As a mom of three, I know my way around the hospital at this point. I just packed last month for the arrival of our third baby – yes, I am now a mom of three!! Baby Ezra Cannon joined our family on February 7th at 9:55am. He has been the most perfect addition.
This third time around, I made sure to pack only what we will actually use since I know what to expect and I realize a lot of what I packed with my first two babies, I simply didn’t use. It’s easy to go a little overboard when packing for the hospital especially when it’s your first time. I created this ultimate hospital bag checklist for moms who want to pack items they are actually going to use during their hospital stay. Mama- let me save you some time, money, packing space and sanity by giving you one less thing to stress about!
This post includes a free printable checklist you can use to help make sure you don’t leave anything behind but I broke everything down for you here. I also linked everything for you that actually packed in my own bag for easy shopping! You will find the links throughout this post if I was able to link the item. If not, I linked similar to what I brought. Simply hover over the name of the item for the link!
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Let’s start by knocking out a few items I see on almost every hospital bag checklist that you simply just don’t need in my opinion. They are nice to have around in the event you “might” get around to using them while in the hospital but the likelihood you will need them is slim. Frankly, these items are provided by most hospitals that will get you by and save valuable packing space for things you will actually use/need.
Tons of different baby outfits– You simply won’t need them. Your baby will be swaddled up 99% of the time and you will likely not have the time nor energy to be changing them into a hundred different outfits.
Breast pump- If you plan on exclusively breastfeeding, introducing a breast pump this early is asking for issues with overproducing which bring on clogged duct and mastitis. Lactation consultants will recommend waiting a few weeks until you establish a good nursing relationship and your milk is well established before introducing a breast pump. Most hospitals lactation departments will provide you a pump kit to take home in the event you end up needing to pump while there. Save this space and keep your pump at home.
Postpartum toiletries- Mesh undies, peri bottle, pads, etc. The hospital will have all of this for you. It won’t hurt to pack the Frida Mom mesh undies to wear home but you really don’t need them. You will be provided everything you need to survive the postpartum aftermath by the hospital but definitely make sure you stock up on these items for home!
Baby wipes/diapers- The baby bassinet at the hospital will be stocked with all the diapers and wipes you will need. You will even have plenty left to take home with you.
Baby grooming items- Unless you just really want to bring your own nail clipper and brush/comb, you will not need this is in hospital.
Nursing gown – If you are anything like me, you will not like the gown they provide at the hospital. It is ugly, not soft, and completely open in the back. Frankly, it is just not comfortable. Bring your own so you are able to freely nurse, have added comfort and your own personal style. This is also nice to have if you do a fresh 48 session in the hospital.
Nursing robe- This will be very useful for covering up when people are visiting or when you have to walk around in the halls.
Cozy slippers/Flip flops/Socks- All of these you will need and use. Cozy slippers for walking around your room and the hospital. The flip flops for the shower and the socks to keep your feet warm. Hospitals are cold!
Nursing tank/bra- I packed both but definitely bring one or the other. If you aren’t planning to breastfeed they won’t be as important, but if you are these are a must have.
High waist underwear– Especially important if you have a c-section, bring these to wear home.
Toiletries- The first shower after having a baby is mind blowing! You will feel like a new woman after you are able to clean yourself up. Bring your own soap, towel, lotion, deodorant, shampoo etc.
Minimal makeup- There is no need to pack the entire bathroom, but have a few items to make yourself presentable for visitors and photos.
Chapstick– Your lips will be dry after having the baby. Keep this by your bed to keep them moisturized.
Blanket– Hospital bedding is complete crap. You will thank me later for having your own cozy blanket to keep you warm.
Pillow- It was so nice having my own pillow this time around. The hospital has plenty of pillows but they aren’t the most comfortable. Sleeping on my own pillow just helped me feel a little more at home.
Large tote– You should be able to fit everything nicely into a large tote or weekend bag. There really isn’t a need for actual luggage. I have the extra large version of this bag and I can’t rave about it enough. It holds A LOT of stuff. I used these packing cubes to keep everything organized.
Going home outfit- Nothing fancy. I brought a oversized sweatshirt and high waist leggings. Comfort is key!
Announcement Sign- If you plan on taking an announcement photo, don’t forget to pack a sign. I used a wooden name tag.
Socks/Mittens- Just in case. These are to keep baby from scratching themselves and to keep those little feet warm.
Going home outfit- Of course baby needs to leave the hospital in style. Make sure to pack what they will be wearing home.
1-2 swaddles- Hospitals are cold and newborns like to be swaddled. It is a comfort for them and they will likely be swaddled whenever they are not doing skin to skin. The hospital receiving blankets are fine but if you want to add your own personal style and have something more soft/comfortable for baby, bring a few of your own.
1-2 PJ/Gowns- Make sure to include both NB and 0-3 size since you aren’t sure how big or small baby will be!
Pacifier- If you plan to use one, bring the your preferred paci right from the start.
1-2 Hats– Newborns wear hats in the hospital. They will provide one but for your own personal style bring a couple of your own.
1-2 Burp Clothes– Just in case you have a spitter. These are my favorite burp clothes!
Comfy blanket- Hospitals can be quite cold so having a nice blanky for baby is a good thing to pack.
Car seat– You won’t be able to leave the hospital without it 🙂
Diaper bag- I used my diaper bag to pack majority of babies things for the hospital. I also use these wet/dry bags inside my diaper bag. I highly recommend them especially if you have more than one child as it keeps all their things separated and organized!
Diffuser and oils– OMG! I wish I had packed this my first two times. Diffusing oils made my room so homey and helped lift my spirits.
Power strip with USB ports– This is important for charging all you and your partners devices like cell phones, cameras, etc.
Streaming device– We brought our Roku and it was the best! It was nice being able to watch whatever we wanted to like being at home. Especially since I had to stay in the hospital 4 days!
Headphones– Perfect for those late night nursing sessions when you want to listen or watch something on your phone.
Hand Sanitizer– Ummm germs. Need I say more?! Keep this by your bed.
This no fluff list is everything you need to survive your hospital stay. Nothing left behind yet nothing unnecessary! Everything I packed for this last time around I actually used and helped make me feel a little more at home while being cooped up at the hospital!
Congratulations on your new baby! If you have any must-have items to add to the list, feel free to drop them in the comments.
