Hospital Bag Checklist: What To Pack

One of the most important things to do during the third trimester is deciding what to pack in your hospital bag, and when to pack it! More often than not, moms postpone this important task (because pregnancy fatigue... I know) and sometimes even forget (thanks to pregnancy brain!) To make things a little easier for moms, I've made this post to tell you exactly what you need to pack, and also what you don't need. I also included a printable checklist that you can use to make sure you don't forget anything at home, and also provided some links to where you can shop some of the things I had in my bag.

Scroll down to see what to pack for mom, baby, and dad, and also some extra admin stuff you absolutely can not forget at home.

FOR MOM

• Breast Pads - Once your milk comes in (usually three days postpartum) you will have to start using breast pads. I got these organic washable breast pads by Kindred Bravely which comes in a pack of 8.

• Phone & Power Bank - Hospital beds are usually far away from electrical outlets, and you wouldn't want your battery to die when you're about to take a picture of your new baby. Power banks come in quite handy once you're home as well!

• Camera - Hospital rooms lighting aren't always that great so phone pictures might not turn out as you hoped, so pack a proper camera as well.

• Snacks - Make sure you have some snacks; whether it's for during labor (although not all hospitals allows eating during labor) or after. Think protein bars, coconut water, sandwiches, bananas and jelly babies.

• Comfortable Going Home Outfit - Don't opt for tight clothing, but rather something oversized and comfy like a pair of jogger pants and a cardigan.

• Nursing Bras - Take a comfy and stretchy nursing bra for your stay in the hospital as your breasts will become super sore and sensitive.

• Nipple Cream - If I you can only take one thing to the hospital, take nipple cream! A little goes a long way, so a tiny 1oz pot will do and you only need to use it for about 2 weeks.

• Towel - The towels they give you in the hospital are quite small and scratchy, so rather take some from home to make the hospital stay a little more "luxurious".

• Sleeping Robe - I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital clothes and into my own cotton robe from home. A robe is also nursing friendly and makes doctor checkups quick and easy.

• Flip Flops & Slippers - Take along some slippers for the room, and flip flops so you don't need to take showers bare feet.

• Toiletries & Makeup - 'Cause a new mamma needs some self care, too! Make sure you pack a bottle of dry shampoo as well, just in case you're not able to take a shower soon.

• Water Bottle - Once you start breastfeeding you're going to be super thirsty, so make sure your water bottle is filled and next to you at all times.

• Disposable Underwear - Adult diapers will become your best friend postpartum. Whether you give birth naturally or via c-section, quite a lot of bleeding happens and these adult diapers will make your life a lot easier (and comfier!)

• Witch Hazel Wipes - For natural deliveries, witch hazel wipes can be placed in your adult diapers and provide (some) pain relief.

• Speaker - For natural deliveries, take a bluetooth speaker and play some of your favorite tunes during labor.

• Soft Toilet Paper - Most hospitals' toilet paper is quite hard and scratchy (not exactly something you need post-delivery) so make sure you pack a roll or 2 soft toilet paper.

• Lip Balm - Dry hospital air and labor tend to dry out lips, so take along a good lip balm to keep your lips moist and soft.

• Prenatal Vitamins - If you're breastfeeding you should continue taking your prenatal vitamins daily.

FOR DAD

• Towel

• Toiletries

• Pajamas

• Clothes

• Snacks

FOR BABY

• Baby Blanket & Swaddle - The hospital will have these as well, but they're not as soft and snuggly (and photogenic) as the ones you bought for your little one.

• NB & 0-3 Months Clothes, Hats & Socks - You never know whether your baby will fit into newborn size clothing or not, so make sure you take some 0-3 months outfits as well. The hospital does dress your baby but their clothes are quite big, and it's not the cutest. Make sure you take hats and socks as well if you give birth during the cooler months.

• Going Home Outfit - An adorable going home outfit is a must, so make sure you don't forget to pack this.

• Pacifier & Clip - It's never too early to start getting your little one used to a pacifier. Take a clip along to make sure you don't lose it along the way.

• Electric Nail Trimmer - Cutting a baby's nails is terrifying, but an electric nail trimmer makes it easy breezy.

• Burp Cloth - Not all babies throw up, but just to make sure you're prepared, have a burp cloth on standby.

• Carseat / Stroller - When traveling by car, babies should always be in a carseat. The Doona Carseat Stroller is a carseat and stroller in one, making traveling with your little one super easy, especially when using public transportation.

ADMIN

• ID

• Passport

• Birth Plan

• Insurance Card

• Admission Papers

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Wet Wipes & Diapers - The hospital will give this to you for the duration of the stay so no need to waste your (much needed) diapers and wipes.

Sound Machine - Newborn babies sleep most of the time and they do it quite well, so no help is needed in this department, especially during the first few days in the hospital!

Books/Magazines - I packed a few magazines and a book for my stay in the hospital but never got the time to use them. I spent most time adoring my newborn baby, breastfeeding or sleeping.

Underwear - Leave your underwear at home 'cause you will live in adult diapers for the first few weeks postpartum.

Painkillers - Keep these for when you get home; the hospital will serve you with tons of (strong) meds.

Pajama Pants - The nurses do quite a few checks on your lady parts, and the last thing you want to do (or will be able to do) is to remove your pants every time they come for a check up. Opt for a night gown instead, or even better, just a robe.

Peri Bottle - The hospital gives you one to use and it works just fine! No need to spend money on something you're just going to use for less than a week.

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