Painting the nursery, choosing their newborn's clothing to wear home, washing and organising all of their small items, setting up the car seat, and more are all wonderful aspects of preparing ready for your child's birth. Packing your hospital bag is one of those seemingly insignificant yet crucial duties.
What is a Hospital Bag?
A hospital bag is a collection of necessities that you carry during childbirth. It is typically prepared and ready to leave in advance, either in the car or, better yet, by the door.
Make sure it's easily accessible so you won't have to scramble to find what you need at the last minute. Packing and laundry are not appropriate during active labour.
When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag?
In comparison to all the other seemingly Herculean tasks to be done before baby’s arrival, packing a little bag might seem like something you can put at the bottom of your to-do list. However, having that bag ready to go is very important, and getting it done early takes one more thing off your plate.
Aim to have your hospital bag totally packed by at least the beginning of your third trimester, or around 28 weeks. It may be beneficial to pack even earlier if you:
- Have risk factors for early labor
- are carrying several pregnancies
- Make an appointment for an induction
How Big Should My Hospital Bag Be?
The real answer is that it depends on what makes you feel most comfortable. If you’re a light packer, a tiny duffle can work. If you need more stuff, such pillows and blankets from home, don’t feel guilty to bring them. A large suitcase (or a few!) is great, too. Your companion can pack their own bag, which makes it much easier to keep everything organized.
What Should I Pack in My Hospital Bag?
We’ve split our hospital bag packing recommendations down into three categories: the essentials, clothing, and extras. This should help you plan correctly when you start to pack your backpack.
The necessities are things we believe are necessary to have in the hospital throughout labour, delivery, and the postpartum period. We also mention garments that are suitable for new mothers and newborns throughout the hospital stay and some bonus things you may want to have on hand. Feel free to add your own favorite goods to this list and personalise it to your wishes and needs.
Essentials
- Driver’s license
- Insurance cards
- Birth plan
- Cash (for vending machine purchases)
- Extra-long phone charger
- Your favorite water bottle
- Snacks
- Car seat
Clothes
- Robe for Mom
- Slippers/sandals
- Socks
- Going home outfit for baby
- Nursing bra
- Loungewear
Extras
- Electrolyte packets
- Hair clips/ties
- Mints/breath strips
- Folder (for all the random paperwork that seems to pile up)
- Accessories for photos
- Mom and me matching hospital outfits
- Newborn hospital blanket
- Baby book
- Birth stats sign
The Hospital Bag Needs for Mom
Bringing necessary paperwork to the hospital, such as your birth plan, insurance cards, and driver's licenses, is crucial. Additionally, keep a little amount of cash on hand for purchases from vending machines, particularly during those late-night feedings.
Additionally, we advise you to include an extra-long phone charger. In a hospital room, outlets might be hard to come by, so you'll want to keep your phone charged so you can take photos and notify your loved ones.
Expert advice: Put these things on your partner's to-do list so you won't have to worry about them when it's time to leave.
Labor Must-haves for Your Hospital Bag
The most important rule is to drink enough of water! To stay hydrated, pack your preferred water bottle. Bring some healthy snacks that contain high-quality carbohydrates and protein. Eating and drinking during labour can both shorten the labour and enhance health outcomes.
Here are a few of our preferred work snacks:
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Protein shakes
- Peanut butter crackers
Hospital Bag Essentials for Your Newborn
Packing a few items is still a good idea, even though you won't need much for the baby at the hospital. The most crucial thing to remember is to pack a car seat. Make careful to attach the base in advance if it's an infant-specific seat with a base so you only need to carry the seat inside. If it's an all-in-one, make sure you properly install it in advance so it's ready to go when you are.
The hospital will provide you with bottles and formula if you intend to use it throughout your stay. Bring a couple bottles and enough formula to last a few days, though, if you only want to use a certain brand or kind of bottle.
Expert advice: If you've already selected a paediatrician for your child, think about carrying a document containing their contact details.
Best Clothes to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Gowns are provided by hospitals and birth centers, but they can be uncomfortable, itchy, and ill-fitting. A maternity hospital robe's versatility for labour and the postpartum period will appeal to you because it provides easy access and an additional layer of modesty in the event that guests show up. To feel your best after the baby is born, pack a comfortable lounge set or pyjamas.
