Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby - Pinecones & Pacifiers (2024)

Posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Pinecones and Pacifiers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. See Disclaimer and Disclosure for more details.

The ultimate hospital bag checklist for mom and baby from a mom of three. What I bring in my hospital bag for mom and baby.

If you plan to give birth at a hospital or birthing center outside your home, you will want to pack an overnight bag for your stay. Its a good idea to have your hospital bag prepared beforehand!

If you have a non-complicated vagin*l delivery you may be allowed to go home after just 24 hours. But, if you are planning for a C-section or have one unexpectedly, or have any complications you may have to be away from home for a few nights. Consider this when packing your hospital bag and make sure to pack enough for a few nights away from home, just in case.

As a first-time-mom I did not have any idea what I really needed to bring with me to the hospital! I definitely overpacked and brought way too much stuff. I also forgot some things that I only realized were important after arriving.

I’m sharing my list of what i’m packing in my hospital bag this time around (my third baby)! Save this hospital bag checklist so you know exactly what to bring for mom and baby during your hospital stay.

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag for Delivery?

There really isn’t a right or wrong time to pack your hospital bag. But, most new mamas will want to have their bag packed before running out the door in labor.

It will likely be a very stressful time and you want to make sure you are prepared ahead of time. There also might not be much time to get out the door if your water has already broken and labor is progressing quickly.

For this reason its a good idea to have your bag packed by the time you are about 37 weeks. But, you can definitely start packing much sooner.

With my first pregnancy, I started packing my hospital bag at about 25 weeks. I was very excited and wanted to cross another item off the list. When my water broke overnight at 39 weeks we just had to grab the packed bag and a few extra items as we were heading out the door.

With my second pregnancy, I packed my bag at 35 weeks. Life is much more hectic with a toddler running around and I knew that I already had a pretty narrowed down list from my first delivery experience. I had my second son at 38 weeks so it was a good thing our bag was packed.

With my third pregnancy, I didn’t start packing until 37 weeks, but was able to pack pretty quickly since I had a list to refer to from my other pregnancies and deliveries.

There are some items that you can pack right away – like nursing bras that you won’t wear until your baby is born and non-maternity clothes that no longer fit. But, there are also some items that you will need to grab at the last minute – like some toiletries and your phone charger.

What Does the Hospital Provide for Labor and Delivery?

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby - Pinecones & Pacifiers (2)

Let’s start with what NOT to pack in your labor and delivery bag. If this is your first pregnancy, you might be surprised to know that some postpartum and baby supplies are normally provided by the hospital so you wont need to pack these.

This list is based on my own experience with the hospitals that I have delivered at. Your hospital may be different, so be sure to check with their labor and delivery team.

  • Linens
  • Postpartum hygiene supplies
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Baby swaddle blanket, hat, pacifiers, and formula
  • Meals for mom

Linens: the hospital will provide bed sheets for the hospital bed, pillows and pillow cases. My hospital also provided a towel for the shower and linens for the pull out guest bed. They were good enough for me. I didn’t want to risk getting my own stuff dirty from delivery, but you can normally bring your own if you want.

Hygiene supplies: the hospital provides mesh underwear and/or large pads for mom after delivery. In my experience they have also provided a squirt bottle for cleaning down there after delivery and witch hazel pads to help soothe when wiping. Check out my full list of postpartum supplies here!

Diapers and wipes: the hospital also supplies diapers and wipes for your baby while they are there. If you prefer a particular brand, you may want to bring your own, but, there should be more than enough provided by the hospital. You can also take home any leftovers when you leave.

Baby Supplies: most of the other supplies you will need for your baby are also provided. This includes a bassinet and sheets, swaddle blankets, hats, pacifiers if requested, and bottles and formula if needed.

Meals (for mom): only meals for the new mom are provided during the duration of your hospital stay. This means meals for dad or other guests are not normally included. During labor I was able to order a meal, but couldn’t eat it (most hospitals don’t allow the laboring mom to eat for safety reasons). But, I was able to give the meal to my husband.

Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist

Here is everything I recommend packing in your hospital bag for mom and baby.

