The Perfect Hospital Bag - Checklist Included

The perfect hospital bag. First of all, there is no such thing so do not stress yourself out about it. If you're like me, you'll want to be as prepared as you possibly could while being ok with the fact that you'll likely forget something. :)

While reading my list of what to pack, please keep in mind that every hospital experience is different - just like every birth experience is different. When I had my daughter, now 2, I was in the hospital for 4 nights and 5 days. I used practically everything I had packed in my hospital bag. When I had my son, now 4 months old, I was only in the hospital for 2 nights and barely used anything.

So, is it worth bringing ALL of the below? For me, yes, because I am neurotic and would rather be over prepared. For those who would rather pack lightly, I went ahead and starred the essentials.

For Baby:

• *Take home outfit

• *Take home swaddle

• *2 white shirts (not onesies) the ones that tie on the side

• *1 Pacifier

• *Car seat

• NOTE: The hospital will have diapers, cream, swaddles, hats and pacifiers so do not over pack. (They also have formula if you have trouble breastfeeding.)

For Mama:

• *Pajamas (believe me they were needed lol even if they do not keep you that long, they are nice to have!)

• *Waterproof shower flip flops

• *Robe

• 2 pairs of Non-slip socks (most hospitals also provide these)

• *Hair ties/clips

• *Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Hair brush

• Travel shampoo, conditioner and body wash

• *Phone and phone charger

• *Going home clothes (from my experience with 2 babies, I suggest bringing clothes you have worn at 6 months of pregnancy.)

• Non-slip slippers

• Nipple cream

• Nipple protectors (if you want to try them)

• Basic makeup kit

• Bath/Shower towel

• Headphones

• Deodorant

• Optional: a nice cozy blanket because it gets cold in the postpartum hospital room

For Dad:

• Snacks

• Water bottle

• *Phone and phone charger

• Cash

• 1 change of clothes

• *Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Optional: Blanket and a pillow although hospital supplies it

Covid-19 Prep:

• Extra masks

• Hand sanitizer

Now that you have your checklist, you may be wondering when you should have this exciting bag ready to go. My rule of thumb for both of my pregnancies was to have it ready by Week 30. Why? Because you just never know when your baby wants to make his/her entrance into this world.

Looking back at the list, you may have noticed a section labeled, "covid-19 prep." During this time that I sit here writing this, we are unfortunately in a worldwide pandemic. Thankfully things are getting better at this time; however, I would advise that no matter where we are in the world when you have your baby, bring masks and hand sanitizer.

I hope this list helps you gain a little comfort and even more eagerness as you approach the day that you bring your little one into the world and into your arms.

Extra Things to Pack:

I wanted to provide some extra essentials to help make labour and delivery more comfortable. Good luck!

• Battery operated tea lights

• Small lavender pillow

• Your own pillow

• A stress ball

Have anything else you would add to the list? Feel free to send it in through the contact page! Thanks!

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What bag should I use? For reference, I used my LO & SONS: The Catalina Deluxe. It was big enough to fit everything on my checklist for baby, mama and daddy. My favorite part was the separate shoe compartment at the bottom of the bag ;)

Interested? Click here to view this bag:

*This image belongs to loandsons.com