The moment is almost here and you are wondering what to pack in your hospital bag for labor & delivery. Here I will share what I packed in my hospital bag the second time around. It will also include a list of necessary items for your infant, partner & mom tips.
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When to Start Packing
I suggest packing your hospital bag at least a month prior to your due date just in case you go into labor early. Definitely have it somewhere visible such as your bedroom or near the entryway.
Some moms even prefer leaving their hospital bag inside of their vehicle ahead of time. I personally like having it in my bedroom just in case I may want to add some last minute items.
But pick whichever is most convenient for you.
Use a Weekender Bag
I ordered my labor & delivery hospital bag from Amazon “Click Here“. This was a large weekender bag that included faux leather straps and pockets. It’s been my carry-on bag in various trips.
Check out their Extra Large:“Oversized Weekender Bag“
Make sure that the bag you choose is spacious. You will be bringing back stuff with you from the hospital so get yourself a nice medium or large sized bag.
Mommy Essentials
The main items for moms to pack inside their labor & delivery hospital bag:
- Photo ID
- Health insurance card(s)
- Health insurance documents for the baby
- Any other medical forms that were given to you
- Cash (for vending machines & parking)
- Camera / camcorder
- Charger and memory card
- Pajamas (if you plan to breastfeed let the top part have buttons)
- Towel
- Lightweight robe (to walk the halls and for when visitors stop by) I would skip on the satin material next time.
- Slippers and flip flops!
- Socks (hospitals usually give the non slippery ones)
- Nursing bras or Medela one
- Nursing pads (they help absorb leaks)
- Lansinoh nipple cream
- Maternity underwear (the hospital will give you mesh underwear which I personally prefer)
- Comfortable sneakers
- Cellphone
- Long cellphone charger
- Eyeglasses
- Contact lenses
- Contact solution and case
- Going home outfit (include loose sweatpants)
- Plastic bag (for dirty clothes)
Mommy Toiletries
Hospitals usually provide personal care items but I always like to bring my own. Get them in travel sizes. Any travel size liquid bottles put them inside a zip lock to avoid any spills. Some toiletries to pack inside your hospital bag for labor and delivery included:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Comb or brush
- Makeup bag
- Hair tie
- Body soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body lotion
- Makeup removing wipes
Dad Essentials
We can’t forget about them or anyone else who will be staying with you during labor and delivery. I suggest adding their important essentials and toiletries inside of your hospital bag.
If they don’t live with you perhaps let them know to have a small bag ready inside their vehicle’s trunk. Dad essentials I recommend include:
- Shirts (extras to sleep in)
- Pair of jeans
- Pajama pants
- Underwear
- Socks
- Cellphone charger
- Deodorant
- Hair gel (optional)
- Photo ID
Some may prefer to leave the hospital and shower at their own place.
This is what I put in my hospital bag including his phone charger. The hospital’s valet parking charged us a one time flat fee of $10 to come in and out as necessary.
Baby’s Bag
The baby is coming soon!! OMG that’s so exciting! Definitely pack a separate bag for them. Include their infant clothing and must have items. However, if you prefer to have the baby stuff with yours to avoid having multiple bags that is fine too.
I had a stripped backpack diaper bag for my son, Zachary. I tried to match his bag with mine. The stripes and colors were so cute. I got his diaper bag at Baby R’US and it was from the brand Carter’s.
The fact that it was a backpack diaper bag made it easier to carry and attach. His diaper bag straps were very comfortable due to its padding. It also included wide pockets.
Baby’s Essentials
Baby essentials to pack for labor and delivery include:
- Car seat (They don’t let you drive your baby home without one.)
- Baby clothes (size newborn)
- Hospital’s photo shoot outfit
- Going home outfit
- Socks
- Baby jumpsuit (during cold weather but some may not let you use it)
- Blanket
- Diaper rash cream
- Pair of newborn mittens and/or onesies with covers attached. It helps them not scratch their faces
As for swaddling, the nurses will teach you how to properly swaddle your baby. They will use the hospital blankets so just bring a regular blanket for when it is time to leave. If it’s winter make sure to use a thicker one. Pacifiers are also given to you at the hospital, “Soothie Pacifiers” I love them.
I recommend bringing these baby items with you during labor and delivery. Also don’t forget to wash their belongings ahead of time.
Diapers & Baby Wipes
Regarding infants diapers and wipes no need to bring. The hospital has plenty and they will even supply you with some to take home.
Advice for Moms
My advice for moms during labor & delivery is to take advantage of all the help and items the hospital gives you. For example, allowing nurses to be with the baby while you and your partner sleep.
If you’re not comfortable with this that’s okay too. Let the nurses know your preferences regarding this and feedings. Keep in mind that once you get discharge from the hospital all of this extra help stops unless you have a great support system waiting for you at home.
Take all of your baby’s diapers, cloth wipes, pacifiers, formula and blankets that are given to you by the hospital. You can find all of these items under your infant’s hospital bassinet. They usually have compartments underneath which get restocked throughout your stay (amazing!)
This was how my hospital did it but if you feel uncertain just ask the doctors and nurses. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Speak with their lactation consultant if you plan to breastfeed. They have tips and can literally show you how to breastfeed your infant.
Also, don’t forget to pack their sibling’s bags if they are going to be staying at someone’s else house. I had his big brother’s backpack ready with mine for when the day came. Remember to add enough clothes, pjs, toys, medications, bottles, food, toothbrushes and any other items they may need.
I hope my post on what to pack in your hospital bag for labor & delivery was helpful and congratulations on your little bundle of joy <3
Check out my YouTube video on “What’s in my Hospital Bag & Baby’s Diaper Bag 2nd Time Around“
Mama you got this! Sending you love…
Hugs,
Stefanny says
Awwwww so good! Thank you❤
mommyloveblog says
Yay! I’m so happy you liked it 💛💛 Thank you for my first comment ever! 🥰 love it!