  1. Labor & Delivery Gown – I like to deliver in the hospital’s gown, but then change into this amazingly soft gown afterwards for the duration of my stay. I recommend wearing a gown for at least the first 24 hours after delivery because they nurses and doctors will come and check that you are healing appropriately down there.
  1. Nursing Bra – if you plan on nursing, I like to bring a nursing bra to wear after delivery. Your nipples will likely be very sensitive and it can help to have them held up instead of rubbing against your gown or shirt. A nursing bra can also be helpful if you want to wear nursing pads or other products.
  1. Nursing Cups – these can be a lifesaver for healing sore nipples! I highly recommend bringing some or other breast care supplies like nipple balm (you wont want to use balm with the nursing cups, however) and nursing pads.
  1. Toiletries – you will want to pack a small bag of toiletries like you do when you are going on vacation (although delivering a baby is far from a real vacation!). This includes face wash and wash cloth, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, and cosmetics. Makeup is definitely optional, but it felt so good to get cleaned up and back to my old self after giving birth.
  1. Contacts or Glasses – This is likely something you will need to pack last minute. Don’t forget a contact case and solution if you wear contacts.
  1. Hair Care – hair care items are also optional based on your own beauty routine, but don’t forget your hair dryer, flat iron, or curling iron if desired. Hair ties are also a definite must during labor! I forgot mine last time and the hospital did have some.
  1. Postpartum Wrap – if you are planning on wearing a belly wrap or band after delivery, don’t forget to pack it! I used one like this in my prior pregnancies and it worked great and plan to use it again.
  1. Postpartum Supplies – some supplies will likely be supplied by the hospital (check with your labor and delivery department if you have questions), but I also like to bring some of my own just in case and to fill any gaps. I normally bring dermoplast cooling spray and extra tucks medicated pads and postpartum underwear.

Read more: 20+ Postpartum Supplies for Mom

  1. Slippers – you will want something to wear around your hospital room so grip socks or slippers are a good idea! I like to buy cheap ones and throw them away afterwards.
  1. Going Home Outfit – If you are staying for just a day or two you likely won’t need more clothes than a single going home outfit. If you are expecting guests I would recommend some cozy postpartum pajamas (these are my favorite) or just your cute labor & delivery gown. I normally bring yoga pants and a comfy shirt for the ride home.
  1. Electronics – don’t forget a phone charger and get a long one if you can! Also, consider any other electronics you might want to bring like your laptop & charger and your cell phone.
  1. Portable Sound Machine – your baby is used to it being LOUD in your womb (your blood flow, heart beat, and the sounds from the outside world) so they will find the white noise very soothing. It can also help drown out the noise from the machines and nurses coming in and out all night. Bonus: you can also use this when traveling with your baby and toddler in the first couple years.
  1. Velcro Swaddlenewborns love to be swaddled and a velcro swaddle can make it so much easier to get your little one wrapped up and feeling secure.
  1. Baby going home outfit & blanket – you won’t need many clothes for your baby while in the hospital; they will be checked out frequently and its best to do frequent skin-to-skin in just a diaper. Bring a few outfits for photos and an outfit and blanket for going home.
  1. Infant Carseat – don’t forget to bring your infant carseat (they won’t let you leave the hospital without one). Have your carseat installed in your car by the middle of your third trimester so that you don’t have to worry about getting it installed while you are in labor or dealing with a newborn.
  1. Items for Dad – if you are having your significant other or support person there, don’t forget to pack some items for them. They will want some toiletries, and change of clothes, phone charger, and anything else that might make them more comfortable for their overnight stay. My husband actually only stayed the night with our first son, and with our other children he went home to get a good night’s sleep and a shower so that may be an option, too!

Read More: Newborn Essentials for the first Month

What to Pack Beforehand?

The good new is that most of your hospital delivery bag can be packed well in advance! Think of the things you wont necessarily need the weeks prior to delivery.

  • Hospital gown
  • Nursing clothes and supplies
  • Most toiletries: consider getting duplicates just to prepare
  • Non-maternity clothes
    • Don’t forget large underwear that you don’t mind throwing away. You won’t want to wear your favorite underwear right after delivery!
  • Postpartum wrap (optional)
  • Postpartum supplies
  • Baby items
  • Carseat (have this installed in your car already)
  • Items for dad/support person

What to Pack Last Minute?

