The Must-Have Items To Add To Your Hospital Bag Checklist: For you, your partner and baby!

The countdown is on before baby #3 makes its appearance and I have began to think about all of the things that need to be done before the due date approaches. Grabbing the last little things we need, getting out the carseat, putting together the crib, and packing our hospital bag for me, baby and Hubby. 

I remember the first time around I overpacked my hospital bag because I had no idea what I would need and the lists out there tended to vary. Second time around, I was much more selective on what items to bring—things I wish I had the first time around and things I didn’t need at all. I wanted to put together something for you that gives you all of the must-haves in one place. 

Things to consider— If you deliver vaginally normally you will stay in the hospital for one to two days. If you deliver via c-section, you can expect to stay three or four days. The length of your stay at the hospital can drastically change what you will need to pack in your hospital bag. If you are a first time mom, you can call your hospital and see what they provide for you and then take that off your list to save some money and space.

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR MOM

• Photo ID, insurance info, hospital forms (if you didn’t send them in early)

• Eyeglasses/Contact solution and case (if you wear them)

• Cell phone and charger (if you have a portable charger those are great)

• A few pairs of warm, non-skid socks (for walking the halls before and after labor); 

• (optional) sandals to wear in the shower

• A warm robe feels much better than the hospital gown (know it may get ruined so don’t get the nicest one)

• Chapstick (hospitals are very dry); I love Burts bees

• ponytail holders or scrunchies — I always have my hair in a braid so it is up and away during labor

• Essential oil rollers — I packed clary sage to help with delivery 

• prenatal vitamins

• Snacks (totally based on preference, but get enough so you don’t run out) and change for the vending machines

• 2 Nursing bras (no underwire)

• nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak protection) once your milk comes in use 

• Nipple cream (this will save you)

• Toiletries and personal items: your hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (I bring all travel-sized products  here’s a smart travel kit to make it easier on you)

• Loose, lightweight clothing (maternity wards can often be hot) and sleepwear

• Comfortable going-home clothes be sure they are loose fitting as you will not be back in your pre-baby body 

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR YOUR PARTNER

Last but certainly not least, your partner will need items too as you’ll both be likely to be spending a night or two (more if c-section) in the maternity ward. Here’s what to put in a partner’s hospital bag:

• Cell phone and charger

• A change of clothes

• Toiletries: toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens case and solution

• Snacks (you don’t want your partner eating all of yours!)

•something to read, listen to or watch (don’t forget Headphones)

• Camera (if you are using this instead of phone) with batteries, charger. 

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR BABY

You don’t need that much for baby, but there are a few must-haves and some things that will be good for some photos and for coming home. Here are the essentials you’ll want to add to your baby hospital bag:

• Baby’s carseat ( be sure to have the base installed in the car too)

• A coming-home outfit and hat (I recommend bringing clothes in different sizes to make sure they fit! Some babies are in newborn and some go right to 0-3 months); keep in mind for baby’s first photo, but also easy to get on (zip jammies)!

• a Swaddle blanket and Warm blanket (for photos and for car ride home if it is cold). 

• can bring diapers and wipes but my hospital provided pamper swaddlers and be sure to grab some to take home!

It may all seem like a lot at first, but you will be so glad you went through and planned this out. Be sure to keep your bag in your car or somewhere easy to grab so you do not forget it.