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Getting ready for your cute little baby? Then this hospital bag checklist for mom and baby is the ultimate baby delivery bag packing list you’ll need to pack both for labor and after delivery.
Giving birth is not a honeymoon or a vacation/picnic you are planning to spend somewhere, this is the bringing forth of a new life “the baby”. Baby delivery is one period of your life that for some reason, everything seems normal and abnormal at the same time. And, during delivery, you are likely to stay away from your home for at least 24-48 hours (if the process is noncomplicated) and can take up to 5 days or more (if it involves cesarean delivery).
In most cases, your hospital provides the basic things you’ll need to take care of yourself during the period, but you’ll need more than that if you want the process and the period to be as you had imagined.
For an expecting mom who wants to have a better experience of birth delivery, you’ll need to carefully and thoughtfully pack your delivery bag in advance. So, in this hospital bag checklist for mom and baby, we’ve carefully outlined all that’ll be needed and also what will be provided for you by your hospital.
When You Should Pack Delivery Bag
According to statistics, only about 5 percent of births actually occur on the Expected Date of Birth (EDOB), irrespective of the dating method or timing of the dating.
As a result of these stats, you should know that most babies may be delivered a couple of days before or after the EDOB and yours may likely be one. This is why you need to consider packing your hospital bag at least 4 weeks before your expected date of delivery.
Doing this will help you make sure you are not leaving anything out since you are not rushing the packing and will also give you some time for any unexpected circumstances.
With that said, if there is any indication of you going into preterm labor (having your baby earlier than expected), you may want to pack your delivery bag sooner.
What Your Hospital Provides
I understand that as an expecting mom, especially if it is your first, you may be overwhelmed with what to actually pack and you may have also searched this online only to be greeted with loads of overwhelming lists.
Well, you don’t need to carry your whole building along, in fact, your hospital usually provides the necessary items needed. So, even if you don’t pack a pin, you will still deliver safely, this helps lighten up the load.
A simple reminder here, all facility differs, so, it is a wise decision to ask your hospital to know what they have provided before you arrive. To help you get a grasp of the items, you can also schedule a hospital tour during your pregnancy; this will help you learn more about what to expect during your stay.
Below is a list of what is generally provided: Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom And Baby
For Mom: Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
- Hospital gowns
- Thick sanitary pads
- Grip socks
- Birthing ball plus other labor tools, (e.g. personal massagers)
- Big cups for water and ice
- Basic toiletries — (soap, shampoo, toothpaste/ toothbrush)
- Disposable mesh underwear
- After-care items, like witch hazel pads and peri bottles
- Standard pillows and blankets
For Baby: Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
- Diapers (Preemie, new-born, or size 1)
- Basic wipes
- Flannel swaddle blanket(s)
- Hospital-branded onesies
- Standard knit hat
- Shampoo/soap
- Pacifiers
- Formula (this is only given if it’s considered medically necessary. You can call your hospital to find out about its policy on formula.)
- Prescription and non-prescription medications, if needed as well.
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Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
Although your hospital provides the basics for you during your delivery, having some items from your home will make you feel more at ease and comfortable. Most people will always prefer to use their own mesh underwear or toothpaste/brush than making use of the one provided by the hospital, this is because you feel more comfortable using it.
Also, always ensure to call your hospital and enquire from them if they have rules regarding what to wear before you pack. Some hospitals may prefer or require you to wear the hospital-issued gown during the actual delivery.
Now that you are aware of what the hospital provides, below is the list of what should be in your hospital bag checklist for mom and baby. This list is for every mom and while it looks long, it will surely fit into your delivery bag.
- Your ID/Admission Card: As simple as it may sound, this may be your first requirement from the hospital before you can be admitted for delivery. And some hospitals may also need your insurance card and probably any other documents that were given to you by your doctor during registration. You’ll need all this for verification and check-in.
- Your birth plans: Most couples usually have a birth plan. If you have one, print a few copies— give some to your labor nurse(s) and perhaps and one for your chart. It’s also a good idea to highlight some key points for quick reference.