Pregnancy Hospital Robes for Labor
You'll need a comfortable pregnancy hospital robe to stay cool and comfortable while you wander the hallways, perform your prenatal stretches, and endure each contraction. Another fantastic feature of a pregnancy hospital robe is that it is incredibly elastic and has loose enough sleeves to allow access to an IV when necessary. Additionally, it opens with easy-to-use yet sturdy front ties, allowing you to rapidly enter and exit.
Pack a Pair of Easy-On Hospital Shoes
Lastly, think about purchasing an inexpensive pair of slip-on slippers or flip-flops to wear throughout your hospital stay. You won't want to walk straight onto the hospital floor, but you also won't want to put on shoes every time you get up. Select a reasonably priced item that you can quickly clean or discard after your visit.
Pack Nursing Bras for Simple Breastfeeding
A high-quality nursing bra is one of the greatest items you can include in your hospital bag if you decide to breastfeed in order to make the process more comfortable. The infant may be cluster feeding for the first few weeks (and perhaps longer) after delivery, and you might find yourself wearing nothing but a nursing bra and comfortable lounge trousers. Packing a few different kinds might be useful at times; as your feeding journey unfolds, you'll get a sense of what works best for you.
The Best Postpartum Pajamas
Hospital bags must include lounge clothes and pyjamas because you need to be comfortable while recuperating and learning how to care for your newborn. Many new parents choose button-down bamboo pyjamas for their hospital stays because they facilitate comfortable skin-to-skin contact and nursing, and they're much simpler to put on if you're recovering slowly and can't move around as much as you'd want. These postpartum pyjamas, which come in both short and long sleeves, are not to be missed.
Newborn Hospital Outfits
Although you won't need a lot of newborn hospital clothes while you're there, packing a variety of items can be enjoyable and practical, especially since little baby clothes don't take up much room in your hospital bag. Keep it basic above all else. First time moms are in hospital two days on average and multimodes are in for 24 hours with no complications.
Hospital Bag Extras
You have everything you'll need for labour and beyond in your bag, so don't worry about running out of space for the adorable accessories and things you want to pack! Don't forget your adorable birth stats sign for their first photo session, and grab that baby book to record those newborn footprints at birth! The extras we adore seeing are as follows:
Mommy and Me Hospital Outfits
Adorable hospital dresses for mommy and me are perhaps among the cutest items you can include in your hospital bag. It's simple to discover something that completely matches or has complementing colours for that coordinated look with the wide selection of bamboo clothes available for both mum and baby.
Accessories to Capture the Moment
There are a few additional things that can improve your hospital stay in addition to loads of adorable baby outfits. It's enjoyable to bring a few items to make them extra nicer, if that's even possible, because you'll take more photos than you could ever dream of.
As labor approaches, a mother may experience a bowel cleansing and the loss of the mucus plug, known as the "bloody show," which appears pink. Late pregnancy discomforts will also return during early labor.
Newborn photoshoots are best captured with bundlers and knotted gowns, as they are simple, soft, and visually appealing. These garments let the newborn shine in portraits, and matching gowns for mother and daughter can be great for birth announcements or social media.
Toiletries
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Postpartum mesh undies
- Pads (Overnight)
- Peri bottles
- Deodorant
- Body spray
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper cream or ointment
- Baby soap and shampoo
- Newborn hairbrushes
Partner’s Hospital Bag Packing List
It's essential to prioritize both mom and baby, but don't overlook your partner. Ensure they have a packed bag with essentials like chargers, snacks, extra clothes, and pajamas. Consider surprising them with matching men's pajamas for the hospital stay.
The Perfect Hospital Bag
At the end of the day, packing your hospital bag is a personal choice. Include items that will make you feel comfortable, whether that's stylish outfits or cozy clothes. The aim is to ensure your hospital stay is easy and pleasant.
God Loves You
Know that as you pack your bag, God is also there with you. He is with you in every situation. Continue to trust Him. Proverbs 3:5,6 says : trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
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