Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist:
Congratulations! As you anticipate the arrival of your new baby, it is essential not to forget one of the most important third-trimester to-dos: selecting what to pack in your hospital bag—for you, your baby, and your birth partner. Read here about Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist.
Most women will go into labor between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, so it is advisable to pack well ahead of your due date. If you are expecting twins or multiples, it is recommended that you pack well ahead of the 35-week mark.
Use this essential checklist to help you pack all you need for your maternity hospital bag. (If you’re planning on home birth, it’s still good to have all your gear ready and available somewhere)
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FOR MOM
- Birth plan
It reflects your wishes and preferences on the type of labor and birth you would like to have. You will need to be flexible about some things and be mentally prepared for changes that may come up during labor.
- Bathrobe
This will be useful if you end up pacing the cold hospital corridors during labor. Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
- Nightgowns
You may wish not to wear the hospital maternity gown, but make sure to get a front-opening nightgown if you plan to breastfeed. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
You might want to take a look at these matching mother and baby maternity robes
- Nursing Bras
Buy from Asos (CHECK PRICE)
- Nursing Pads
Buy from Target (CHECK PRICE)
- Nipple cream
Buy from Target (CHECK PRICE)
- Socks to keep your feet warm and cozy
You will love these really cute maternity socks from Etsy (CHECK PRICE)
- Slippers
Labor often includes a lot of walking around so make sure to include comfortable footwear. If you would like to treat yourself to a new pair of slippers, Macy’s got some absolutely lovely ones. (CHECK PRICE)
- A change of clothes for visitors and for going home.
Psst! You will still look about 6 months pregnant when you leave the hospital. One thing’s for sure, you will look good in one of these dresses from Macy’s(CHECK PRICE)
- Toiletries including towels
Buy this travel pack size from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Tens Machine
A drug-free kind of pain relief used in early labor. Make sure to practice how to put it on.
Buy from Amazon ( CHECK PRICE)
- Your phone and charger
- Camera
FOR BABY
- Blanket
A blanket to keep your baby warm on the way home. It’s nice for a baby if it’s something you’ve snuggled with so that it smells of you. Buy from Carters (CHECK PRICE)
- Scratch mittens, hats, and socks
Buy from Carters (CHECK PRICE)
- Bodysuit
Buy from Carters (CHECK PRICE)
- Muslin squares
Drape these over your shoulder when winding your baby, particularly if they are inclined to bring back up some feed. Buy from Target (CHECK PRICE)
- Sensitive wipes
Newborns shouldn’t have anything but water on their delicate skin for the first few weeks and sensitive wipes are designed to be gentle on babies’ sensitive skin. Buy from Target (CHECK PRICE)
- Baby bottles
It will be a good idea for dad to bottle feed baby with expressed milk so mom catches some needed rest. An anti-colic bottle has a mechanism for reducing the amount of air the baby takes in during feeding. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Going-home outfit
Choose something really special from Dillards (CHECK PRICE) or Amazon (CHECK PRICE ). Do remember to include a jacket or snowsuit in the winter months.
- Car seat
You need one to get the baby home! Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
YOUR BIRTH PARTNER
- Birthing playlist
This can help mom ease anxiety and help her relax
- Snacks and drink
Have a stash of nibbles to keep you occupied, fed, and comfortable
- Toiletries
Make sure you remember to pack a toothbrush and some toothpaste so you can both freshen up.
- A change of clothes
- Phone and charger
- Camera – to record your baby’s precious first moments.
ALSO READ:- KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO HEAD TO THE HOSPITAL: SIGNS OF LABOR
OPTIONAL
- Accessories for your first photos with your newborn.
Check out this: really lovely hair accessories for your baby girl and this cute newborn bow tie for your boy.
- Pacifier
We know not everyone is on the pacifier train, but if you are, be sure to throw one in your hospital bag. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Sweet Almond Oil
Put some almond oil on the baby’s bum after each diaper change and the poo (meconium) comes right off next time you wipe them. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Baby milestone cards for those precious first photos
Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
FOR HOME
Typically, your hospital should provide these items during your stay ( do check with them). Whatever the case may be, these items will be needed for when you get home.
- Sanitary/ Maternity Pad
You may need to change your pad every hour or two hours after giving birth and will definitely run out of the stash from the hospital. Buy from Walmart (CHECK PRICE)
- Cloth Nappies or Diapers
Your newborn might get through 10-12 diapers each day, so start stocking up now and buy in bulk too, its works out cheaper. Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
- Breastfeeding Pillow
Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
- Parenting & Baby Book
Buy from Amazon (CHECK PRICE)
Congratulations mama! Your hospital bag is now packed. Keep it handy, either in the car or in your hallway, so you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice. And of course, we look forward to featuring your newborn over on our Instagram page!
SEE MORE: BROWSE OUR RECOMMENDATION OF PRODUCTS, CAREFULLY SELECTED FOR YOU
Join us over at the PB Moms Exclusive Circle, where we invite healthcare experts to prepare us for life after childbirth and motherhood. Go to: pregnancybeyond.com/exclusive-circle.
DADDY TO BE FIRST TIME MOM LABOR AND DELIVERY MOMMY TO BE PREGNANT
