UPDATE: My fourth and LAST hospital bag guide + checklist I will ever need! It’s crazy to think we have gone through this checklist four times now! I initially wrote this post before having our second, so I’ve updated the list a tiny bit with some newer, more improved products and some other brands I ended up loving the next couple times around!
I hope this will help any new mamas to know what they will love having and definitely need to meet their little babe!
I wanted to share this hospital bag guide + checklist with you a month ago as I was starting to pack my hospital bags, & welcome our newest little babe. Except, then I figured it would make more sense to have used my packed hospital bags, to see what I really needed & what I actually didn’t need.
Even though this is my second time around (We had our first son 3 years ago), I slowly moved back into first-time mom mode & packed EVERYTHING …so of course, there were many items in my hospital bags I never used or needed.
So today I want to share my Essential Hospital Bag Checklist, using this also as a bookmark for our next baby so I don’t overpack again! I have also included a free printable checklist at the bottom – this is great for not only you but giving it to your significant other in case you didn’t pack yet or weren’t quite finished! My husband Ethan, really appreciated this!
I had a vaginal delivery with both babes – so, to be honest, I am not sure what a c-section hospital bag checklist may look like. So, if you have had a c-section, please comment below on some things I missed for the mamas who will or might be having one!
You will also notice there are some things missing that are probably on many other checklists’ & not on this one. It’s probably because both times I never used these things at the hospital, but let me know if there is something you found to be essential! I hope to pack a couple more hospital bags 😉
With my first, I was in active labour at the hospital for a full day before I gave birth, and spent 2 additional days there, so having something like an essential oil diffuser & a speaker for music would have been lovely! With my second, from start to finish I was in the hospital for less than 24 hours, so we barely settled into our room before we packed up to leave.
Every birth story is SO different, so personal needs will obviously vary along with the amount of time you are at the hospital. So I am leaving those preferences open to you & keeping this list for what I believe to be the essentials!
The Essential Hospital Bag Guide
for mama
Weekender Bag
Robe
I am obsessed with my maternity robe from PinkBlush! The material is beautifully soft, it washes extremely well + they have such pretty designs! PS. Getting a robe with some nice designs on it is great at covering up milk stains when nursing + spit ups!!
Loose Pajamas
Go for soft, relaxed sweatshirt material. How adorable are these?
Shirt dress
This is perfect if you want to walk around to help with contractions but are really warm, or afterward if you don’t even want to this about putting any added restriction down there. A simple one like this one is all you need, nothing fancy!
Comfy socks
With hormones raging, you may fluctuate between hot & cold – I was mostly always hot, but on occasion, I would get cold, so these were really nice to have.
Going home outfit
For me, a maxi dress and/or a jumpsuit have always been the easiest things to wear – tights aren’t the comfiest with those sexy maternity pads you’ll be wearing afterward. I have a black maxi dress from PinkBlush & a black jumpsuit from Ingrid & Isabel, and they have been my go-to’s for just about everything. They can easily switch between comfy + casual, to dressy + chic…and you don’t just have to have black haha! (Not to mention they are perfect for the maternity to non-maternity phases of clothing! The struggle is no more!)
Nursing tank top x2
… actually x182367
Nursing bra
Nursing Pads
Even if you aren’t going to nurse, there will still be some leakage from the get-go! Though if you aren’t going to be nursing, disposable ones would make the most sense!
Flip flops
Trust me, you don’t want those bare footsies touching the floor. I have linked to my FAVOURITE flip flops. I have had the same pair for over 10 years & I love them! They have a small jewel on each which I feel dresses them up a bit, so you can wear them with jeans or a pretty dress!
Dark big underwear x 4
To comfortably fit the next item on the list. Hospitals don’t provide the amazing mesh underwear anymore either *tear* so make sure you bring proper ones! In my opinion the bigger the better…you may find yourself wrapping bags of ice in washcloths & stuffing it where the sun don’t shine (DEFINITELY use the hospital washcloths for that! ☺ )
Maternity (overnight) pads
Toiletries
Wash Cloth
The ones at the hospital are thin & not very soft, so bring your own. I kept getting my husband to wet ours and put it on my forehead while in labour, so having a thick & soft one from home was nice!…especially if you are going to shower at the hospital as well!
