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?” Each time I packed mine I set out to see what might have changed at my hospital and to remember what I wished I would have had before. So today I’m sharing a free, printable hospital bag checklist to help you tackle packing your hospital bag! Just scroll to the bottom to save the free hospital bag checklist printable, you can easily pin it to Pinterest to help yourself 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, comfy pants…

With my first I had a planned C Section (you can read her birth story here) so we were there for three nights (Tuesday morning – Friday afternoon). With our second we were only there for a little over 24 hours after his birth and with our final baby we were there for 48 hours from her birth. So, knowing that hospital stay times can vary, I always liked to take a few changes of clothing for myself and baby. Those postpartum hormones make me so sweaty! I didn’t want to be stuck wearing the same clothing for too long. And somehow our babies always managed to make the biggest messes at the hospital – blowouts and spit up!

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. I want to also state these things are not all must-have items. This is a giant list to help you think of everything you could possibly need. Everyone’s hospital stay looks different. I’d rather have things I didn’t need than want something and not have it.

Don’t worry, this hospital bag checklist covers everything you’ll need for mama, daddy and baby.

hospital bag checklist

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: that first shower after birth is life. changing.
• make up remover wipes
• moisturizer/makeup/chapstick/lotion: I brought some makeup basics with me each time: concealer, mascara, 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: Obviously optional. I didn’t take them when Blaire was born. Of course we ended up doing photos in the hospital and my hair looked terrible. But then I took them when Ben and Sloane were born and didn’t end up using them. Go figure.
• glasses/contact case & solution
• baby wash: typically provided by the hospital, but it doesn’t hurt to bring your own if you have a specific brand you want to use.

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.
• pjs (1-2): I took nightgowns that were nursing-friendly and I also took comfy nursing tops with maternity pj pants.
• nursing tank or tops (1-2)
• 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: don’t forget to install the base in your car ahead of time
• carseat cover
• nail file
• pacifier(s): Most recently it was tough for us to get a pacifier from the nursing staff… they don’t “encourage” them for breastfed babies. So I brought my own.

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
• snacks / water flavoring: I finally thought to bring water flavoring to the hospital with me this last time. It’s so important to chug lots of water postpartum, and adding a squeeze of flavoring made it much easier for me.
• pillow(s): I just used what the hospital had and our nursing pillow – but I know a lot of friends who have taken their own pillows.
• 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

To print the checklist below, simply click the “download” button below.

You can also CLICK HERE to open the check list in a new tab and print it from there.

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

Help other mamas find this helpful list by “pinning” any of the images below to Pinterest!

related posts

• must haves for a newborn baby
• Sloane’s birth story (2nd VBAC)
• Ben’s birth story (VBAC)
• Blaire’s birth story (scheduled C Section)