Hospital Bag Must-Have Checklist for Mom and Baby: A free printable to help make your life a little easier come “baby-time,” so you can make sure to have the essentials!
Post created in August 2013 – No longer pregnant and we have two beautiful little boys! Read more about us here!
Pregnant Girl Speaking Here…
I’m 4 weeks away from “popping,” with my 2nd little bundle of joy. Eeeek… did I really just say that? Wow… I’m a little nervous. We have to move in to a new house before then, get set up for baby, AND pack my hospital bag, for when I go into labor. Problem??? All of our baby stuff is still in storage. YES.. STORAGE!!!! So we have to get everything out, wipe everything down, set it all up, and do everything that a “nesting” momma wants to do. Prayers requested for my sanity, please! š
After having a baby a couple of years ago, I realized what I actually needed, and what I really didn’t need at all.
So if you’re a minimalist (or at least strive to be, and to make life a little easier on you), I have a checklist that can be printed and used to make sure all of the necessities are included in your hospital bag!
Hospital Bag Must-Have’s Checklist
Download the free hospital bag checklist!
Ok… now, I want to explain a bit about some of the items on the checklist, in case you find yourself going, “Huh?”
What do I Really Need for my Hospital Bag?
Although I’ve listed everything on the list, I thought I’d mention a few things below to explain why and important notes to help make your hospital stay a little more enjoyable. Make sure you grab the list for EVERYTHING I recommend.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
- I’m a bit addicted to bags. So I could go on and on about where to get a bag, but I’ll spare you. Just a large duffel bag will do!
- Download an app on your phone, so you can time contractions on your way to the hospital
- Hospital Registration Paperwork, if not already submitted
- Changes of clothes for your Significant Other, along with their must-have toiletries
- Camera and Charger (Tip: Make sure you fully charge your camera battery before the big day, and make sure your SIM card isn’t full.)
- A thick, old towel or old blanket to sit on in the car, in case you’re leaking from your water breaking.
- If planning to breastfeed, you may want to bring nipple cream. (I wish I would have had that with my first one because I was super sore.)
- Hospital Gown (I can’t WAIT to wear the hospital gowns that I bought from, ModMum. They will fit WAY better than those baggy-saggy hospital gowns that the hospital provides. Bonus: you’ll look super cute wearing one.)
- Slippers or socks. (I actually threw mine away when I got home because I didn’t want to bring the germies in to my house. So cheap slippers/flip flops would be perfect, so you can toss them if you want.)
- Make-up, brush, face-wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, any other toiletries you must have to feel clean and pretty.
- Cash for the vending machine, for your Significant Other.
- Your favorite snacks. You may want something to eat in the middle of the night after a feeding, and won’t feel like calling the nurse.
- Maternity/Nursing clothing for the day(s) after labor while guests are visiting. You won’t believe how good it will feel to get out of hospital gown.
- The hospital should provide mesh underwear for after delivery, but if you’re not into that… pack your own “granny panties.”
Hospital Checklist for Baby
- Boppy Pillow (I didn’t bring this with my first one, and I wish I would have.)
- Baby emery boards or clippers. A lot of hospitals will not cut fingernails anymore, and you don’t want your little one scratching the heck out of their face.
- You may want to have your car seat installed beforehand, so you’re not fumbling around, trying to get it set up in the car when it’s time to FINALLY leave the hospital.
- I totally forgot a blanket with my last one. The nurse looked at me and asked if I had one, and I looked like a deer in headlights I’m sure. She let me take one from the hospital, but she acted like I committed a crime because I took it. Lol. So I’ll remember to take one this time, so I can cover the baby up on the way home.
Did I forget anything?
I just got “pumped” all over again, making that list for you. Yes, still nervous, but so excited to have another little baby that I can hold in my arms. If you’re expecting, good luck to you, and I hope this list helps you as much as it helps me when preparing!
Did I forget something on my list? Let me know in the comments below!!!
If you’re expecting your bundle to arrive soon, check out my latest tips for life with baby!
Baby Packing Checklist–Free Printable!
Toddler Travel Packing List–Free Printable!
Amy Faulkner says
I was going to say you may want to take an extra little tote bag for goodies the hospital provides, but if they had a cow over a blanket, your hospital may not provide many goodies! My hospital is so wonderful, the nurses actually tell us to take anything we need as far as supplies goes. A couple baby blankets, diapers, wipes, formula, nursing pads, sanitary pads, mesh undies, all sorts of stuff. We didn’t open our own diapers at home for a week because the hospital gave us so many.
Jessica says
Oh wow!!! That would be amazing! I’d pack a big ‘ole bag then! Haha! You didn’t open diapers for weeks!!!? What an awesome feeling that would be, and the $$$ you saved! Thank you so much for coming by, and dropping a note as well! Stop by again!
Aimee @ Like Mother Like Daughter says
This is a great list (I think). Due with my first in 5 weeks and realizing there are a lot of things I still need to buy to prepare for the hospital and for baby!
Jessica says
Yay!!! Congratulations!!! I’m so glad that you like the list. I really hope it helps you out! Good luck with everything and best wishes!!!
Tara of Spotofteadesigns.com says
Hey Jessica! Thanks for stopping by my http://spotofteadesigns.com/2014/01/first-time-mom-advice-getting-organized-before-baby/ post and sharing this hospital post! I’m now your newest follower on Twitter and Bloglovin! š
Jessica says
Yay! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your link, and for following!!!
Stephanie @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says
What an exciting time! I wish I would have seen this list when I had my kiddo. I was clueless!
Jessica says
Thank you! I was clueless the first time too! Heck, I was clueless this time too, until I started making my list, and I started remembering. Haha! Thank you for the comment!
Tammy Doiel says
My labor was so long, that by my 3rd kid, I didn’t pack until I was I labor. I had the change of clothes for me, for baby, car seat ready, hairbrush, toothbrush, hair ties, Bible, book, slippers, socks, robe, snacks for husband, and my favorite pillow. I think that’s about it. I would need a computer now to do blogging!
Jessica says
Wow! You poor thing for being in labor for so long! I love your bag items! But I totally didn’t think about my computer. I’m so adding that to my list, so I can blog too! Whew! Thank you!
Allie @ The Practically Green Mom says
This is a great post. I brought way too much stuff to the hospital when my son was born. I can’t believe they didn’t provide you with a blanket, though!
Jessica says
Lol… I know, right? You’re probably not alone with bringing too much to the hospital. I brought the whole stinkin’ diaper bag, with tons of stuff in it. We didn’t even get in to the diaper bag. Lol. Thank you for the post!!
Eschelle Westwood (@Eschelle) says
instead of the grannie panties and relying on the hospital mesh ones I would highly suggest just buying depends in your size. They are more comfortable, come in designs rather than looking like a hobo bandage and you can continue to use them during your heavy menstruation at home. Depends are awesome for after birth.
Jessica says
You know, I NEVER thought of that! That’s a great idea! Thank you so much!! I’m going to have to pick me up a bag of those and add those to my list! Brilliant! š
Missy Homemaker says
‘Committed a crime”! This made me laugh because with what they charge they should not only give a blanket but an entire layette!
I hope you are able to get everything finished, and if not, jut look for a cheap bassinet. It will be fine for the first couple of months and you can always sell when you’re finished with it.
Jessica says
Haha! Omg, right!? That’s what I’m thinking! Thanks for the tip! That’s a great idea!!! Makes me feel a lot better!
TheBargainBabe says
Good list! A “People” magazine or word search book might be nice too.
Jessica says
That’s a great idea! Anything to help kill the time! š Thank you for commenting!