Hair Ties
Dry Shampoo
My favourite is the Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL – it has the best scent, gives my flat hair amazing volume & lasts the longest without making my hair look drab after a day.
Makeup
I don’t think it’s necessary to pack your whole makeup bag, it’s just another item that will take up space – so I go for a multi-purpose CC cream & mascara. My favourite CC Cream is from Arbonne, mostly because it’s pure and safe for my skin but also because it is extremely light and still has amazing coverage, along with also moisturizing my skin and acting as a primer 👌🏽
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Mirror
In case you can’t get up and go to the bathroom before guests start to arrive & you’d like to freshen up.
Body Lotion
Face Cream
Brush
Chapstick
This one is my favourite + smells so subtly yummy!
Deodorant
Facial Cleansing Wipes
Tucks Pads
…get the twin pack. Trust me.
Water Bottle
Nipple Cream
I think I went through half a bottle in the first few days after giving birth. If you are breastfeeding this is a MUST! I suggest Bella B Nipple Nurture Butter. It’s free of petroleum, lanolin, and parabens, & uses plant-based ingredients that are food-grade and 100% safe for mama and baby. I loved this stuff!!
Prenatal Vitamins
Pillows
Thankfully when we went to the hospital they gave us extra pillows, but don’t count on it!
for baby
Diaper Bag
Onesies x 2
Sleeper / Gown
I am in love with the knotted gowns from KB Cute Designs. The material is so so soft, they wash beautifully, and knotted gowns are just genius in general!
Swaddle Blankets x 2
One of my favourite baby items & you can NEVER have enough. Some of my favourite swaddles are from Little Unicorn (for some gorgeous & colourful prints), Modern Burlap (for your must-have black and white swaddles with sweet quotes & designs) & Sweet Acorn (for a wonderfully curated shop of all kinds of swaddle options!)
Newborn Diapers
Baby Wipes
Going Home Outfit
Newborn Hat
If you are looking for an incredibly soft hat option for your newborn, check out Jacqueline & Jac. They have the sweetest beanies and bonnets in beautiful colours, while like I said, are INCREDIBLY soft!
Scratch Mittens
Newborn Booties / Socks
Babies are little ninjas when it comes to kicking off their footwear – these will stay on!
Car Seat Cover
Especially if it’s sunny when you are leaving. A lot of car seat covers double as a nursing cover as well which you may want! I am obsessed with this one right now!
Car Seat
We have the Maxi Cosi Mico AP Infant Car Seat for both boys and LOVE it! It’s the lightest car seat on the market & if you buy it from Amazon it will come SUPER quick – need I say more?
for daddy
Weekender Bag
I am obsessed with Douchebags for men – they are so versatile and extremely well made! Check this weekender bag out for a less expensive but nonetheless awesome option!
Toiletries
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Deodorant
Hair Gel
Comfy clothes
…for sleeping
Extra outfit / change of clothes
Sweater
Ethan is loving Gymshark right now…you may figure out how much we love soft material, this brand is no exception.
Socks
Hat
Phone + charger
Flip Flops
Water Bottle
Pillow
Mints / Gum
Tylenol / Advil
You’d be surprised how much this is needed.
Wallet
+ extras
Phone + charger
Camera
Glasses / Contacts
If needed.
Hand Sanitizer
Driver’s License
Cash / Change for vending machines
This is very important if you are heading to the hospital or staying overnight, your hubby will thank you!
Healthy Snacks / Juice / Milk
We love all things MadeGood. Their granola bars and bites are healthy and just as delicious! (They are also peanut free which is hard to find in a good granola bar!) I also came across Nomz energy bites and find them SO delicious! Especially the pistachio kind. If you bring any snacks, check out these reusable snack bags!
Towel
I was very thankful I brought this since my water broke at the mall and continued to leak as we drove! My hubby might’ve been extra thankful I packed it!! It was also crazy busy at the hospital so I had to wait in the waiting room on a couch before I could get a bed…I’m sure you can imagine the struggle 🙈 It’s always good to be prepared!
