Top 5 Things You Should Pack In Your Hospital Bag

5 Things You May Need After Baby Is Born

And 5 Things You Can Leave At Home

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We’ve all seen the movie…Your water breaks, you grab your hospital bag and rush off to have your baby…We know it’s not that dramatic and quick (most of the time), but you do need to have your hospital bag ready to go.

But what should you pack? There are so many lists out there, but I wanted to add my top 5 things that I think you should pack.

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

I first want to talk about when to pack your hospital bag. Generally I would suggest about 37 weeks. You could pack at 36 weeks if you are super prepared or if you think you might go into labor early. You could pack at 38 weeks if you are more of a “fly by the seat of your pants” type mama, or if you think you might go into labor later (most first time moms do).

Even if you don’t pack your hospital bag, at least make a list of the items you want to take with you. Labor does not usually go as fast as in the movies, so you will likely have time to pack your hospital bag once you are in labor. However, it will be good to have a list in case your contractions are strong enough for you to not be able to focus on packing.

Depending on how far the hospital is from your home, you can probably have your partner bring things you may have forgotten during your stay, after the baby is born.  For me, 3 out of 4 times, I gave birth over an hour from our home, and my husband still went home a few times. There was plenty of opportunity to grab a spare outfit or something else I may have forgotten.

Another idea would be to task a friend or family member who may come to the hospital for a visit with bringing you something you forgot.  Forgot your toothbrush? Aunt Sally could grab one at the drugstore before she pops up to see baby. Desperate for a Starbucks? Have your BFF grab one in the hospital lobby before she gets to hold your new little one.

Top 5 Things To Bring In Your Hospital Bag

Your ID and Insurance Information

This should be something you carry around anyway. And they likely won’t let you in without it.

Your Phone and Charger

You will probably remember your phone (we are all attached these days), but you do not want to forget that charger. Make sure to toss it in your hospital bag. Grandma will be disappointed if she doesn’t get a call when baby is born because your phone is dead. And you will want to take loads of pictures after baby is here (and maybe even during labor and birth!!).

Snacks and Treats

The hospital may have little jello cups, but you may want to pack a few snacks that sound a little more appealing in your hospital bag. Aim for healthy nourishing foods that are packaged individually and quick to eat. Think about foods that will not sit heavy on your stomach. I packed almond butter pouches and yogurt. Make sure to remember your husband/birth partner as well. Labor can be long and your husband/birth partner may get hungry.

Toiletries

Pack a few essentials like deodorant and your toothbrush and toothpaste. Labor can be long and you may want to freshen up a bit before the pushing stage begins. You may not use these things at all, but it will be better to have them and not use them than to not have them and want them.

Diversions

Again, labor can be long, especially if you are going in for an induction. You may want to bring something to keep your mind occupied. Magazines and books are good. I enjoyed coloring in a coloring book when I was in the hospital the last time. Labor rooms will often have televisions as well. My most recent doula client used television as a distraction during her contractions. She focused on the sounds from the show in the background.

5 Things You May Need After Baby Is Born

Comfy Clothes For You

If you stayed in the hospital gown for labor and birth, you will probably want to get out of it pretty quickly. Wearing your own clothes is not only comfortable but also comforting. You will definitely want to have a nursing bra or, my fave, a nursing tank. I also really liked having a robe or a nursing cardigan, like the one below, so I could cover quickly if someone came in. And don’t forget your stretchy pants!

Baby Wash

This is probably one item you won’t find on most hospital bag lists, but I think it is super important. When you are ready to bathe baby for the first time (you should at least wait 8 hours, and some people would recommend more), the nursing staff will have baby wash for you. It is likely going to be Johnson & Johnson or some other brand baby wash. I urge you to google the ingredients in those brands and see if that is something you want to put on your brand new baby. Or any member of your family, for that matter.

Instead, choose a natural, gentle baby wash that has few ingredients and none that will be harmful for your baby. There are a few options out there, but I really like California Baby. The Super Sensitive line is very mild and gentle on baby’s skin. And no nasty ingredients that will mess with your new baby’s endocrine system. Win! Amazon only has 2 giant bottles. It’s a good deal and will likely last you through baby’s first year. But you can also buy California Baby at Target, and I believe I have seen it at Walmart.

Toiletries

Toiletries need a mention in the postpartum section of the list as well. But this time you will want to have more than just the basics in your hospital bag. Do you have a favorite shampoo? Pack it. You will most likely want some make up, if you wear it regularly. Maybe just go with eye liner and lip gloss. Save the “full face” for after your postpartum time. Also, you may want to leave the scented lotion at home. Baby will likely be sensitive to strong smells.

Car Seat

It won’t fit in your hospital bag, but you have to have a car seat for baby, there is no way around that. They won’t let you leave the hospital without one. Choose one that will work well for your family and will allow baby to stay rear-facing for a long time (it is recommended until age 2 now). The higher the weight and height limit, the longer baby can stay safer, rear-facing.

Some moms prefer to use a “pumpkin” seat for a few months before transferring baby to a convertible. For my last three babies, I started with the convertible. I wear my babies so often that I didn’t need to lug around that huge seat. Plus, I only had to buy one car seat. This is the car seat I bought for my little guy. We love it!

Going Home Outfit for Baby

This one might not need to be said. Most mamas enjoy shopping for baby clothes and dream of bringing baby home in that perfect outfit. Choose something comfortable and picture perfect. But don’t be surprised if it is big on your new little one. Even newborn sized clothes seem huge on a tiny infant.

Don’t forget to pack something for yourself to go home in as well. Opt for something comfy. I tend to go for black leggings and a loose fitting top. Black hides spit up and breast milk and tends to be more flattering than bright colors.

5 Things You Can Leave At Home

I have poured over so many hospital bag lists over the years and four babies. I found a few things that seem to be on every list that I think you can leave at home. Save the room in your hospital bag for something else (chocolate?). Here are five of those items I think you can leave at home.

Diapers

Every hospital bag list has diapers on it, but here’s the thing; all the hospitals provide diapers. In fact, make sure you take the extra diapers in your hospital room home with you. You will need all the diapers you can get. Unless you plan to use cloth diapers in the hospital, there is no reason to pack any diapers at all. Save them for when you get home.

Pads or Adult Diapers

Yes, you will need them, but the hospital will provide them for you. Wonderful nurses will bring you more if you run out. No need to pack them.

Lots of Clothes for Baby

I have found, in the hospital, that most of the time baby is only in a diaper and wrapped in a blanket. Skin to skin time in those early days is so important for baby as well, so a naked baby is easier to put to chest and breast. If your baby needs to be clothed in the hospital, they often have kimono type tops and swaddle sleep sacks for your use. Make sure you have an outfit for baby to go home in, but leave the rest of the clothes at home.

Pillows and Bath Towel

I guess, technically, this could be two separate items, but in my mind they are in the same category. The hospital bag lists that I see these on use the reasoning of comfort and familiarity, but unless you are ultra attached to your pillow, the hospital pillows are fine for a few days. The bath towels they provide won’t be as lush as a 5 star hotel, but they will dry. Leave these items at home.

Water/Drinks

Sometimes I want my familiar water bottle, but the hospital will provide you (and your husband/partner) with water and other drink options. In fact, most hospitals give you a plastic water pitcher or cup to keep filled and take home. The last birth I attended, the nurses even offered the laboring mom clear soft drinks. There is no need to pack water or other drinks in your hospital bag.

What Do You NEED In Your Hospital Bag?

When it comes down to it, what you need is nothing. You can read all the hospital bag lists on the internet and pack the perfect bag. But all you need is you, your body, to give birth to your baby!