The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby

It is crazy to think that at 36 weeks you already have to pack your hospital bag. You have created your hospital bag checklist for mom and baby and are ready to go. I think that’s when it really hits you. The “OMG I could go any day now” feeling starts kicking in. Now, although this could happen and it most certainly does…it’s not something to bank on, nor would you necessarily want it to happen.

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For those of you who are like me, I had to get induced because I was 8 days late which makes for a very long “it could happen any day” period. However, this mom had her hospital bag checklist all set and ready to go and you bet I had my bag packed at 36 weeks with the “it could happen any day, not that I wanted it to” feeling. Little did I know that my hospital bag would be sitting there collecting dust for over 5 weeks.

So, about these hospital bag checklists … there are A LOT of them and they are ALL over the internet. Again, I did the research for you, printed as many as I could find and then combined them into one MASTER list. As with all of my mom lists, I will give you the MASTER list. This will be the Ultimate hospital bag packing list for mom and baby. Your job is to take what you like and leave the rest 😊. I will provide you what you NEED, a couple things you may WANT and even a couple extra BONUSES. This is the only hospital bag checklist you will need, so look no further.

For the full list of things to purchase for your hospital bag, see the list at the end of the blog!

1. Nursing Equipment

If you plan on nursing, there are some things you are going to want to add to your hospital checklist for mom and baby to make your life a little easier. After you’ve been through the mill, trust me you are going to want… and you deserve, to have everything right by your side.

Pumping Bra

A pumping bra was the one thing on my list that I did not have for my first child but I made sure to add to the hospital bag checklist for mom and baby when I had the others. I was one of the lucky ones, “I guess you could say,” where I had plenty of milk to go around. Well at least in the beginning. My baby was not eating enough for the amount I was producing, so I had to pump starting from day one… yeah… fun.

The hospital was kind enough to provide me a pump; however, they were not going to supply a pumping bra. I had two choices. I either had to lay there and hold the bottles, OR I could purchase a pumping bra for $40.00. Obviously, I purchased one because I am all about convenience, but let me save you half the cost and just purchase a pumping bra online “just in case”. If you don’t need it, leave the tags on it and just return it. The point is, at the very least you have one. Even if you don’t use it at the hospital, you may need one down the road.

Nursing Bra and Nursing Pads

Again, if you plan on nursing, you will need to add a nursing bra to your hospital bag checklist for mom and baby. It makes life a lot easier and frankly it is way more comfortable than any other bra. You will have people/staff coming in all hours of the day and it is nice to be able to keep at least some of your clothes on while nursing. I mean, at this point I know you probably don’t care who sees ‘what’ because all your privacy goes out the window once you have a baby, but for those of you who do care, this is a nice to have. Not to mention the convenience of just “popping” your baby on while he/she is STARVING 😊. The nursing pads are nice to keep things under control if you know what I mean. They just keep you comfortable.

Boppy Pillow

For those of you who like to pack light, this is definitely not a must have baby item on your hospital bag checklist for mom and baby. Pillows do just fine. With that said, I will say when it’s your first time breastfeeding, anything to make your life easier, go for it. The Boppy pillow is designed to help position your baby for nursing. If you are trying to just make your life easier, then just bring one along.

Button Up Shirt or Loose Fitting Shirt

I’ll be honest, I am not sure I wore a shirt half the time, but when it’s a little cold in the room, “which often times it is,” or when you plan on having visitors, it’s a good idea to have a loose fitting shirt or button up for the obvious reason of comfort and convenience while breastfeeding. It’s also a good idea to be clothed for your scenic walks down those hospital corridors 😉.

2. Everyday Wear

Depending on the circumstances, your minimal stay will be two days but it could be longer for c-sections and/or complications. You will want comfortable clothes for your hospital stay.

Hospital Gown

Most hospitals provide you with hospital gowns, but I actually purchased all my hospital gowns. I bought them in the colors that matched my theme for each child. Okay, I know this is probably where you think I have taken this too far, but in all honesty, when looking at all my first pictures with my baby, I was happy to be in the hospital gown of my choice. I purchased a pink one for my first daughter, a blue one for my son and a purple one for my second daughter 😊.

Comfortable Clothes

So, if you do not want to spend all your days in a hospital gown, the first thing that comes to mind is robe, comfy socks and slippers. I will be honest, most of the time I was just in my comfortable robe, nursing bra and comfy socks. The slippers are nice, again for your scenic walks down the hallways.

I always packed a few pairs of loose pants, tee shirts and long-sleeved shirts. You will also want to make sure you have comfortable shoes, boots or sandals for when you leave the hospital. For bedtime, you can keep the same clothes on, “it’s allowed”, or bring some comfy pajamas.

3. Bathroom Gear

The hospital provides the very basics in terms of towels, rags and soap, but you will definitely want to bring your own items that you get ready with.

Toiletries

Don’t forget to bring all your toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, loofah, razor, face wash, face lotion, body lotion, deodorant, eye makeup remover, hair brush, q tips, toothbrush and toothpaste, makeup (for visitors and/or hospital photo shoot), hair dryer, and a curing iron are just to name a few ;).

Bath Towel

Another item you may not think to add to your hospital bag checklist for mom and baby is a towel. The hospitals do provide towels; however, I swear they are only big enough to wrap around my new baby. If you want a good one, bring your towel from home, don’t rely on the hospital to provide a nice one.

Flip Flops

Anytime I shower in a public shower (no matter how clean it seems) I always wear flip flops. Even though you are in a hospital and it is supposed to be clean, I would still error on the side of caution and bring your flip flops.

4. Food

It’s nice to have some snacks nearby so you don’t always have to order food or pay money at the vending machines. Snacks nearby are always good to have bedside. Also, sometimes it’s good to bring some prunes or something high in fiber. I am sure you can take a guess as to why those food items might be nice to have on hand.

