This is only one item on my list of 15 things to do in preparation for your baby, but it’s definitely an important! Honestly, the last thing you’ll want to do once you get to the hospital is send your husband or mom back home during labor to bring you all of the things you forgot to grab on your way out.
However, it can be hard to know what you’ll need if you haven’t experienced it yet. Even then, you were probably so sleep-deprived that you may have forgotten that your body and feet swell up so much from the IV. While I didn’t swell much during my pregnancy, labor was a whole other story for me. When I left the hospital (and for a week or so after), none of the shoes I had fit me EXCEPT my velcro, adjustable sandals. There were several other postpartum “secrets” that I wish I had known to be prepared for…
But, let’s not get too overwhelmed and take this one step at a time. Originally, birth was the scariest part for me, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts! I have done the mental work for your preparation, so that you can sit back and (try to) enjoy the last few weeks or months of your pregnancy as best as possible. No need to stress over forgetting to pack something essential for you, your partner or your newborn baby during labor and delivery. (And if you are feeling overwhelmed, or don’t have someone you feel comfortable discussing the dirty details with – I’m your girl!)
Download a free printable version of this list.
Hospital Bag Packing Lists:
Mom’s Bag:
- Robe(s)
- Loose dresses with zippers or snaps
- Zip-up sweatshirt if you run cold
- Nursing bra
- Socks
- Nursing tanks
- Going home outfit/dress
- Bikini for tub during labor
- Toiletries
- Dry Shampoo
- Brush
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face lotion
- Makeup wipes
- Extra hair ties and scrunchies
- Makeup bag
- Charging cords
- Favorite pillow
- Cozy blanket
- Adjustable sandals for swollen feet
- Headphones (optional)
- Lash strips for pictures (optional)
- Breast pump, if you’d like help figuring your specific pump out with the lactation consultants at the hospital
For Your Partner:
- A couple of outfits
- Zip up sweatshirt for skin to skin
- Underwear
- Pajamas or sweats
- Slippers, sandals or comfortable shoes to slip on
- Book or other entertainment
- Toiletries
- Water bottle
- Blanket
- Pillow
For the Family:
- Insurance cards
- Hospital pre-registration paperwork filled out for faster check-in (if available at your hospital)
- SNACKS
- Charging cords
- Cash for food in vending machines
- Camera, charger and memory card
- Extra bag to bring home all of the things that the hospital sends you home with
Optional:
- Speakers for music during labor
- Polaroid camera
- Letter board & letters
- Diffuser & essential oils (if allowed in your hospital)
- Gift and thank you card for nurses
For Baby:
- A couple outfits
- Going-home outfit
- Pajamas or sleep gown
- Socks
- Mittens
- Hat
- Car seat
- Car seat cover (especially for winter)
- Swaddle blankets
- Little sound machine (optional)
- Sanitized pacifier (optional)
Remember to Grab on Your Way Out:
- Mom’s bag
- Partner’s bag
- Baby’s bag
- Pillows
- Car seat
- Nurses’ gift
Download a free printable version of this list.
I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming delivery! Please, please reach out to me on Instagram if you have any worries or questions about delivery or newborns that I can talk through with you.
I’ve also put together a list of newborn must-haves to be best prepared for your cute, new baby. If you’re working on your baby registry, the list is just what you need to get started and perfect your registry.
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