- Medications list: During labor, you may probably not be in the position of answering questions especially when it’s about your medication. This is why most times, you are asked this information at check-in, and possibly again once you’re settled. — but to make things easier for you, it’s best to just hand over a piece of paper containing your medication list to the doctor in charge.
- Your Medications: During pregnancy, most moms tend to be on routine medication, some to help boost the baby. If you are on any medication, the hospital may be able to provide them for you but it may come at a higher price. In some cases, the hospital may not also have your prescribed medication. As such, it is best to always pack your own medication to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
- Cash or Credit card: During your period in the hospital, you may need to use the vending machine or get something from the gift shop or cafeteria. Some cash will be needed, if you can’t go with some cash you need to make sure your credit card is with you.
- Personal labor and delivery gown: although the hospital may provide you with one, it is necessary you buy your own labor and delivery gown. Something you can change into one after you deliver. On Amazon, you can get really pretty gowns that are not high in price. Some cost around $29. But if you are looking for something more quality, the price may be a bit higher. Always consider wearing a nightgown that is dark and provides easy access for monitors during labor/delivery and breastfeeding after birth.
- Your phone and charger. During delivery, some people may spend 3 to 5 days or even more due to complications. If this happens, you don’t want to spend all that time feeling bored always with nothing to do. You may want to entertain yourself with some music or videos or even call/chat with your friend while you’re still at the hospital. Plus, in this era of social media, your friends would love updates! You can also store your music or audio on your phone.
- Birth playlist. This can contain music, meditations, quotes, messages, or any other audio you want to play during labor and delivery.
- Non-skid socks or slippers: Bring your own socks or slippers that will make you feel more comfortable when you wear them. But always make sure it has grips for safety. Although the delivery room might make for some safety, you also need to trade with caution — especially knowing that you will be walking around when you can during the delivery period.
- Book, a magazine, or other reading material: This is helpful and comes in handy especially when you have to wait a period of time before the main event.
- Your own toiletries: Bring your toiletries, you may go with just a simple shampoo, toothbrush/toothpaste, a hairbrush, deodorant, and a bar of soap and this will work just fine. But if you are planning to have a celebrity kind of birth (where you plan on having some professional birth photos taken), then you can bring your whole makeup kit and fancy hair products. Also include stuff like hair bands, lip balm, and lotion, if you tend to have dry skin.
- Your own pads: The hospital provides pads for you, but they may be thicker. You will need to get your own pads if you want thinner ones. Avoid using tampons after delivery.
- Nursing bra or supportive bra: Breast milk usually starts processing during pregnancy. In most women, once they give birth, the breast milk starts flowing and they may immediately want to start breastfeeding. During this period, you will need a supportive bra or the nursing bra. This will help ease the discomfort and give you easy access to breastfeed your baby.
- Breastfeeding cover and pads or pillow: Usually, when you are expecting guests or you have guests in front of you, you may feel uncomfortable breastfeeding your baby. But with the breastfeeding cover or nursing cover during those early marathon breastfeeding sessions, you won’t need to feel that way. In the case of breast leaks, you might also want to get some nursing pads. Another thing that might come in handy is a breastfeeding pillow which helps for support.
- Breast pump: If you are not planning to pump exclusively for the baby, you may not need this item. But if you plan to, then you really need to include it in your list. Also, the hospital can provide one if you end up needing it urgently. Also, if you’d like help learning how to use the breast pump, you can ask a lactation consultant to help you out.
- Comfortable clothes: I understand that during this period, most women will just prefer to use hospital gowns throughout their time at the hospital. If your delivery process lasted just 24-48 hours max, this is totally fine. But in the case of complications where you may be spending almost a week, you may want to wear something more soothing and comforting as well. Getting some loose clothing of your own will be cool. This should be dark-colored yoga pants, nursing or button-down shirts, and other lounge clothing, like a robe, with easy access for breastfeeding.
