump and parts — As a first time mom, I want to make sure I know how to use all of my breastfeeding supplies in the most effective way, so I’m bringing all of it to get the lactation consultant’s help with.
- Milk storage bags
- Nursing pads
- Fuzzy non-slip socks — Incase your feet get cold. âșïž
- Nipple cream — I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter so this is the option I went with!
- Phone charger — Make sure it’s an extra long charger or bring an extension cord because your plug may be nowhere close to your bed.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad
- Pillow
- Fleece sleeping sack — Okay, these sleeping sacks are basically like sleeping bags, minus all the fluff and thickness! It’s a fleece blanket you can sleep inside of when you’re sleeping on a bed that you’re not sure is super clean or not. I’m bringing mine for my hubby to sleep in on the hospital couch!
- Large blanket
- Sleep eye mask — The only time dad may get any shuteye at the hospital could be while the sun is up, so a sleeping mask is a must, just in case!
- Toiletries
- Comfy clothes
- Going home outfit
- Plastic sack for dirty clothes
- Laptop/iPad (with charger)Â — For music and to watch movies.
- AirPods/headphones
Other Items You May Want for Hospital Bag (Non-Essentials)
- Perineal spray — The hospital will give you everything you need to help you heal, but if you have a special perineal spray (like this one from Frida Mom) that you love, definitely bring it.
- Thick, long pads — Again, the hospital will give you this, but if you have a preference of brand, you can bring your own.
- Music player (with charger)Â — This wasn’t a necessity for me since we’re bringing our laptop and can listen to music on that, but you’re definitely going to want something to listen to if you’re in labor for a while!
- Shower towels — The ones at the hospital are known to be small, so bringing your own is a good option if that bothers you.
- Shower shoes
- A small cooler with snacks and drinks — Once you check in to the hospital, they won’t let you eat until after you give birth. And then, at that point, sometimes all you get for a while is ice chips or junk food like jell-o… So bringing a few goodies like gatorades, granola, bananas and peanut butter, or protein bars could be helpful!
- Diffuser and essential oils — Lavender oil can be extremely calming, so either diffusing it or spraying it on your pillow during labor can bring significant comfort.
- Dad hat — I had to get my husband one of these for pictures, of course!
- You may also think about bringing some of the essentials from our list of 10 things a pregnant woman needs for a comfortable and happy pregnancy!
Download the Hospital Bag Checklist Printable PDF
Click here to download the FREE Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist PDF! You may print it or download it directly to your device!
Enjoy the ultimate hospital bag checklist pdf and feel free to check out all of our other motherhood content for more tips and ideas!
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