What To Pack For The Hospital When Having A Baby
Get Your FREE Hospital Checklist Printable Here!
Originally posted 10/25/15
I am 37 weeks pregnant today and was making out my checklist earlier on what to take to the hospital.I got to thinking; I might as well make it into a blog post for others who might find this useful. I remember with my first; I was always searching online for things I might need or what other moms felt were useful.
I want to start by saying, I’m usually an over-packer, and I love to plan ahead for the unexpected. So with that being said, you may or may not find this list useful, or may want to add or not take a few of the items. This is just my personal list and things I’ve found helpful for myself after having 3 kids.
Mom’s Bag
- 2 pair pj’s
- Slippers
- Non-skid Socks (2)
- 1 Gown
- Robe
- Flip Flops
- Regular Shoes or Tennis Shoes
- 1 Comfortable Outfit to Wear Home
- Camera
- Makeup, Hair Dryer, Flat Iron, Hair Ties, Headbands
- Contacts and Solution; Glasses
- Travel Size Toiletries: Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lotion, Lip Balm, Shampoo and Conditioner, Shower Gel, Bath Sponge, Disposable Razor, Shave Cream, Deodorant
- 5-6 Pair Underwear
- Sanitary Pads
- Change for Vending Machines
- Snacks and Bottled Water (also hard candy to have during labor) This will also help keep your mouth from being dry. I usually bring lemon flavor
- Magazines or Books
- Extra Cell Phone Chargers
- Laptop or Tablet with Charger
- Pillow and Blanket from Home
- 2-3 Sleepers or Outfits
- Socks (2)
- Mittens (to use if the baby has long fingernails to prevent scratching)
- Hat
- 2-4 Burp Clothes
- 1 Coming Home Outfit
- 1 Lightweight and 1 Heavier Baby Blanket
- A Couple Diapers and Wipes for on the Way Home if Needed
- A Few Bottles For On The Way Home if Needed
- Pacifier
- Baby book
- Special Gift To Give To Siblings
As you can see, the list for my bag is much longer. Babies don’t really require a lot, and the hospital usually supplies everything you need for the baby. They even supply a lot for the mom too, but I prefer a lot of my own items, to make myself more comfortable.
As I said before, this is just my list after having 3 kids and what I have found helpful in the past. You may want to bring more or less. I know some people like to have relaxing music or a birthing ball, a birth plan, etc… Of course, your list will also be a little different depending on if you plan on breastfeeding, instead of bottle feeding, and your own individual preferences.
No, I probably will not use everything I plan on packing, but it makes me feel better just knowing I have it if needed. In the end, I would suggest packing the basics, and then whatever you want to make your stay a little more comfortable.
What are some of the things you found helpful to take to the hospital?
If you like you can also print off the simple printable version checklist, I made here.
Hospital Checklist Printable
Update: Avery Rose was born on 9-22-15 at 37 weeks and 3 days before I could even get this posted. She weighed 6lbs 5oz and was 18.5 inches long. She is such a good baby, and we are very blessed to have her 🙂 You can see pics here if you’re interested.