Hospital Bag Checklist (Do’s & Don’ts)

If any of you are a first time mommy-to-be that is as clueless as I was, then you have zero clue on where to start when it comes to packing up the hospital bag for when baby decides it’s time to make their appearance. I’m just going to come right out and say that:

Less is more, ladies.

I had searched the web and pinned all of the Pins… it didn’t matter. As everyone does, I forgot a thing or two and I over-packed a bunch.

Looking back, I soooo wish I would have taken the advice of others. I personally drove myself to the hospital and carried my bag, baby’s bag, and my huge purse in all by myself. I probably looked like such a fool.

For starters, don’t make the same mistake I did when it comes to bags. Opt for an overly dramatic luggage bag with wheels. You have no idea how much you’ll appreciate this when the time comes.

What to Pack for Baby

• A Coming Home Outfit – Personally, I brought one in Newborn size and another in 0-3 months. I had no idea how huge (or not) my baby would be. (She ended up being in Newborn clothes for almost 3 months.)
• Pacifier(s) – If you’re going to allow your baby to use a paci, I highly recommend bringing at least 2 that are different from each other. Not every baby takes every pacifier. Charli preferred only one type for the first week, then completely quit taking it the next.
• Boppy – This is for both you and baby, but I found that I let baby sit in it next to me in bed and used it a ton when trying to breastfeed her in the hospital. (Hospitals usually have one of these, but they are NOT as supportive as the one you probably have.)
• Swaddle/Blanket – The hospital will provide these, but they won’t be as comfy as the ones you can buy! Charli and I personally had the matching Posh Peanut set (she had the swaddle/headband set and I got the robe). You can purchase the swaddle/headband set here!
  • While I’m on the topic of Posh Peanut… go check out some of our favorite knotted gowns! So comfy and convenient with a newborn.

That is seriously all I recommend bringing for baby. The hospital will provide you with diapers, wipes, creams, lotions, swaddles…. all of it. You may feel tempted to bring tons of outfits for baby, but I honestly recommend not doing that. It may seem like a great idea at the hospital, but when you get home the LAST thing you’re going to want is a mound of laundry that needs to be washed.

You of course will need the carseat as well. I recommend having this installed in your car a few weeks prior to your due date in case baby wants to arrive early. I was dramatic and installed it at 32-weeks because I was convinced Charlotte would arrive early. She really didn’t. She arrived at 38-weeks to the day.

What to Pack for Mommy

• ID’s & Insurance Cards – Even better, try to pre-register with your hospital of choice! I don’t think they ever asked for any of my paperwork during my stay because I pre-registered and did a tour of the L&D unit 2 weeks prior to delivery.
• Pillow case – You may feel tempted to bring your own pillow, but it’s really not worth the hassle. You’re likely going to get things you never imagined on that thing, so just bring a case or two.
• Lotion & Lip Balm- The hospital is dry and since you’re stuck eating ice chips throughout labor, your lips and skin take the beating.
• Hair Ties – Bring extras. Then maybe even bring a couple extras in case you lose or break those extras. Labor is unpredictable. I somehow managed to go through 52 of these things over that 2-day period of time.
• Extra-Long Phone Charger – Most hospital beds are not conveniently right against the wall. If they are, the outlets are likely taken up by monitors and other medical equipment. Bring an extra long phone charger that will actually reach comfortably half-way across the room. Even better, opt for a wireless charger.
• Robe – Again, the Posh Peanut set is adorable, soft and EXTREMELY comfortable. We went with the Pink Rose design. (I still live in this thing!)
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste – I’m an idiot and forgot this of all things. Thank goodness I had a tribe to help a sister out.
• Hospital Socks – I bought my own on Amazon (Maternity Hospital Socks). Anyone that has ever been in the hospital knows how irritating the socks are that are provided to you. These were so comfortable and fit perfectly.
• Dry shampoo – Girl, you’ll thank me later.
• Loofa/Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash – That first shower after giving birth feels nearly life changing. Bring a few of your favorite products!
• Tinted Face Moisturizer – I kept telling myself I was going to bring my makeup and be ready to take a photo anytime someone walked in the room. I ended up not giving a darn when the time came. That would be 10 minutes that I’d have to spend away from my newborn. I opted for just using my tinted face moisturizer my entire hospital say.

Don’t worry about bringing much else. The hospital will provide you with all of the stretchy, mesh underwear and pads you could ever need. (I even recommend asking for a stash to take home with you for those first few days.)

When all is said and done, you’ll have everything you need lying in your arms. You won’t care if your hair is washed, much less if your makeup is done.

Enjoy those first moments, new mama!