hospital bag checklist

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One question that never goes away in the mom community is “What the heck do I need to pack in my hospital bag?”

Well, today I’m sharing a free, printable hospital bag checklist to help you tackle packing your hospital bag! (Scroll to the bottom to save the free hospital bag checklist printable – you can easily pin it to Pinterest to help yourself (and other mamas!) find it later.)

When I had Blaire, we packed SO many things, yet still forgot the important stuff… like Jason’s glasses to wear at night when his contacts were out, my shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, my nursing pillow, comfy pants and so many other random things that I realized I wanted. Blaire was a C Section (you can read her birth story here) so we were there Tuesday morning, first thing, through Friday afternoon. Luckily Jason was able to run home every day to grab the things we realized we forgot, but knowing we were more prepared with Ben was such a relief! 

The most important thing is to pack the items you’ll need for YOU to be comfortable. Items absolutely necessary for the baby will be supplied by the hospital. Diapers, wipes, bathing supplies, a onesie, a hat, swaddle blankets and formula are all readily accessible. The things you’ll want for yourself are not so readily available. Don’t worry, this hospital bag checklist covers everything you’ll need for mama, daddy and baby.

toiletries:

• deodorant: One thing that was horrible for me both times I was postpartum was my sweating. Seriously. I felt so gross and sweaty all the time. 
• toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, body wash
• make up remover wipes
• moisturizer/makeup/chapstick/lotion: I brought some makeup basics with me each time: concealer, mascara, bb cream and chapstick. The hospital air (in our hospital, anyways) is SO dry! I kept chapstick and lotion next to me bed because I kept applying them all day and night.
• hair ties/hair brush
• hair dryer/curling iron: Optional. I didn’t take them when Blaire was born. Of course we ended up doing photos in the hospital and my hair looked bad. But then I took them when Ben was born and didn’t end up using them. 
• glasses/contact case & solution
• baby wash: If you have a specific brand you want to use. When Blaire was born the hospital had Johnson & Johnson, so I took a travel-size for Ben, but the hospital had switched to an organic baby wash, so we just used that one. 

breast-feeding moms:

• nipple balm: my hospital does provide some, which I used after I had Blaire. 
• nipple pads
• nursing pillow: also helpful for siblings visiting when they want to hold baby
• nursing cover: totally optional, but I liked having mine when family members were visiting.

for mom:

• slipper socks (2-3): The ones in the hospital are fine, but I liked changing mine a lot since the floors are so gross.
• robe: Something comfy to wear throughout the day and at night. After my C Section I wore mine over my pjs when I had to go out and walk the halls.
• maternity pjs (2-3): I took nursing nightgowns and I also took comfy nursing tops with maternity pj pants.
• nursing tank or tops (2-3)
• cardigan or cozy sweater
• comfy top and dark maternity leggings for trip home (or comfy dress)
• flip flops (for shower)

for baby:

• sleepers (2-3)
• onesies (2-3)
• swaddling blankets
• sleep sack
• baby mittens
• hat
• burp cloths
• car seat (install base in car ahead of time)
• carseat cover
• nail file
• pacifier(s)

for dad:

• tee shirts (2-3)
• sweat pants
• hoodie/sweatshirt
• socks (2-3)

misc:

• baby book: With Blaire, we remembered to take hers and they did her hand prints and foot prints in it. For Ben, we didn’t have one yet (second child problems!) so they did them on a piece of paper for us to take home.
• gum
• healthy snacks
• pillow(s)
• phone
• extra long phone chargers (extra-long to reach the hospital bed!)
• camera
• video camera
• camera/video camera chargers
• memory card: buy a new one if you have to! Just make sure you have room on it.
• computer
• computer charger

Did I forget anything? Let me know in a comment below!

Help other mamas find this helpful list by “pinning” it to Pinterest!