What You Should And Shouldn't Pack In Your Hospital Bag

Everyone (depending on their cultural background) will have different items. This list is simply an American version. Feel free to add or remove items as you wish, this will give you just a basic idea of what to pack.

I recommend having your bag packed by week 35. You just never know what can occur in pregnancy and this way, you’re absolutely ready.

ITEMS FOR MOMS

Hospital registration paperwork
I.D. for yourself and your Husband/partner
Insurance information.
Snacks (this comes in handy so your Husband/partner or loved one won’t have to leave your side and go to the hospital cafeteria.
Nightgown, robe or PJ’s that are comfortable and make breastfeeding easy.
Blanket for Mom and Dad, hospitals get cold.
Breastfeeding bra(s).
Non-slip socks and/or slippers
Bra for you if you plan on laboring in the tub
Flip flops or water shoes for you and your Husband/Partner if you plan on showering after giving birth. (Keep in mind that many ladies have used this shower and have been bleeding heavily, it’s just smart not to step into the hospital shower barefoot).
Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste, a brush and hair ties, deodorant, and travel-sized lotion, shampoo and conditioner).
Bath towel (hospital towels are rough and um…gross, so pack your own ladies).
Birth plan (just remember, this goes out the window if there is an emergency or complications of any kind to you or the baby).
Pillow (unless you’re comfortable with using the one provided.
Comfortable blanket (this comes in handy when you get postpartum chills after giving birth.
Change for a vending machine (in case you decide not to pack your own snacks).
Cell phone and charger.
Postpartum underwear. I recommend using the hospital’s (because they’re FREE) but if you prefer, bring your own.
Going home outfit.

ITEMS FOR BABY

Car seat! Have it ready in the car that will be transporting you to the hospital by week 35. Ready to go!
Two sleepers (one Newborn size and one 0-3). When I had my first daughter I thought she would be on the smaller side, but her legs were so long, she didn’t fit into the Newborn size, so be prepared!
Two outfits (you can decide which one is “the one” at discharge) in case you don’t want a sleeper. You can at least have two choices for an outfit.
Socks, if it’s fitting for the warmer months.
Baby blanket if you’re having a winter baby.
Carseat cover.
Your Pediatrician’s contact information. This might already be on your hospital registration paperwork, but have it on hand.
Big Brother/Big Sister gift from the Baby. This is a great way to introduce your toddler to their new Baby sibling before introducing them to each other.

WHAT NOT TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL AND WHY

Make-up. This one is dependent on circumstances. I am writing this at a time when the Corona Virus is currently happening, so there might not be any visitors allowed, anyway. But if you are allowed visitors and prefer the make-up, then go for it!
Underwear. This too depends on you. Hopitals will supply you with as many of their postpartum undies as you ask for. So, if you don’t like them, pack some underwear. I just prefer to use theirs in case of any kind of leaks, that way my own underwear doesn’t get stained.
Pads. Again, the hospital will give you as many as you ask for, so save the ones you have at home and stock up on the hospital’s. Yes, they are like the size of a mattress, but hey, it’s FREE!
Nursing Pads. These are not necessary because your milk will not come in for 72 hours after you have given birth. Again, no one can determine what type of delivery experience they will have. I would recommend them if you are having a planned cesarean.
Nipple Cream. Unless you are having a planned cesarean, you will be discharged before your milk even comes in, so you won’t need it at the hospital.
Valuables. Please leave your lap top, I-Pad or jewelry at home! Hospitals are not responsible for lost items, so avoid the hassle and stress from the beginning.
Sleeping Mask. This one is sweet, but unrealistic! You will not sleep at the hospital. You’ll have someone knocking at your door every 30 minutes. They will be taking vitals, checking baby, asking for a “first bath” for baby, asking about “circumcision” if you have a boy, attending a discharge meeting, having someone take hospital pictures and offering you an obscene photo package (so have someone designated to take some adorable pictures for you), Lactation Specialist will come in, a person for a postpartum massage for Mom, bringing you something to eat after giving birth, signing discharge paperwork, signing birth certificate information and the list goes on girlfriend! So forget the mask. You won’t be sleeping and neither will your husband/partner.
Diapers or wipes. This one is our little secret…there is actually a Mommy law that says that Mothers can ask for items (postpartum) and the hospital cannot say “No” to the Mother. So this is your chance to STOCK UP!!! Every time you have a new Nurse, ask for Baby shampoo, Baby lotion, Baby Diapers (your room might even come with a package of 20 diapers already). Remember, they can’t say “NO”, but they might say they’ve run out. It’s worth a try! Instead, bring a bag that is big enough to take home all the freebies.
Postpartum pain spray, witch hazel pads/spray, perenial bottle. Again, this too is allowed in the whole rule above. The hospital cannot deny you any of these items, no matter how many times you ask for them. I stocked up on all of them before I was discharged both times and never had to purchase any of them. So with each Nurse rotation, ask for some items and STOCK UP!!! Save some money!