What are some of your hospital bag essentials?
Get your free checklist HERE
It looks like you have everything covered with this list! I’ll have to send the blog post to a friend who’s due later this month.
Great list! We also brought a small cooler in case there wasn’t a mini fridge in our room. It came in handy!
Okay, this is perfect! I’m only halfway through my pregnancy but I’ve been looking for a guide like this! This is my first baby so I’m being that overly prepared mom, but I also have no idea where to start. Love this!!
Okay, this is perfect! I’m only halfway through my pregnancy but I’ve been looking for a guide like this! This is my first baby so I’m being that overly prepared mom, but I also have no idea where to start. Love this!!
I do not have any little ones yet but hope to some day! I am always overprepared and overpacked, so I will definitely refer back to this list to prevent the latter from happening!
You are covered! Super organized 🙂 I forgot my robe with the birth of 2 of my sons and was super bummed. It was always freezing in the rooms.
This is such a good comprehensive list. I love that you included what dad needs to bring too. Because for real they need to be comfortable too. Usually they are going back in forth especially if you have family in from out of town to be there for the birth. We did. My poor hubby needed as much sleep as he could. Plus guys just need a little more sleep. Jk. Kind of. Hehe
It’s been a long time since I had to pack a hospital bag, but all I do remember is that I way overpacked and ended up having a ton of stuff to drag home LOL. You have a much better list than I had back in the day.
I think you’ve covered it all. Glad you included everyone – mom, dad, and baby! Many times, first-time moms have no clue what to bring. This list is so helpful.
Definitely a great going home outfit for both you and baby are essential. Great list of items to help make your stay more comfortable.
This is so helpful! I wish it were around when I had my kids. I sort of just shoved a bunch of things in a bag and hoped for the best.
Been so long ago I don’t even remember what I packed to take to the hospital. Good for those first time moms.
Those are neat lists. There were no big bags when my boys were born. All mot of us did was pack essentials for getting the baby home when we were discharged.
Flip flops were a must for me. I had twins so the 1st go around I overpacked… I think. We had 2 properly installed car seats in my car and 2 in hubby’s truck just in case he changed his mind and didn’t want to drive my car or if I was in too much pain to climb into the truck. You’d think we had to drive miles but we only had to drive about 10-12 blocks.
This sounds like such a good checklist I can imagine it can be overwhelming knowing what you should and shouldn’t take with you when you head to hospital to have your little one.
This is such a helpful information. I have to share with my friends who are expecting. Great information to keep on hand for those who are expecting.
Where were blogs when I had my kids, as this is such incredibly organized info! Will pass this along to one of my friends who is due soon.
Congratulations for your new bundle of joy. Hopefully I am next (praying) I’ve been trying for months and I can’t wait to get pregnant soon. This is very helpful for a new mom wanna be like me.
This is a great, comprehensive checklist. It’s so important to make sure you’re comfortable after delivering baby, as those first days and weeks can be so challenging.
It’s really important that you have everything you need! I think this is such a good guide especially for first time moms!
Looks like you got everything totally covered in this post. This will be very helpful for the new mom to be and daddy to be.
I’ve never had a baby so this list is a great resource! Thanks!
This is a great checklist! With my last kiddo, our house was right down the street from the hospital, so if we were missing anything hubby could run home and get it. This time we have at least a 30 minute drive between the house and the hospital.
This is a very useful checklist. Without a checklist, one tends to leave out an essential item or two in all the hurry. But having a checklist like this is really sensible and practical.
Great list! I have never packed a bag for the births of any of the kids. I made it to all but the last two and when I was there, I had a quick cut of the cord, snuggles for about an hour then I headed home to the others. You so have the bases covered
Great list! thank you for sharing it
what a great list to have! I remember going through my own list to be ready for hospital and I still missed so many things while there! What a great post for new mums to be!
I don’t even remember what I packed in my hospital bag, it was so long ago. This is a great checklist.
Best list Ive seen so far. Thanks for sharing