This is the ultimate hospital bag checklist for you, your baby, and your spouse that will have you feeling stress-free and fully prepared.

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hospital bag essentials

After some long months of pregnancy, your baby’s due date is almost here which means it’s time to prepare your hospital bag checklist! Packing your hospital bag is exciting but also super nerve-wracking. You want to make sure you have everything you need for labor and delivery at the hospital, postpartum supplies, baby necessities, and that your husband doesn’t forget some clean underwear.

This post will provide you with everything you need to pack for the big occasion including clothing items, toiletries, bath supplies, entertainment, labor and postpartum necessities, and more.

Below I will break down my hospital bag checklist and provide tips and recommendations. Having had two babies already and another one on the way, I am right there with you Mama in making sure your hospital bag is nothing short of perfection.

hospital bag must haves

What To Pack For Mom:

Moms easily have the most things to pack when it comes to the hospital bag checklist. You’ll go through a few stages of needs while at the hospital – labor/delivery, recovery, and then postpartum – so you’ll need quite a few things!

Pack for comfort and not fashion. The cute outfit I had packed for coming home with my first baby never made it out of the suitcase. Your body will likely be puffy from giving birth so sweatshirts, oversized sweaters, and cozy non-restrictive pants are the way to go. The hospital always provides a pair of non-slip socks that make for great memorabilia but definitely pack a few pairs of your own.

Other key necessities are an eye mask for sleeping and a long charging cord. There will always be lights on in your room because the nurse staff will be in and out every couple of hours to check on you and/or your baby. I bought an eye mask for my second delivery and it was a game-changer! Outlets are also not in convenient spots so an extra large charging cord for your phone or tablet is great to have since you’ll likely be doing a lot of baby announcement calls and texts.

What To Include In Your Hospital Bag:

What To Pack For Labor:

Labor is difficult but also super manageable if prepared! Make sure your husband or support person knows exactly what your birth plan is so they can support you throughout the process and be your voice in moments you need to be laser-focused on yourself and not the hospital staff’s questions.

While being at the hospital in labor is not a glamorous event, you should think about having items with you that make you feel good like your own hospital gown, wearing your favorite pair of fluffy socks, or a fun hair scrunchie to feel like yourself. Sometimes wearing a piece of special jewelry that you can focus on helps when you need to get through a tough moment. I plan on wearing homemade beaded bracelets with my kid’s names to remind myself that labor is temporary and you get an incredible baby at the end of it.

What To Include In Your Hospital Bag:

What To Pack For Postpartum:

While most hospitals provide the basics, having a few of your own essentials can make things smoother and more comfortable. The hospital should provide disposable underwear, pads, witch hazel, dermoplast, ice packs, and other postpartum necessities.

I personally find some of these items to be on the cheaper side and difficult to use. My biggest recommendations are to buy Frida Mom disposable underwear, a pack of Frida Mom ice packs pads, and the Frida Mom perineal healing foam for recovery. These items are amazing and so comforting compared to what the hospital provides.

What To Include In Your Hospital Bag:

What To Pack For Baby:

Packing for your baby is easily the best part when getting your hospital bag ready. The little outfits are so cute! You’ll want to pack things that will keep your baby cozy and warm, even if it’s during the hotter months of the year. Your baby has been in a warm womb for 40 weeks so the outside world will feel a tad chilly to him or her.

The hospital should provide essential items including diapers, wipes, baby creams, vaseline, basic white onesies, and a hospital swaddle and hat. While the swaddle and hat are a right of passage and you absolutely need to keep those in the baby bin forever, they aren’t the best quality. The care team will also give your baby his/her first bath while you are there, usually after 12 hours, so you don’t need to pack bath supplies.

Don’t forget essentials like burp cloths and a nursing pillow if you plan to breastfeed. If you want to go the formula route (I hear ya, Mama), remember to pack a bottle with size 0 or 1 bottle nipples and a small container of formula. Your baby won’t have the biggest appetite the first couple of days but always be prepared!

What To Include In Your Hospital Bag:

Hospital Should Provide:

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Vaseline/diaper cream
  • Bath supplies
  • Basic onesies
  • Amazing care for your baby

What To Pack For Dad:

My biggest advice is to take two carry-on suitcases or duffle bags so Mom can keep her things separate from everyone else. I always pack a carry-on bag with everything I need and then another carry-on bag for my husband which the baby’s things will also go in.

Dad’s job is to provide excellent support to you during labor and recovery. It will likely be a long day or night so wearing comfortable clothing is an absolute must. Even if it’s the middle of summer, the hospital will be on the colder side so make sure a sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants are packed.

What To Include In Your Hospital Bag:

  • Photo ID
  • Wallet
  • Phone
  • Chargers
  • Sweatshirt
  • Sweatpants
  • 2-3 shirts
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Comfy shoes
  • Pajamas
  • Pillow
  • Blanket
  • Headphones
  • Book/Tablet
  • Toothbrush/paste
  • Deodorant
  • Shaving supplies
  • Travel size shampoo
  • Travel size body wash
  • Bath towel
  • Snacks/drinks

This post was all about hospital bag checklist items for mom, dad, and baby.

newborn hospital bag
Other posts to check out:

1. Cozy Postpartum Clothes New Moms Love

Are you looking for comfy, non-restrictive, and cute postpartum clothes during the winter season? These are the best postpartum outfit ideas new moms love wearing.

hospital bag checklist for dad

2. Labor & Delivery Gowns To Wear When Giving Birth

If wearing a used hospital gown to give birth makes you cringe or feel blah, these are the delivery gowns you need to have packed for the hospital to feel gorgeous, confident, and comfy.

hospital bag packing list

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