Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack

Hospital Bags

Our Storksak Hospital Bags

Drew and I both got matching Storksak Cabin Wheeled Carry-on Bags that have an amazing hanging organizer inside. You can actually hang up the inside organizer in a closet or whoever, so you don’t have to unpack and unfold everything in your bag. So genius!! These rolling duffels are the perfect bags to take with us to the hospital. They are perfect for general travel to, and they’re really light-weight and so functional. We love them! 🙂 They fit everything we need for us, the baby, and they still have room left in them for last minute items. I got the grey color (which is so cute!) and Drew got the classic black color for his.

For Mom

Clothing

Robe: This robe from Cosabella matches my cute little nightshirt and it’s perfect to throw on over my nursing nightgown in case I get chilly. It’s so much cuter and softer than the hospital robe, and I plan on changing into this soon after she’s born. I also love this monogrammed robe, and its also so soft and comfy!

2 Nursing Bras – I love these Never Say Never Mommie Nursing Bras from Cosabella. They’re pretty, soft, comfy, and so functional. They are pricier, but I’ve tried on sooo many nursing bras and they’re either comfy and super hideous or they’re just okay looking at so uncomfortable/itchy. I love the fabric on these, and totally feel like they’re worth the investment. I have the blush (nude), black, and light pink. I sized up to a L in these because I know that I will get bigger as I start to breastfeed.

1 Nursing Nightgown: This Cosabella Never Say Never Mommie Babydoll Nightgown iss the same style as my nursing bras. It’s so soft + comfortable and fits TTS. I have my normal Medium in the graphite and pink colors.

2 Sets of Pajamas: For me, I want something super soft and breathable. I’m typically pretty hot natured, and love super-soft things, especially when I’m not feeling well. This button down nightshirt is amazing for so many reasons. It’s super soft, it buttons all the way down making it easy to breastfeed in, and I know the doctors/nurses will be coming in frequently to check me, so I don’t want to constantly have to think about taking off and putting back on pajama shorts/pants. 🙂

Boyshort Undies: My mom raves about the mesh undies that the hospital gives you, so just in case I don’t love them, I’m packing a few pair of my fave *black* boy shorts. These black boyshorts are also super comfy and will be perfect for after baby too. I love wearing boyshorts to bed just to sleep in. 🙂

Seamless Sleep Bra: I’m super hot-natured so I plan on taking a comfy sports/lounge bra with me in case that’s what I want to wear during L&D!

Slippers: I love these from UGG because they’re SO warm and comfy. They’re the moccasin style, so they stay on your feet!

Fuzzy Socks with Grippers: The hospital socks look so gross (lol), so I am packing a couple pairs of my own just in case!

Blanket: I love all things soft, and sometimes hospitals can be really chilly so packing this blanket from The Little Giraffe was a must! I have the Luxe Snow Leopard Print in the smaller size, and the print is SO gorgeous! Use code ‘MORG20’ to save 20% off everything on The Little Giraffe site. 🙂

Going Home Outfit: I plan on wearing these leggings (my fave maternity leggings!) or these active maternity leggings (my fave active maternity leggings) and an oversized comfy sweater. 🙂 This grey sweater tunic is one of my favorite (SO SOFT!!!) and I love this pink sweater too! 🙂 I will be wearing these Sperry sneakers as they will be so easy to slide on and off! 🙂

Bellefit Girdle: I plan on wearing this as soon as possible after baby. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about this girdles! Y’all can get $20 off any Bellefit girdle with code ‘MORGAN20’ 🙂

Toiletries

Makeup Remover Wipes: These from Philosophy are my FAVE! I love The Philosophy Purity face wash, and these are a convenient take on that. Their perfect for travel in general, and especially the hospital! 🙂 I hate sleeping in makeup, and these will be so handy just to refresh my face during our stay.

Claraderm Spray: For pre delivery prep + post-delivery recovery I’ve heard this is incredible.

Essential Oils + Diffuser: I LOVE the lavender + stress away. I’ll be diffusing them in the L&D room and after she’s here too in the regular room. I’ve been using these two every night since I got them. I’m also planning on applying lavender & frankincense topically throughout labor.

Rose Ointment: For breastfeeding – I’ve heard this is incredible. It smells heavenly & I’ve been using it on my chapped lips and love it!!

Food

Protein Bars: These PowerCrunch Bars in the Peanut Butter Fudge flavor are my FAVE! They’re really good cold too.

Pre-made Protein Shakes: These from Orgain are my absolute favorite. I drank these daily when I first found out I was pregnant, because I always felt a little nauseous in the morning. These protein shakes helped me get in my protein and calories early on in my pregnancy, and never make me feel nauseous. I’m sure I’ll be feeling a little nauseous before + after baby, so these are the perfect snack for me to take.

Prenantal Vitamins: Still going to take these after she’s born!

Yeti Cooler: This was actually recommended when we went on our hospital to keep any food + drinks cold for dad (but let’s be honest, I’m going to make him sneak me snacks too haha).

