The BEST Hospital Bag Packing List
One of the very last preparations you’ll need to make is to pack your hospital bag. Some of us are preemptive, early packers. Some of us are procrastinators, and pack on the way out the door to the hospital. We don’t recommend this. You may have an idea of how long your hospital stay will be, but your ideal length of stay isn’t guaranteed. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you’re packed for anything. You don’t want to have family members running back and forth between the hospital and house to bring all the items you’ll realize you need. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of items you should definitely bring to the hospital. Whether you think you’ll need them or not, they’re going to ensure you’re prepared for anything!
The final step in preparing for the big day; the hospital bag!
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
Packing your hospital bag can actually be a very exciting preparation to make! If you’re looking forward to the big day, packing your hospital bag can solidify that you’re well on your way to the day! Not only is it exciting, but it’s also important to do. When the big day comes (and it will, regardless of how much you procrastinate on packing this bag), you’ll want to have all your favorite items with you. It’s best to be over-prepared for delivery day, not under-prepared. So it’s usually recommended to start packing your hospital bag when you hit 30+ weeks, and have it completely packed by 36 weeks along. Why? Well, 36 weeks is when mommas can start preparing to pop. 37 weeks along is when you’re considered full-term, but you’ll want to have your bag packed a week before then. Just in case! Some parents wait until the day of delivery to pack, but that only adds more stress, and it’ll be hard to think straight when you’re actually in labor. So definitely start packing early, and shoot to have your bag completely packed by 36 weeks! Also, if you’re able to, definitely put it in the trunk of your car. If your water breaks while you’re out of the house, the last thing you’ll want to do is drive home before heading to the hospital. Especially if you’re far away from your house!
What to Pack for Mom and Baby
Pack the items below duffle bags or suitcases:
Mom
- 1 Delivery Gown (If you’re bringing your own.)
- 3 Lounging Outfits (Maternity pants and breastfeeding shirts/bras are recommended.)
- 3 Nursing Bras
- 1 Going-Home Outfit (Maternity pants and breastfeeding shirts/bras are recommended.)
- 3 Pairs of Socks
- 1 Robe
- 1 Blanket and Pillow (If you don’t want to use the hospital’s.)
- 1 Pair of Sandals (To shower in/wear around room. Delivery rooms have seen it all; definitely wear sandals on your feet.)
Baby
- 1 Going-Home Outfit
- 3 Beanies
- 3 Pairs of Mittens (In case you have a scratcher.)
- 3 Pairs of Socks
- 3 Swaddles (If you choose not to use the hospital’s.)
- 3 PJ Sets (If you choose to put your baby in PJs; most hospitals recommend to keep them in a diaper with a swaddle, due to their constant check-ups of the baby.)
- 3 Burp Cloths
- 1 Light Baby Blanket
- 3 Pacifiers (Just in case you choose to use them.)
Dad (List of things to bring if Dad plans to stay the entire time, and not go home)
- 3 Sets of Lounging Clothes
- 3 PJ Sets
- Boxers/briefs Needed for Entire Stay
- 1 Pillow and Blanket
- 1 Pair of Sandals
Makeup/Toiletries
- Makeup (If you want makeup on for photos, or to leave the hospital.)
- Toiletries for Mom and Dad (Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste, brush, dry shampoo, etc.)
Postpartum Care
- Adult Diapers or Large Pads (The hospital should provide their own form of pads, however, you may prefer to bring your own)
- Nipple Cream
- Nipple Shields (If you have some already, but the hospital should provide one if you need it.)
Extras
- Entertainment (Your favorite board game, an iPad loaded with things to watch, DVDs, etc.)
- 1 Speaker (If you want to listen to a playlist while in labor.)
- 1 Charger for your Phone/Other Electronics
- 1 Boppy/Breastfeeding Pillow (If you choose to use one.)
- Your Favorite Snacks
- Diapers and wipes (If you don’t want to use the hospital’s.)
- Gifts for Nurses
- 1 Camera and Charger
So, obviously that’s quite a bit to pack. However, you won’t regret packing this much. If this is your first baby, you’ll be surprised by how much you’ll actually need. If you’ve already had a baby before, then this extensive packing list probably doesn’t come as a surprise to you. Post-delivery, the atmosphere can be a bit chaotic. There’s a new life in the room! And that new life requires a lot of attention and care. These items can help prepare you for what your baby will need. Not only that, but it will also make sure that you’re set with everything you need, so you can be comfortable (well, as comfortable as possible postpartum) while caring for your new bundle of joy!
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