5. Paperwork

Most of the time you provide your doctor with your Birth Plan ahead of time, but I always brought a copy with me just in case. It is also a good idea to bring your registration forms. Now-a-days most people pre-register online but I brought a copy of my registration as well. Make sure you also bring your drivers license or ID to verify identity.

6. Electronics

Most people use their cell phones for everything but it’s nice to have a good camera and charger for quality photos and/or videos. You may also want to bring your laptop and charger just to have on hand. I know you will not forget your phone and charger but I am adding it here anyway just in case there is enough on your mind already 😉.

7. Bedside Items

There are some things that I made sure to have at my bedside. The first thing is a giant water bottle, because nursing makes me thirsty. This Bubba water bottle was my favorite water bottle that I used when I was in the hospital with each kid. Next, is some Chapstick. I am not sure if it was the temperature in the hospital or just one of those post baby things, but my lips were always dry. Another bedside item is mints. If you plan on talking to people and/or are expecting visitors, it’s nice to have some mints nearby for a quick fix. Also, If you wear glasses, don’t forget those. Oh, and it’s good to have a couple extra rubber bands to be able to throw your hair back in that sexy messy bun 😊.

8. Gifts

We choose to have Godparents for all of our kids. The godparents were people who were family to us and most likely they were visiting our baby at the hospital. I felt like the hospital was the perfect setting to ask in a “special way” if he/she would be the Godparent of our child. You could take the classic picture of the new godparent holding your child, present them with the gift, and enjoy the special moment with them!

For my second and third kids, I knew it was going to be an adjustment having a new sibling. I wanted to provide them a little gift from their new baby brother or sister so that they could be put at ease and have a little something more to be excited about.

9. Photo Shoot Clothes and Props

Lastly, if your hospital provides photographer services, then you will want to be prepared. I know it’s not the most ideal time, but you will be happy you chose to do the photos. Lifestyle photos are beautiful and they are really becoming a trend, so don’t stress about bringing anything if you choose to go this route. If you choose to go more formal, then plan on packing a dress or dressier shirt and pants.

10. Baby Bag

In the very beginning, there is not much your baby will need. Especially in the hospital. Most hospitals provide you with diapers, a nose syringe, formula, onesies, and a knit hat, which is really all you need.

Items For Your Baby’s Footprint and Hand Print

The hospital will often times provide you with a hat or a piece of paper for hand prints and footprints, but I always brought my own props. I would usually bring the hand and footprint page from the baby book that I purchased ahead of time. For my husband, I packed a hat, and then I brought in some extra card stock for their keepsake.

Again, I know I am a little crazy but I also purchased “pink” ink for my daughter, “blue” ink for my son and “purple” ink for my other daughter. If you want to have fun with it, you can buy this safe ink for your babies hand prints and footprints. Don’t forget to make sure to give everything to the nurses ahead of your delivery!

Clothes

If you want to dress your baby in his/her newest freshest onesies, then bring some fun ones along. Depending on how your baby is measuring you may want to bring newborn and 0-3 month onesies.

I also packed some matching baby mittens and hats just in case the baby scratches his/herself. A lot of times the onesie will come with mittens and a matching hat!

You will also want to bring some outfits and accessories for the photo shoot. If you want some glam, you may want to pack a headband, necklace, teddy bear, blanket, special mementos, etc. Some people will even bring in a basket as well.

You will also want to make sure to pack a “coming home” outfit. This is a special outfit that your newborn will wear when he/she arrives home.

Photo Shoot Outfit and Props

If you plan on doing a formal photo shoot for your new baby, it’s a good idea to get a couple outfits for your baby and any accessories he/she may need. A headband, necklace, teddy bear, blanket, special mementos, etc. Some people even will bring in a basket as well. Make sure to also pack an outfit for yourself, hubby and/or other siblings for your family photo!

Extras

Pack some socks for your baby and also some blankets to keep your baby nice and toasty! Sometimes those hospitals are cold so its good to be able to snuggle your baby in some nice blankets/swaddles. Aden + Anais breathable swaddle blankets are the best! Aden + Anais also have burp rags, which again are my favorite! The other thing I brought (which you do not need, because the hospital will supply pacifiers) was the baby’s WubbaNub. I used these pacifiers from the beginning because it was easy to find and it doesn’t fall out as often as a pacifier does.

Car Seat

In order to bring your infant home you will need to make sure you bring your infant car seat!

Car Seat Cover

If you live in the Midwest and your baby is due in the winter months, make sure you do not forget to bring the car seat cover with your car seat. That way your baby is nice and cozy when going out into the cold for the very first time.

With this list you should be all set! So, sit back, pack and let the fun begin!

For a list of items to purchase for your hospital bag, see the list below!

Hospital Bag Packing List For Mom

pumping bra
nursing bra
nursing pads
Boppy pillow
button up shirt or loose fitting shirt
loose fitting pants
pajamas
hospital gown
robe
slippers
comfortable socks
comfortable shoes
boots or sandals
toiletries
bath towel
flip flops
food
birth plan
registration
drivers license or ID
camera and charger
laptop and charger
phone and charger
Bubba water bottle
chapstick
mints
glasses
rubber bands
gifts for Godparents
gifts for other siblings
photo shoot clothes and props

Hospital Packing List for Baby

items to put the hand prints and footprints on
safe ink
onesies
mittens
hats
socks
baby blankets
coming home outfit
outfits for photo shoot
props for photo shoot
swaddle blankets
burp rags
WubbaNub
car seat
car seat cover

If you are wondering if you have everything for your new baby when you return home, click on A list of Must Have Baby Items that you would never think of.

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