- Pillow: This will be great for those who are specific about the pillow they use. You can bring yours if you are one of them. If you are bringing your own pillow, ensure you use a colorful pillowcase so it doesn’t blend in with the hospital pillows.
- Flip flops: Most people feel more comfortable wearing a flip-flop, especially during the shower. So, even though the hospital floors and showers are cleaned regularly, they will still need to wear their flipflop t ensure that extra protection. Don’t forget to include this in your bag as well.
- Underwear: You’ll need to get some underwear in the bag as well. Even though the hospital provides you with mesh underwear that can be very helpful on the first day due to heavy postpartum bleeding, slipping into your own may be more comfortable after that. Plus, you’ll be wearing pads, so always try choosing a bigger size and choosing full coverage styles too. Pick dark colors that hide stains well. If you don’t want to go through the stress of washing, you can buy some disposable underwear as a great alternative.
- Outfit for homecoming: You don’t want to go home in your nursing gown as there may be people waiting to welcome you and the newborn baby back. You need to look good and charming since you just gave birth. So, always remember to pack some nice outfits for your homecoming occasion. Since you will be packing in advance, be sure to consider the weather while packing your going-home outfit. You might also find an adorable matching outfit for you and your baby.
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In the case of cesarean delivery, you should consider these items:
- Support underwear: When there is a complication and it has to be through cesarean delivery, you will need some C-section recovery underwear. This is a great item to add to the list because it’s high-waisted and offers light compression. Alternatively, can also use some fold-over underwear that sits under your incision.
- Compression wrap: The Belly Bandit should be included as well; this will make for added postpartum belly support. You’ll need to ask your doctor for guidelines, including when you can start wearing a wrap like this.
- Loose clothing: Adding some loose clothes that will not rub against your incision is what you need most here. Nightgowns are better off than pants. So, ensure to include some nightgowns in your list.
- Special snacks: Snacks that contain a high level of fiber are what you need to include in your bag pack. Example of such snack includes oatmeal with dried fruit, berry, avocado, apple, etc.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Your hospital bag checklist for mom and baby won’t be complete if the baby session is not taken care of. Although most of the items that your baby will need would be provided by the hospital, to make it even more interesting, some hospital makes it mandatory that your baby wears hospital-branded onesies till they are discharged.
This does not mean that you should not pack your baby delivery bag, because some things may come in handy, and also in the case of emergency, they may be needed.
Below is the list of necessary items you should pack in your baby delivery bag.
- Wipes and Diapers: If you have a particular wipe and diaper in mind, you may want to add those to your baby bag. You should also include some newborn cloth and a wet bag if you plan to do cloth from the start. However, you should know that wipes and diapers are usually provided for you even in excess.
- Baby Blanket: No matter the season, winter, summer, or otherwise, you should always include a baby blanket in your list. However, you can use a thicker blanket during winter and then use a lighter blanket during summer. A thicker blanket can also be used to snuggle babies in their car seats on the way home.
- Mittens, booties, and hats: Babies born with long fingernails may tend to easily scratch their face causing some injury to their face since their skin is so tender and soft. With a pair of mittens, you can avoid scratches on their face. Depending on the weather, you can also get a pair of booties and a hat to keep your baby nice and warm.
- Formula and bottles: This may depend on the hospital. So, if you’re planning to formula feed your baby from the start, you may want to call your hospital to find out your facility’s policy.
- Going home outfit: this is always the most exciting moment in every mom’s delivery journey. You should have some fun picking out what your baby will wear when going home. Always consider the weather when planning this. Also, don’t forget to pack some spare in case the first outfit gets dirty before you leave.
- Swaddle or receiving blankets: You’ll need to add this to your list, especially if it is your first. Having your own swaddles to wrap baby in and practice is a great way to start. It will help you a lot, especially on those days when you’re on your own.
- Baby car seat: If you are a car owner, you’ll need to have a car seat installed before you can leave the hospital. Ensure you have this installed several weeks before you plan to deliver — some seats may be tricky to install. You’ll need some expertise or help.
