The Hospital Bag Packing List

Jessica Harvey
Mar 28, 2018
2 min read

There are a lot of lists out there for what you should bring to the hospital with you. I've spent time comparing multiple lists and I have narrowed it down to the essentials.

What you pack for the hospital is dependant on the birth you are planning to have. Of course, all births don't go the way you plan, and having some extras along with you (just in case) is always safe. I would suggest that if you are choosing to have a home birth, having a bag packed in still suggested. It's a little bit of extra work but potentially, it could be quite helpful.

I am going to start the list with what everyone should make sure they have along and then I will branch off into the extras for specific birth types (24 hour stay, caesarean section, multiples, etc.).

Packing for Mom:

Health card
Birth plan
Hair ties, applicable if your hair is longer!
Hairbrush
A water bottle
Pads (Check out my recipe for padsicles! They are a lifesaver!)
Granny panties/Seamless undies
Comfortable clothes
Cozy socks or slippers
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Nursing bra and nursing pads
Phone and charger

Packing for Dad:

Comfortable clothes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Phone and the charger (don't forget that!)

Packing for Baby:

Newborn and size one diapers. If the baby is a bit bigger, they may not fit in newborn diapers
Wipes
2-3 newborn sleepers and 2-3 three month sleepers
Nursing pillow
Hats (and mittens if you are choosing to use them)
Blankets and swaddlers
Car seat
Car seat cover (for the colder weather)

Please note: Soothers may cause nipple confusion. I would not suggest using them until after breastfeeding is well established.

Home Birth

I'll cover home births in one of my next blogs! Having a bag packed and by the door is good practice in case of emergency.

24 Hour Plus Stays/Caesarean Sections

With my first, we ended up with an unexpected stay due to some medical issues with my little guy. Here are the additional items I would suggest packing if you are planning for an optional extended stay or the items you can pack in a bag and leave in the car in case there is an extra stay in your future. In my local hospital, it is a three day stay for caesarean sections. These are the items to pack for your extended stay to keep you comfortable.

Packing for Mom: