BABY: My Hospital Bag Checklist

With my due date only a few short weeks away, I thought it would be important to get my hospital bag ready to go! That way, if bebe W decides to join us at any time, we are ready!

Packing my hospital bag was actually way more intense and overwhelming than I thought it would be. After speaking with friends and fellow bloggers, and reading suggestions online, I made a hospital bag checklist including what I thought I couldn’t live without. I may have overpacked a little, but I would rather overpack then underpack.

Scroll down for my hospital bag checklist! Did I miss anything? If you have any suggestions for things I should add, please leave them in the comments or on my Instagram or Twitter pages!

Thank you MZ Wallace for partnering on this post.

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST

The Bag (seen above and below)

I looked HIGH and LOW for a good hospital bag. Something large enough to fit everything, but not too big that it would allow me to take too much. While I could have just taken a rolling carry on suitcase, I wanted something that was soft, light and expandable. Something that E wouldn’t have any trouble carrying or moving quickly! Thankfully, I found this soft MZ Wallace Jim duffel bag. It is so light and fits everything I need with room to spare. When MZ Wallace found out I was expecting, they sent me the bag to try. I already have it packed and ready to go!

For Mama

ID and Insurance Card

Self explanatory.

Toiletries

My basics include my toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lenses, glasses, my new favorite face moisturizer, lip balm, deodorant, eye serum, a hair brush and a few hair ties and headbands.

Makeup Bag

While it is HIGHLY unlikely that I will want to put on any makeup while at the hospital, I want to have the option. So I have decided to pack up a mini makeup bag with some of my daily essentials. I will bring my foundation, blush, black eyeliner, and lip gloss. Nothing too intense.

Grippy Socks

Every one of my friends has said that it is imperative that I bring grippy socks. They won’t let me wander around the hospital in regular socks for fear that I might slip and fall. I have decided to bring a pair of my Pure Barre grippy socks and will leave them at the hospital when we leave.

Nursing Bras

When I was at the Biggest Baby Shower in NYC a few months ago, I had the pleasure of trying a few Hot Milk Lingerie nursing bras on for size. They were soft, comfortable, and stylish! I ordered three on the spot. Then, a few friends who had babies recently highly recommended these soft nylon/spandex bras from Amazon. I was about to order a bunch when one of those friends gifted me hers! I have one of the Hot Milk and one of the Amazon bras packed in my bag. It is always good to have options.

Zip Up Sweatshirt

Something easy to slip on if we have visitors while at the hospital.

Robe

Nothing fancy. Just a light, comfy dark robe to walk around in.

Snacks

Because everyone needs snacks. My favorites include homemade chocolate chip cookies (frozen for occasions like this), sour gummy worms and BBQ chips.

Phone and Phone Charger

In this day in age, how do we do anything without our phones?! My phone is necessary to call family members to give updates and also to take photos. Cameras on phones are amazing nowadays!

DSLR Camera and Charged Backup Batteries

To capture bebe W’s first moments.

Flip Flops

Friends have suggested that I bring flip flops to shower in. Not sure they are necessary, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Pillow

I hear the pillows at the hospital aren’t that great, so I am going to bring mine from home with the plan of leaving it there when we are discharged.

Nipple Cream and Nursing Pads

Friends suggested bringing both because a lactation consultant teaches/helps you learn how to breastfeed at the hospital.

Nursing Cover

An easy cover up when visitors come by. I found these cute nursing covers in fun prints.

Going Home Outfit

I will definitely still be wearing maternity clothing post-birth, so I have packed a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a soft short sleeved tee.

Extra Foldable Tote/Market Bag

Friends have warned me that the hospital will give you a TON of free stuff before leaving the hospital. They suggested bringing an extra bag to carry all of it home in.

Belly Binder

To start getting back in shape post-birth.

For Bebe W

Going Home Outfit

Little Me was kind enough to gift bebe W with a few newborn and 0-3 month outfits. We plan to bring bebe W home in one of them.

Receiving Blanket

I picked up a couple soft ones at Target a few weeks ago. They had a lot of cute gender neutral options.

For E

Pajamas

So he can sleep comfortably with me and bebe W.

Snacks

Because we totally have different snack tastes. He is a big fan of Goldfish. I might steal a few…

Toiletries

Advil Liqui-gels

While we are in the hospital, if I am in pain they will give me the medication necessary to treat me. They will not, however, provide any medication to E. In the event E has a headache or some malady, we will have a bottle of Advil Liquid-gels on standby.

iPad and Charger

To watch shows and listen to music while waiting for bebe W.

Headphones

To listen to music or watch shows with while I am sleeping, or just not in the mood to listen to or watch whatever I am listening to or watching.

Photography by Laurel Creative