When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
It's best to plan for any surprises. Babies like to come on their own time, which could mean you're going into labor before your due date!
You should plan to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go (minus some smaller last-minute items like your toothbrush and contact lenses) by week 36 or 37 of your pregnancy. This will ensure you have everything you need to get out the door quickly whenever baby decides to come.
Here's what you should consider packing in your hospital bag. I broke it down into must-haves, general items, nice-to-have, for baby, and for your partner. Plus, read to the end of this post for what you DON'T need to pack! (The hospital will send you home with lots of freebies!) Happy packing!
Must-Have Items for Your Hospital Bag
These are necessary items that you'll need to bring, whether for safety or hospital admin reasons.
ID/Wallet
Insurance Card
Pediatrician's Contact Information
Birth Plan (if you have one)
Car Seat (already installed)
General Items for Your Hospital Bag
These items will keep you comfortable during your hospital stay & are generally considered necessities as well.
Joggers/Sweatpants
Loose-Fitting Shirts
Cozy Socks
Nursing/Pumping Bras or Tank Tops
Comfortable Postpartum Underwear (like Thinx brand) or Disposable Underwear (like Depend)
Pajamas/Bathrobe
Going Home Outfit (something comfortable)
Slip-On Shoes
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Hairbrush/Hair Ties
Face Wash/Wipes
Deodorant
Dry Shampoo or Shampoo/Conditioner
Glasses/Contacts & Cleaning Solution
Medications/Vitamins (be sure your doctor knows what you're taking)
Lotion
Lip Balm
Extra Long Phone Charger
Phone
Water Bottle
Nice-to-Have Items for Your Hospital Bag
The following items aren't necessary for your hospital stay, but would likely make your time in the hospital stay more comfortable.
Makeup (some mamas like to feel "put together", though this is definitely not a necessity!)
Tablet/Laptop
Snacks/Electrolyte Drinks
Gum/Hard Candy (most hospitals won't allow you to eat during labor in case of C-Section)
Pillow
Bath Towel
Bluetooth Speaker
Nipple Balm/Cream
Peri Bottle (your hospital may provide this)
An Extra Bag (to store all the hospital freebies you'll get!)
Handheld Fan/Mister (if you run hot)
Birth Affirmations
Battery Powered Twinkle Lights (if hospital lights bother you)
Things to Pack for Baby
Your newborn won't need much! Here are a few items to pack for baby.
Going Home Outfit
Bottles (if using) & Preferred Formula (if using)
Keepsakes You Want Photos with In the Hospital
Memory Book (if using)
What to Pack for Your Partner/Support Person
Your partner/support person won't need to bring much with them because they'll also be able to run out and get something if they forget it. But here are a few items they should consider packing.
Comfortable Clothing
Toiletries (see above)
Pillow & Blanket (or sleeping bag)
Phone Charger
Phone/Tablet/Laptop
Water Bottle
Snacks
What NOT to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
These items will be provided by the hospital, so you don't need to bring any with you! You'll likely go home with a lot of free goodies from the hospital.
Diapers
Wipes
Excess Formula (chances are the hospital will have your brand)
More than 1 swaddle (you'll get a hospital receiving blanket & they'll likely have burp cloths for you as well)
Once your bag is packed, you can place it by your front door, in your car, or somewhere where you won't forget to grab it when you go into labor or head to the hospital for your scheduled C-Section. Congratulations on your new addition!
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