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When I started putting together my mom to be hospital bag checklist, I reached out to my friends, family members, and Instagram followers for their “must have” recommendations.
I really didn’t want to be that girl who lugged a bunch of stuff into labor and delivery. But I also wanted to make sure that I had what I would need.
After taking in everyone’s opinions, I compiled a list of the essentials; The items that almost everyone said I’d want to have on hand. And that’s exactly what I packed.
Now, I’m here to share that practical mom to be hospital bag checklist with you! Scroll down to see these hospital bag essentials (suggested product links included) and to download your FREE hospital bag checklist printable.
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Hospital Bag Essentials
Relevant Forms, Documents and/or Pieces of Information for Medical Staff
Think birthing plan, medical forms, insurance card, identification, etc.
Delivery/Nursing Maternity Robe
I chose this gray maternity robe from PinkBlush. It’s super comfortable and runs true to your normal size. I ordered a small and the fit is perfect!
Mesh Disposable Postpartum Underwear
I was gifted the Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear for my baby shower, and since many have recommended them!
Regular Maternity Underwear
I got the Kindred Bravely High Waist Postpartum Underwear & C-Section Recovery Maternity Panties 5 Pack from Amazon and they are SO soft and comfortable. They wash well, too!
Bras or Nursing Bras (If Nursing)
I bought a couple of nursing bra styles to try out – the Auden Women’s Nursing Seamless Bras from Target and a cotton nursing bra 3-pack from Amazon. The first is far more supportive, so I recommend that one for day time use and the cotton for night. All are super comfortable!
Breast Pads (If Nursing)
If you plan to nurse, the Organic Washable Breast Pads by Kindred Bravely are reusable and well rated. They come with a little carrying case, too.
Nipple Cream (If Nursing)
This is yet another item that you only need if you plan on nursing. I was gifted the Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeedingfor my baby shower, so that’s what I put in my bag! It has over 2K 5-star reviews on the Target website, so you know it’s good!
Grip Socks
Or any cozy socks, really! Hospitals are cold. I just prefer grip socks. They’ll keep you from slipping during those trips back and forth to the restroom.
Labor and Delivery Gown
This isn’t an essential for everyone, but it was for me. I’m a freeze baby and the queen of comfort, lol. For that reason, I wanted to make sure what I labored in was nice and cozy. That said, I snagged the Kindred Bravely Universal Labor and Delivery Gown in black. It comes in a couple of other colors, too.
Pajamas
Being a first time momma, I packed two pairs of nursing-friendly pajamas in my hospital bag. I didn’t know how long I’d be admitted for and wanted to have a clean backup on hand. Here are some great options that I personally own and recommend you try…
Eye Mask and Ear Plugs
I’m usually a solid sleeper, but it seemed like EVERYONE recommended putting an eye mask and ear plugs in my hospital bag. Reason being? Hospitals are loud and bright. That said, I got a silk eye mask set off Amazon so that Dane and I each had one.
As far as ear plugs go, I already had some on hand. But you can snag some from Amazon for super cheap, too.
Long Phone Charger
If you want to be able to use your phone while bedridden, be sure to have a long phone charger on hand – like this 10 foot iPhone charger. Don’t forget to pack an adapter so you can actually plug it into the wall!
Large Water Bottle
Hydration is always important, but especially during labor and delivery! So I snag yourself a 40 oz. water bottle for the occasion. I recommend one with a straw to make it easier to sip!
Cozy Blanket
IMO, there’s just something about having your own blanket that makes uncomfortable situations that much more tolerable. If you want something extra soft for your mom to be hospital bag, the popular Barefoot Dreams blanket is amazing and the one I linked is a Nordstrom Rack deal – so it’s a fraction of the cost!!
Slippers
Since I work from home and wear slippers often, I tend to spend a little more on them. That said, I highly recommend UGG slippers. The bottoms are nice and sturdy and they are so warm. But these Women’s Cross Band Slippers from Amazon are highly rated and well priced if you’d rather not splurge.
Toiletry Bag
If you don’t have one, I love my hanging toiletry bag from Amazon! Be sure to put your bathroom essentials in yours – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, facial wipes, hair ties, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, skincare, hair styling products, etc.
Makeup
You don’t have to go full glam unless you want to, but you’ll probably want to have a little makeup on hand for pictures and such. I just packed my natural makeup essentials – lip balm, concealer, mascara, blush, eye liner, and brow pomade.
Flip Flops
Whatever you have on hand is fine, but you’ll definitely want a pair of rubber flip flops for the shower.
Hair Styling Tools
Think hair brush, blow drier, curling iron, and/or flat iron. Whatever you’re going to need to “get ready” to the extent you want to.
Nursing Pillow
Bringing a nursing pillow felt a little extra to me, but everyone said it would make nursing that much easier. Even my best friend who chose not to nurse said she liked having it to prop the baby up while she held him. So even if you’re not going to nurse, it seems like a worthwhile item to put in your hospital bag!
Comfy Day Outfits
Again, I packed two of these just to be safe. I did a combination of leggings with nursing-friendly oversized shirts. My sister suggested leggings to hold everything in, which made total sense to me!
Going Home Outfit
Obviously, I just packed one of these! I did some comfy maternity joggers with a t shirt and denim jacket. I wanted to be comfortable, but also feel cute for pictures, lol!
Pillow
Okay, so people were 50/50 on this. But I decided to pack my own pillow to make sure I slept well. Dane and I have Purple pillows which are super specific and insanely comfortable. I knew I wouldn’t get that level of comfort from a hospital pillow, so I opted just to bring it.
Bath Towels
Because you’re going to need to dry off after you shower. 😉
Camera
If you plan on using something other than your phone, make sure it’s charged up and ready to go! You’ll want to be sure you have plenty of space on your memory card, too.
Entertainment
You just don’t know how long you’ll be admitted for, so having entertainment on hand is key. I packed my iPad because it can serve as a TV, book, game, etc. Dane packed his Nintendo Switch!
Other Chargers
Whatever you need beyond your phone charger. Think camera chargers, tablet chargers, gaming chargers, etc.
Snacks
My hospital actually has REALLY good hospital food. But not everyone is so lucky. That said, it’s a good idea to pack some healthy snacks in your mom to be hospital bag. You might not be able to eat them during active labor, but surely you’ll want them during your stay.
Some healthier options include dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, and/or energy bites.
Free Hospital Bag Checklist Printable
It’s great idea to leave your mom to be hospital bag checklist laying out until you’re ready to drive to the hospital. There are a lot of items on the list that you’re going to need to use up until the last minute (like your makeup, hair tools, and even your chargers), but won’t want to forget!
That said, I created a FREE hospital bag checklist printable for you!
With this you can check off what’s already in your bag, and when it’s time to go you can quickly grab whatever was left unchecked.
To snag the free hospitable bag checklist printable, all you have to do is subscribe below. Once you hit “submit” I’ll send it straight to your inbox!
(If you don’t see it within a few minutes, check your spam folder. From there, be sure to mark my emails as “safe”.)
I truly hope this list of mom to be hospital bag essentials is helpful to you! If there’s anything you’d like to add, please feel free to comment below.
Otherwise, I wish you a safe, healthy, successful delivery. And I hope to see you back here soon!
Xo,
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