What's in My Hospital Bag - Alexandra MacKenzie Blog

We are getting down to the wire my friends. Things are starting to feel really real over here. Baby’s kicks are getting stronger, my belly is getting bigger, and the nursery is almost complete. My nesting instincts are in full swing. I have been getting things ready around the house and trying to prepare for baby as much as possible. With less than 8 weeks left, we have started to pack out hospital bags, yes my husband included. We want to be prepared in case we are to go into labor early. This being our first time, we want to make sure we have everything we need, especially because we do not have family close that could bring us stuff. This is one thing I have put a lot of research into, so I thought I would share everything I have learned with all of you.

I am generally a light packer, but I wanted to make extra sure we had everything we needed. This being our first baby I did not want my husband or me to have to stress about not having something we should have.

You will obviously want to make sure you have things packed for mom and baby, but don’t forget about dad. Odds are, you both will be at the hospital for at least a night or two.

(THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AT NO EXTRA CHARGE TO YOU. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE IS REALLY BORING, BUT YOU CAN READ IT BY CLICKING HERE).

What to Pack in Mom’s Hospital Bag

Of course, some of these items are a no-brainer, and some of these items are personal preference.

Birth Plan- You will want to make sure you have a few copies printed out for your nurses and doctors. Make sure you have gone over it with your husband so he can clearly communicate what you guys want to your health care providers. You will be busy, and likely in some pain and probably will not want to be asked a whole lot of questions.
Toiletries- Don’t forget these! You will may be in the hospital for a few days and you will want to be able to clean yourself up. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, deodorant, hair ties, face wipes.
Button-Down Pj’s – If you plan on breastfeeding, it will be easier to breastfeed if you have button-down pj’s.
Nursing Bra/ Nursing Tanks- Also another item you will want to have if you plan to breastfeed.
Comfortable Underwear & Socks – I purchased some seamless panties from amazon that are super stretchy.
Nipple Cream – This is also another must if you are breastfeeding.
Going home outfit – Pack something you will feel comfortable in, like a pair of leggings and a sweater. Getting into jeans post-partum may not be the most comfortable.
Cell Phone & Extra Long Charging Cord – Obviously you will want your cellphone
Adult Diapers – Hospitals will give you mesh underwear and pads, but I have found that many women recommend getting some adult diapers, like depends. They are more comfortable and feel more secure.
Robe- This is not a necessity, but something I really wanted to have. I got a robe from Caden Lane that matched baby’s take me home outfit so that we could take pictures at the hospital.

What to Pack in Baby’s Hospital Bag

Once you have everything packed for you, you will want to make sure you are all set for the newest addition.

Car seat- You will not be able to leave the hospital if you do not have a car seat for your little one. Install the car seat in advance so that you do not have to think twice about packing this. Leave the base and the seat in the car so it is ready for go-time
Take-me-home outfit- Aim for packing 2-3 outfits since you will not know how big baby will be upon arrival. I packed a premie outfit in case she comes early, a newborn gown, and a 0-3 month outfit. The gown matches the robe I talked about above, which will be nice for pictures.
Your Pediatricians Information – If you do not have a pediatrician yet, make sure you decide on one. The hospital will need to know where to send the hospital records before you leave.

What to Pack in Dad’s Hospital Bag

Comfortable clothes- Since your husband will likely be at the hospital with you all night, you will want to make sure he has something he is comfortable in and can sleep in.
Snacks- Pack a few easy snacks not only for the father-to-be but after mom gives birth, she will probably be starving. With Covid-19 restrictions, it makes it hard to leave the hospital. Restrictions are being lifted as of now, but it’s still not a bad idea to have these in case it is late at night and hard to get something to eat.
Button-down Shirt- You may know that skin-to-skin time is very important for mom and baby, but it is also important for baby and dad to have skin to skin time as well. It may make it easier or more comfortable for dad to wear a button-down shirt that he can easily open and place baby on his chest.
Wallet / ID/ Insurance Cards / Cash – Put dad in charge of remembering these items.
Bluetooth Speaker- Since you will be in the hospital

Other Things you May Want to Consider Bringing to the Hospital

Breast Pump- You may want to back your breast pump in your hospital bag so that the nurses can show you how to use it properly and help you figure out how to use it.
Lap Top – You or your partner may want to bring your laptop with you to watch Netflix or Zoom with the family.
Pillow & Blankets- The hospital may not provide your partner with a pillow and blankets, and if they do, they will probably not be the best quality. You may want to consider backing a pillow and a blanket if your partner is planning on spending the night with you in the hospital.

What I Packed in Our Hospital Bags

We are almost completely packed for the hospital. We will need to get a few things like snacks, but for the most part we are ready with the necessities. I have added links to everything I have recently purchased and put in our hospital bags.

What I packed in My Hospital Bag = Knotted Gown, Mommy Robe, Nursing Bra, panties, Hospital Bag, Button Down Pj's, Extra Long Phone Charger, Comfy Sweat Pants, Nursing Pillow, Water Bottle.

I hope you found this helpful when packing your hospital bag. Comment below with how many weeks you are, if you have started packing, and other items you plan to pack that are not on my list. You can check out some of my other pregnancy related posts by clicking here.