Hello Moms!

With all the hustle and bustle of rushing to the hospital, there is no time to pack your bags! This must all be done at least a month before your scheduled due date! In this video, I’ll show you what to pack for labor in order for you (and your hubby!) to stay calm, cool, and collected on your big day! Keep watching the video for more details!

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Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist

What the Hospital Needs from You

I would recommend putting all your important documents, such as your driver’s license (or other valid picture ID), your insurance card, birth plan (if you have one), and hospital paperwork all in one easily accessible place. This way there is no scrambling when you first get to the hospital!

Hospital Bag

The hospital will provide a supply of some of these items, but it’s always a good idea to bring extra pajamas, Maxi Pads, basic toiletries, nursing bras, slippers, underwear, and some make-up so you’re photo ready! If you’re going to break the big news to your friends and family, a list of numbers and emails is very handy! Also, leave all your valuables at home. This is not the time or place for your most expensive jewelry or keepsakes!

What Your New Baby Needs

Perhaps the most important thing you can buy before getting to the hospital is an infant rear-facing car seat for your baby. Many hospitals won’t even let you leave unless one is properly installed in your car. This is all about keeping your child safe and snug on your car rides! Other items include pajamas, bibs, side-snap t’s, and the hospital burp cloth! Watch my video here on these amazing cloths!

Hope you liked my video on what to bring to the hospital when having a baby! With this hospital bag checklist below, you’ll be totally ready to welcome your new baby into the world! Congratulations and best of luck with your new child!

Hospital Bag Checklist

Packing your hospital bag for the birth of your baby is quite a reality check — it means you’re nearing the finish line of pregnancy and will soon be welcoming your new addition.

One thing I’ve learned is that you really can’t assume you’ll carry your baby all the way to full term.  Four of my five children were born before 37 weeks, so I’ve learned that it helps to be prepared. I recommend packing your bag at least six weeks before your due date.  No matter when you think you’ll deliver, getting organized is the key to feeling calm and relaxed at the end of your pregnancy.

Typically, you should expect to be at the hospital for two days, figure three to four days if you deliver by C-section. I say stay as long as your insurance plan will allow, because you’ll be getting help with the baby while you’re there.  And put that baby in the nursery, let me tell you — you’ve have plenty of sleepless nights once you get home!

Here’s what you need to bring:

What Hospital Needs from You (Put all these in your handbag for easy access)

• Driver’s License (or other form of valid picture ID)
•  Insurance Card
• Birth Plan
• Hospital Paperwork (Including any paperwork you need filled out for your employer regarding your maternity leave, if applicable)

Packing List for Mom

When you’re packing for yourself, be mindful that during the first days after delivery, you will be experiencing bleeding and your milk may also come in.  Don’t plan on wearing any nice clothes because they’ll just get ruined. Leave those favorite leggings at home!  The hospital will usually provide you with things like mesh underwear, maxi pads and cotton robes, but I always liked bringing my own.

• 2 Front Button-Down Pajamas
• Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant etc.)
• Blow-Dryer/Makeup (It’s not a beauty pageant, but you might want to freshen up just a bit for those photos)
• Underwear (Maxi-pad compatible briefs)
• Overnight Maxi Pads
• 2 Nursing Bras
• Camisole or Tank Top
• Nursing Pads
• Cardigan Sweater or Fleece (hospital rooms can be chilly!)
• 2 Pairs Socks and Slippers
• Change of Maternity Clothes (Sorry ladies, you’ll be wearing these for at least a few more weeks)
• Eyeglasses (Contact lenses can get uncomfortable)
• List of People to Notify (You might want to draft an email with a list of recipients)
• Light Snacks (Granola bars, crackers, etc. You might get hungry between mealtimes at the hospital)
• Chargers for Electronic Devices
• Camera!

Make sure to leave jewelry and valuables at home. And don’t over pack.  Our managing editor Katie says the labor and delivery nurses laughed when they saw the size of her hospital bag when she had her daughter, and asked if she thought she was going on vacation!  Needless to say, she didn’t use most of what she brought along.

Packing List for Baby

• Rear Facing Car Seat (You won’t be able to leave the hospital without it)
• Seasonally Appropriate Front Snap Pajamas
• Side- Snap T-Shirts
• Bibs
• Warm Blanket
• Newborn Hat

Make sure to bring home some hospital burp clothes — and good luck!

Did this help? What special items did you bring to the hospital with you? Please share below!