- Baby book: Memories are always worth capturing especially your child’s first memories. You can use the baby book to capture your baby’s footprints and even jot down some notes to remember your child’s first few days.
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Bag Pack Check List for Your Support Person
During your delivery period, you will always need a support person or partner who will be staying in the hospital or birth center with you. This hospital those not provide much for your partner, they only provide an awkward sleeper couch to crash on. So, you should remind them to pack something as well. In addition to clothes and toiletries, here are some things they should bring
- Comfortable clothing: You know that you may likely be spending at least one night in the hospital. Your partner should bring some lounge clothing that will be cozy and practical for hanging with a newborn.
- Comfortable shoes: Slippers that grip the floor are advised including comfortable shoes and socks.
- Toiletries: The basic toiletries provided by the hospital is only for you. It does not extend to anyone else including your support person. They should include essentials like shampoo, face wash, lotion, deodorant, and toothbrush/toothpaste in the bag as well.
- Medications: Your partner or support person should also pack their medication if they are on any at the moment because, if they forget to bring it, it will not be provided to you.
- Phone and charger: Just like you as the mom, you should also ask your support person to add their phone and charger. As a matter of fact, your partner or support person’s phone and charger will be handier than the delivery mom as she may not always be able to find time to do much like charging, taking pictures, or even updating families and friends. Your support person can keep your family and friends updated on your baby’s arrival.
- Pillow and blanket: The hospital only make provisions for the delivery mom and that’s it. Ask your partner to pack a pillow and blanket. They will be needed during the night hours, if they packed their pillow, they should put it in a colorful pillowcase so it won’t blend in with the ones in the hospital.
- Snacks: This may not be necessary but to avoid too many movements trying to look for what to eat during those periods of waiting, you can pack some snacks that will include your partner, you can also ask them to pack some snacks they love as well.
- Water bottle: He or she will need to drink water and I know the one that the hospital will provide will be yours. Try adding an extra water bottle or ask them to bring one along.
- Book, magazine, or playlist: This will come in handy for your partner during those idle and quiet times especially when you will be sleeping after the delivery and they have to stay awake to watch over you and the baby.
Things You Shouldn’t Consider Putting on Your List
Before you go all out trying to pack everything in your hospital bag checklist for mom and baby, here are a few things you should not take to the hospital. these are expensive items and most hospitals will advise you not to pack expensive items. These items include things like:
- Wedding rings and other expensive jewelry
- laptops and tablets
- huge amount of cash.
The essence is to avoid anything that will be greatly missed if you accidentally lost it during the process. You know delivery is another world of its own and during the process, your most expensive jewelry will be the last thing on your mind. Plus, when you see and hold your baby, you will not be thinking of any material item at that moment and by the time you will remember those items, they might have been misplaced.
FAQs: Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby
How many weeks pregnant should I pack my hospital bag?
When you are expecting your baby, you need to have your bag packed at least within the 36th week of your pregnancy. But if it is a case of you going into preterm labor, you may need to pack earlier than that.
How many baby outfits should I bring to the hospital?
You should pack at least two different outfits in different sizes since you don’t know how big or small your baby will be. One outfit should be in newborn size and the other 0-3 months. Always remember to add hats and/or socks.
How many nappies should I pack in my hospital bag?
Pack About 20 to 30 nappies made especially for newborns. This is because your newborn might use about 10-12 nappies each day. Also, include wipes.
Wrapping Up.
Hurray! We have come to the end of the ultimate hospital bag checklist for mom and baby. We know that it is totally up to you to decide what goes into your hospital bag checklist for mom and baby and this may be due to individual needs and budgets as well. But in all, you should always consider making a list of those items that are really essential to you, the delivery, yours, and the baby’s comfort and well-being above everything else.
One last note. Also, understand that no one is superhuman, we are bound to make mistakes and also forget. So, don’t beat yourself over if you did not bring something you should have. Besides, you can always send someone out to get them for you.