Miscellaneous Extras

Nursing Pads

Birthing Ball: I’m just taking my exercise ball with us as I’ve heard it’s super helpful during L&D. It’s so big and bulky, so I’m hoping we don’t accidentally leave this at home haha.

Breast Pump: So the lactation nurses can help me figure it out.

For Baby

Car Seat: We have the Nuna PIPA Lite in Grey and love how light-weight it is!

Car Seat Cover in “Bloom”

Diaper Bag

2 Onesies

2 Pairs of Mittens

2 Bow Hats

2 Swaddle Sets

A few different pacifiers

3 Hair Bows

Going Home Outfit

Hospital Blanket + Newborn Hat from Hospital: For my mom + dad to take home for Penny & Charlie to get used to her smell.

For Dad

Toiletry Essentials: Toothbrush (Drew has the same quip toothbrush in slate & loves his too!), toothpaste, deodorant, contact solution

Travel Skincare Set for combination skin

Phone Charger

Wallet

2 Pairs of Sweatpants

2 Comfy Tees

Hoodie

Jacket

Blanket

Slipper Mocassins: I got these for Drew for Christmas and they’re SO perfect. Super comfy and durable.

Going Home Outfit

SHOP THE POST: MY HOSPITAL BAG – CLOTHING

SHOP THE POST: TOILETRIES + NEW MAMA ESSENTIALS

SHOP THE POST: MY HOSPITAL BAG – BABY

Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack - Morgan Bullard (31)

Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack - Morgan Bullard (2024)

FAQs

Do you bring a suitcase as hospital bag? ›

Pack A Couple Of Bags: “Consider packing two or even three holdalls rather than one big suitcase. The reason being that suitcases are tricky to get into once you're in bed recovering, especially if you've had a c-section.

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When to pack a hospital bag for a 2nd baby? ›

It's a good idea to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go by the time you reach 36 weeks of pregnancy. This will give you plenty of time to double-check your checklist and make sure you have everything you need.

What to pack in a hospital bag for birth in Australia? ›

For yourself

Loose and comfortable clothing to wear during labour.
A few changes of comfortable day clothes and sleepwear.
Maternity bras and comfortable underwear (several pairs).
Maternity sanitary pads x 2 packets.
Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste etc).
Any medications that you regularly take.

More items...

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When to start packing a hospital bag? ›

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.

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How many outfits to bring to the hospital for mom? ›

Too many clothes.

You'll likely be in your nightgown for most of your stay, so you won't need a lot of clothes. Pack a going-home outfit that is comfortable and easy to put on, like leggings and a loose shirt.

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Is a suitcase too big for a hospital bag? ›

It's fine. I used a cabin size suitcase, much easier than lugging a carry bag around.

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Do you pack bottles in hospital bag? ›

Diapers, diaper wipes, bottles, nipples and (if you decide to use them) pacifiers. Everything your baby will need during their hospital stay is provided. You only need to pack for the trip home.

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Should you pack bottles in hospital bag? ›

If you choose to bottle feed – you will need to bring enough pre-packed bottles of a readymade newborn formula into hospital with you to last for your stay. We recommend that you purchase at least one 'starter pack' of first infant milk containing 6 bottles and 6 teats.

What to wear to the hospital for labor? ›

Items for Mom

The hospital will supply you with a gown, slippers, disposable underwear, and basic toiletries. While it is nice to have your own clothes with you, labor and the first few days postpartum are most often a very messy time, so you may not want to wear your brand-new lingerie.

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What to wear in labor? ›

Something cool and loose to wear during labour such as a cotton nighty or a large t-shirt, including something to wear in the birthing pool (the hospital can provide a gown if you would prefer this) Dressing gown, slippers and nightwear. Support bra to wear while breastfeeding.

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How many clothes do you need for a hospital bag for a baby? ›

A couple of thin, cellular blankets will be good for layering, depending on the temperature. Newborns need to be kept snug, so take a little hat. A pair of cotton mittens will be useful to stop them scratching – some sleepsuits have built-in ones. Pack at least two or three sleepsuits, vests and a cardigan or two.

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What snacks are good for labor? ›

Snacks for the hospital bag

Fresh fruit for example, or yoghurts or other dairy products. Other snacks for labour however can be packed in your hospital bag ahead of time, and some you might want to include are: Wholegrain biscuits and crackers. Nuts and seeds.

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How many swaddles to take to the hospital? ›

We recommend packing two-three 1.0TOG Cocoon Swaddles in your hospital bag in size newborn or 0-3 months.

What do babies wear under a swaddle in the hospital? ›

A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear to be comfortable in the same room. This can include a onesie, socks or booties, and a hat if necessary. By dressing your baby in layers, you can easily adjust their clothing to accommodate changes in the room temperature.

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What should I pack for labor and birth? ›

Your labour bag might contain:

an old nightdress (front-opening ones are easy for breastfeeding) or an old T-shirt.
a music player and headphones.
a dressing-gown and sandals or slippers.
a hairbrush and hairbands if you have long hair.
a wash bag with toiletries.
a toothbrush and toothpaste.
a mobile phone and charger.