Hospital Bag Must-Haves

When I was pregnant with PAC Man I tried to plan ahead as much as possible. I have a thing about being neat and organized and that only multiplied while I was pregnant. But I have to say, packing my bag for the hospital was the last thing that I did to prepare to give birth to my prince. Crazy enough, I packed a separate bag just for PAC Man weeks before he arrived. I think I had such a hard time packing for myself because I needed to shop. I didn’t really purchase maternity clothes (I wore my husband’s shirts & underwear and I purchased a couple of pairs of maternity pants from my local Goodwill), but I did have a list of things I wanted to have for the hospital and after birth. Eventually, I did purchase those things and I packed a bag for myself. I received a lovely Vera Bradley bag as a baby shower gift and I continued to use it as PAC Man’s diaper/travel bag after he was born. Below are some must-have hospital bag items for mom, dad and baby.

For Birthing Person:

• toothbrush/toothpaste
• deodorant
• comb/hairbrush
• body wash for the lovely shower you get to take :)
• loungewear/pajamas (Make this as easy as possible-you will be sore and tired)
• slippers/comfortable shoes
• robe
• eyeglasses
• picture I.D.
• insurance card
• hospital paperwork
• water bottle
• something to read or a journal to document your hospital stay
• family photos
• affirmations
• aromatherapy/essential oils
• mini string lights/tea lights/battery operated candles

For Dad/Partner:

• birth plan
• camera
• phones
• tablet/laptop
• movies/music/headphones/ear plugs
• chargers for all devices
• batteries
• money/credit cards
• snacks/candy
• cooler (for food or placenta if keeping)
• a friend to keep them occupied (someone to check in periodically, preferably someone that already has children)

For Baby:

• clothes
• hat (for leaving the hospital, not necessary during the hospital stay)
• cloth diapers if you aren’t planning to use disposable
• burp cloths
• mittens or baby socks (to keep baby from scratching their face)
• blanket
• nursing/ feeding pillow
• infant car seat (already installed and checked by a professional. They will not let you leave until this has been done).

If you can help it, DO NOT BRING:

• an excess of money or personal items
• jewelry
• diapers (leave yours at home and take all that they give you)

Truth be told, the hospital will give you most of the things on this list (including diapers and formula), but it is always good to personalize your list. My husband and I went on a candy run specifically for the hospital because we weren’t sure how long it would be before I would be able to eat. (Now that I know better, I would have brought food because YOU CAN EAT DURING LABOR!). Needless to say, Blow Pops were nearby at all times :) We also made sure to bring the beautiful baby blanket he made just for PAC Man. Every single labor & delivery nurse that had a shift that weekend came in to see this blanket and our beautiful son of course! Some women bring relaxing music or their personal yoga/birth ball (most hospitals have these) to help them through contractions. Just be sure to ask what is provided when you take a tour of the hospital so you will be well prepared when it’s time to meet your precious bundle of joy!!

This blog was originally posted on my mom blog nearly two years ago at the request of my beautiful college classmate who was due with her first child. I update this post periodically to better reflect the needs of the parents-to-be. For more tips, click here!