My Hospital Bag Checklist: A simplified list from a second time mom - Runaway Teacher (2024)

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more, here. Thank you for supporting the RunawayTeacher blog. 

What I learned from my first delivery…

With my first baby, I obviously had no idea what to expect from our hospital experience. I scoured countless mommy blogs, looking for comprehensive lists of what to pack in my hospital bag. You guys, there were so many different things that people suggested you pack. I mean, photos of you and your husband? A white noise machine? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Or space for that matter. Because what happens is, your bag gets to be heavy, and crowded, and it’s hard as heck to find the things that you do need when the time arises!

I also underestimated the important of postpartum “things.” Who needs cute post-delivery attire? Toiletries? I’ll just take care of that when I get home, right? But then I found out we would be at the hospital for three entire days. I looked, and felt, disgusting, and it gave me a lot of anxiety. I couldn’t wait to get home to shower, and fix myself.

It is also important to remember to pack for your partner. Let me tell you, if you are delivering at a hospital/hospital birth center, the “amenities” for your partner are incredibly uncomfortable! So bring a few things to make your partner as comfortable as possible. Our hospital room was so, so cold, so I definitely recommend bringing some comfortable layers as well, so that your partner can change and adjust as necessary.

Finally, I feel like the hospital really provided a ton of things for baby, so I recommend not packing too much for your little one, and making sure that you have enough space for any additional stuff that they will be sending home with you (hats, swaddles, pacifiers, diapers, bulb syringes). This also applied to nursing supplies. The hospital provided me with lanolin, nursing pads, etc.

What to pack in your hospital bag for baby

Click here for your downloadable, printable version.

  • Two outfits to come home in, in two different sizes (one newborn, one 0-3 months)
  • A hat for baby
  • Car seat, installed and inspected.
  • A snuggly blanket in case it is chilly, snowy or rainy outside
  • Burp cloths

What to pack in your hospital bag for you

  • Birth plan/Birth Preferences
  • Lip balm (you are going to be doing a lot of mouth breathing, and the hospital air is super dry)
  • Comfy clothes for post-delivery.
    • Dark, loose fitting pajama bottoms,
    • Nursing tank,
    • Cardigan or robe (keep in mind that, after delivery, you are still going to look like you are pregnant, so keep that in mind for sizing).
    • Nursing bra (I love this one)
    • Slippers or socks with grips for the slippery hospital floor
  • Nursing pads
  • Nipple cream
  • Postpartum undies/incontinence undies (these are more comfortable than the mesh undies and giant pads that they give you at the hospital)
  • Glasses/contacts/solution if you need them!
  • Toiletries
    • Shampoo/Conditioner
    • Body wash/Face wash/soap
    • Razor
    • Lotions
    • Deodorant
    • Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Mouthwash
  • Makeup basics
  • Hair dryer
  • Hair ties and headbands to keep your hair up, and out of the way
  • Snacks
  • Camera, tablet, etc.
  • Chargers for phone, camera, tablet, etc.
  • A pillow
  • Baby book (if you plan to use one)
  • Magazines or books, in case you need to pass some time

For your partner:

  • An extra change of clothes
  • Comfy sleep gear (sweats and a sweatshirt)
  • Entertainment (books, magazines, a tablet)
  • Comfy pillow and a blanket
  • Cell phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Snacks, snacks, snacks
  • Change

My Hospital Bag Checklist: A simplified list from a second time mom - Runaway Teacher (1)Other things to consider

  • One thing I haven’t mentioned is what to use as your hospital bag. I recommend a rolling suitcase. Between all the stuff you’ll be lugging to and from the hospital, and having to leave via wheelchair, it is easiest to have something you can pull, and something large enough to fit everything you need!
  • It is recommended that you do something to thank the hospital team. While some people are inclined to bring home-baked goodies, chances are these are going to get tossed. Instead, try stocking up on some Starbucks gift cards. You can buy a multipack in small denominations.
  • Don’t forget all of your necessary paperwork! I recommend pre-registering at the hospital, and they will help you prepare for any additional documentation you will need.

At the end of the day, being prepared is great. But don’t obsess over your hospital bag. If there is anything you don’t have, you partner or family members can always make a quick run to the store. As a wise yoga teacher/doula once told me, the only things you need to bring to the hospital are your boobs, and a carseat. She has a point.

My Hospital Bag Checklist: A simplified list from a second time mom - Runaway Teacher (2)

My Hospital Bag Checklist: A simplified list from a second time mom - Runaway Teacher (2024)

FAQs

What should be in mom hospital bag? ›

Be prepared with a few nursing bras or other comfortable, well-fitting bras. Toiletries. Don't forget tissues, a hairbrush, a comb, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, a hairdryer, hair clips, and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to pop dirty clothes in.

What should a woman pack in her hospital bag? ›

breast pads. 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. your wash bag – with toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion and anything else you need. an eye mask may help you sleep on the brightly lit ward.

What week should you pack hospital bag? ›

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.

What are the best snacks to bring to the hospital for labor? ›

Some of the best snacks for labour include:

Wholegrain toast, biscuits and crackers. Energy bars (be sure to check the sugar content). Breadsticks. Dried fruits and nuts.

How many outfits to bring to the hospital for a baby? ›

You can certainly overdo it when it comes to packing your hospital bag. Here's what not to bring to the hospital when you're ready to deliver: Too much clothing for you or the baby. Choose one outfit each and leave the rest at home.

How many newborn outfits to pack for hospital? ›

Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you don't know how big or small your baby will be! Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate, to keep baby warm. Your pediatrician's contact information.

How many diapers should I pack in my hospital bag? ›

Diapers (1 package or minimum 20, only 6 are provided by the hospital) Car seat for discharge with instruction booklet. Soothers/pacifiers (optional) Baby wipes (optional)

How many bags do you need for hospital birth? ›

Most people need two hospital bags — one for mum and another for the baby. However, you should keep in mind that hospital rooms are often quite small. If you would like an extra bag with postpartum essentials and clothes, you can potentially leave that one in the car and have someone bring it to you later.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 6527

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.