Although you may be doing your best to prepare, some items can’t be packed beforehand unless you are luck enough to have extra. That’s okay! Make a list of these items and hang it by the door so you know exactly what you need to grab

  • Cosmetics (optional)
  • Glasses, contacts, contact supplies (if needed)
  • Hair care
  • Clothing you might wear up until deliver
  • Electronics: phone, phone charger, computer & charger if needed

Thanks for stopping by! You might also like these latest related posts:

  • The Cutest Easter Pajamas for Toddlers
  • 20 Easy Lunch Ideas for 10 Month Olds
  • The Best Labels for Back-to-School: Name Bubbles
  • Embracing the Chill: Simple Tips for Getting Your Toddler Outdoors in Cold Weather
  • The Cutest Toddler Valentines Pajamas
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby - Pinecones & Pacifiers (3)
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby - Pinecones & Pacifiers (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to pack pacifiers in hospital bag? ›

Flip flops are handy for showering both while in labor and then afterwards. A pacifier. Maternity wards are pro-breastfeeding and we aren't allowed to dispense pacifiers, as they're associated with nipple confusion. So if you want one, you'll have to bring your own.

What a mom should pack in her hospital bag? ›

Here's what should go in their hospital bag:
  • Cell phone and charger.
  • A change of clothes.
  • Toiletries. Including a toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens case and solution.
  • Snacks. ...
  • Entertainment. ...
  • Camera. ...
  • Any daily prescription medication.
Jan 19, 2024

What are the best snacks to bring to the hospital for labor? ›

Some of the best snacks for labour include:

Wholegrain toast, biscuits and crackers. Energy bars (be sure to check the sugar content). Breadsticks. Dried fruits and nuts.

What baby toiletries do I need in hospital bag? ›

Toiletries – another obvious one, but you don't want to be without face wipes, tissues or a nice body wash. Those smaller travel shampoo and shower gel bottles can be good value, and you'll really appreciate being able to have a wash once little one arrives and for the family photos.

Why are hospitals against pacifiers? ›

For example, in the full term and older infant up to six months, early breast weaning can be a complication of pacifier use and, when the use of pacifiers is prolonged, risks include otitis media (six months to two years) and dental malocclusion, for example, misalignment of the teeth such as open bite, cross bite or ...

Why don t hospitals use pacifiers? ›

"They do interfere in the beginning with breastfeeding sometimes so that's why we don't have them in the hospital and have them for the first three to four weeks," explained Dr. Theresa Patton, with Methodist Dallas Medical Center. "Pacifiers are gone from general use.

When to start packing a hospital bag? ›

But if you're a planner like me and want to be ready for your little one's arrival, I'd suggest having your hospital bag packed between 36 and 38 weeks. If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy, for example, if you're having multiples (congrats!), you probably want to have your bag packed around 35 weeks.

What to wear in the hospital when giving birth? ›

loose, comfortable clothing to wear during labour. dressing gown and slippers or flip-flops (which are also good for wearing to the shower) nightwear – front-opening or loose-fitting if you're going to breastfeed. 3 changes of comfortable clothes.

Should I shave before giving birth? ›

Remember you're advised to avoid shaving a week to your delivery or Caesarean birth date. Don't be embarrassed if you haven't shaved.

Do you wash baby clothes for hospital bag? ›

All baby clothes should be washed before packing.

Do you pack baby bottles in hospital bag? ›

If you choose to bottle feed – you will need to bring enough pre-packed bottles of a readymade newborn formula into hospital with you to last for your stay. We recommend that you purchase at least one 'starter pack' of first infant milk containing 6 bottles and 6 teats.

Will the hospital provide pacifiers? ›

And, bonus: You won't have to remember when to take your medications because they'll be brought to you! Diapers, diaper wipes, bottles, nipples and (if you decide to use them) pacifiers. Everything your baby will need during their hospital stay is provided. You only need to pack for the trip home.

Can I give my baby a pacifier in the hospital? ›

AAP recommends pacifier use in infants up to six months of age for pain relief from minor procedures in the emergency department. AAP suggests offering pacifiers to infants at the onset of sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.

What are the must haves in my hospital bag? ›

Personal items:

Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, hair ties, and makeup (if you're planning to use it). Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 6770

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.