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Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Mom, Dad & Baby (From a Mom of 3)

Warning: Packing your hospital bag might just send you into labor.

At least, that’s what happened to me with baby #2. My husband had been reminding me to pack it for days (maybe weeks…). I finally gave in one evening, zipped it up around 9 PM… and my water broke at midnight.

I’ll be honest — packing a hospital bag isn’t my favorite thing. It always feels a little pointless since you don’t know exactly when labor will start, and half the stuff you need to pack are things you use daily.

But after doing this three times, I’ve figured out what’s actually worth bringing for mom, dad, and baby. I hope it helps — and good luck with your new little one! 😊

Disclosure—This post also contains affiliate links. You don’t get charged any extra, but my family receives a small commission when you shop through one of my affiliate links, and we are grateful for your support!

Hospital Bag for Mom

I’ve wanted an overnight bag like this for so long, and having a baby felt like the perfect reason to finally upgrade. This is the CALPAK Weekender Duffel, and you can save by clicking this link and using code EMILY10.

I love the separate bottom compartment for shoes, the roomy pockets, and the strap that attaches to my husband’s carry-on. This bag is so nice and has been great for travel, even beyond the hospital.

But I also want to say that if it’s not in the budget right now, any bag will do! You can always be like me and get a nice bag for future babies.

Slippers, Shower Shoes, and Socks, Oh My!

I didn’t bring slippers with my first baby, and I regretted it immediately. The hospital is cold no matter what time of year it is, so you’ll want something warm and comfortable for your feet. Depending on the season, you might wear different shoes to and from the hospital, but shower shoes, slippers, and cozy socks are must-haves while you’re there.

The Clothes You Actually Need

Knowing what clothing to bring was the most overwhelming part of packing my hospital bag with my first, and it wasn’t until my third that I finally felt like I had it right.

Toiletries

These are the things you will need to pack last minute because you use them every day! I have only done makeup once, but it is nice to have mascara for photos.

  • Deodorant (favorite natural option and save 10% with this link and code THESTROLLERMOM)
  • Dry Shampoo
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Lotion
  • Razor
  • Hairbrush and Hair ties
  • Make Up (save 10% on Crunchi with code advocate10)
  • You may want to add Shampoo and Conditioner

Water Bottle, Extra-long Charger, Wallet, and More!

The extra-long phone charger is a game changer, not just for the hospital but also at home! I also really liked having a big water bottle over the hospital cups. Some hospitals give nice water bottles, but all the hospitals I have delivered at have not had good options.

Extras you don’t NEED, but might want to bring…

  • Pillow & Blanket – the ones at the hospital are less than ideal
  • Nursing Light – Helps with the late-night feeds without overstimulating your baby
  • Comb, Portable Speaker, and other labor items
  • Fan – these are the best stroller fans that also help during labor!
  • Nipple Cream & Silverettes
  • Snacks
  • Period Underwear

Hospital Bag for Baby

Babies do not need much during their hospital stay because just about everything they need is provided.

The one thing you have to have to take your baby home is a Car Seat! We usually install ours a few weeks before, and it is a great time to have your car seat checked by a Car Seat Passenger Safety Tech (You can find one in your area here).

Now, many parents prefer to bring more than just the car seat, and I am one of those people. 🙂 Here are the things I have always brought for my babies in their hospital bags!

I always use my diaper bag as the baby’s hospital bag! It is the perfect size and one I have already prepared. This is the Freshly Picked Classic Bag II, and you can get $10 off with this link! I like that this one comes with a changing pad, has lots of pockets, and is very comfortable, but I also kind of wish it had a strap to attach to my luggage.

I don’t love the clothes they have at the hospital, so I always bring my own. I love Lou Lou and Company footie pajamas because they have built-in mittens, not snaps or buttons, where you need to change their diaper, and are so soft. Honestly, though, any zippered sleeper will work; just bring two in case one gets messy.

Something to keep in mind: If you are going to do a knotted gown, it is a little trickier to buckle the baby in the car seat when going home.

I have always brought two swaddles!

  • Valco Swaddle – We have used the Ollie Velcro swaddle since my first, and it has worked well for us.
  • Swaddle Blanket – I also like holding my babies in a stretchy, more traditional swaddle as well.
  • Baby Soap – I hated the bath soap they used at the hospital with my first, so I brought my own for my second and completely skipped the bath until we got home with my third. Tubby Todd is our favorite baby soap and you can save with this link.
  • Sound Machine – This is a great item to bring and even helps mom and dad sleep better. I have used the Slumber Pod one more recently but before I had this one and really liked it.
  • Paci – I have used this style of Paci with all three of my kids and have taken it away before they turn 2. Many parents prefer not to use a Paci, but it has worked well for our family.

None of these things are essential, but could be nice to have. The hospital will provide you with diapers and wipes, but bring your own if you have a preference for the ingredients. I did use the nursing cover a few times with my third baby because we had visitors (something I did not have for my first two because of COVID!). These are my favorite burp cloths! I have tried other brands and always come back to the these.

Hospital Bag for Dad

Yes, Mom is doing all the hard work here, but let’s be honest, Dad’s hospital setup isn’t exactly luxurious. He’s usually stuck with a small chair that sometimes turns into a cot, a blanket the thickness of a napkin, and a pillow that feels like it was stolen from a kindergarten nap mat. He’s also not factored into the meals (not that he’s missing much…).

So while he’s definitely not the one giving birth, here are a few things dad should pack to survive the hospital stay:

  • Bag
  • Pillow
  • Sleeping Bag/Blanket
  • Cell Phone Charger (extra long)
  • Toiletries (Shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
  • Slippers
  • Shower shoes
  • 3 Outfits
  • Underwear
  • Snacks (lots of snacks, like protein bars and jerkey)
  • Towel
  • Water Bottle
  • Headphones
  • Money to go buy non-hospital food

Final Thoughts

Every mom, every baby, and every birth is different. What worked for me might not be exactly what works for you, and that’s completely okay.

My hope is that this gave you a helpful starting point and made the whole packing process feel a little less overwhelming. Take what makes sense for you, leave what doesn’t, and know that you don’t have to get it perfect to be ready.

Wishing you a smooth delivery and the sweetest newborn snuggles!💛

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