Don’t wait for the due date to approach to pack your hospital bag! But, if you are not sure where to start or what to pack in it, here is the definitive hospital bag packing checklist to help out:
What to Bring in A Hospital Bag for Mama
I advise every new mommy-to-be to first pack her own bag. Here is a hospital bag packing list especially for moms:
- Essential Documents– this might include your identification card, insurance birth plan (if you have one), past hospital reports/forms, etc.
- Dressing Gown or Robe– preferably one you do not mind sacrificing. A capacious sweater or warm robe is the perfect postpartum clothing item.
- Loose & Lightweight Clothes– for mommy’s who feel hot easily or in case the maternity ward turns hot.
- Comfy Slip-Ons & Socks– for strolling before and after labor.
- Home Going Outfit– anything would work as long as it makes you feel comfortable. Maternity clothes work great! Think loose-fitting, cozy sweater, a t-shirt with loose pants, or a light, flowy dress. Just remember, you’d want to be as comfortable as possible post-delivery, so choose wisely.
- Toiletries– toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, face wash, and hair clips/ties. Moreover, keep in mind that the hospital environment can get extremely dry at times, so don’t forget to pack your favorite lotion and lip balm.
- Cell Phone Charger– extra points if the charger’s wire is extra-long; in case the electrical socket is across the other end of your hospital room’s bed.
- Nursing or Maternity Bras– I understand many mothers do not plan to nurse their newborns, and it’s perfectly alright! But whether you plan to breastfeed or not, you’d definitely appreciate the leak protection and leak protection when the time comes.
Optional Items
Okay, so these might not exactly be must-haves, but it never hurts to throw these in:
- Speaker/Headphones/Airpods– music can be a huge pain reliever for many mommies. Labor playlist, anyone?
- Nipple Cream – this can come in handy if you plan to breastfeed.
- Your Favorite Pillow– a comfy pillow can definitely do wonders for you in labor; just don’t mind the cover getting dirty.
- Entertainment– maybe a book, iPad, or really any entertainment that travels easily.
Please remember that your hospital most certainly would have all the personal care items you may need after delivery. Nevertheless, if you think you would feel more comfortable having your own, pack extra pair of underwear and/or sanitary pads. If you want to be frugal, you can even bring your own stool softener and pain reliever, though the hospital provides that as well. Therefore, do not sweat it if you forget to throw these in the hospital bag.
Stay tuned for the hospital bag checklist for your newborn in my next blog post!
