Ultimate Hospital Delivery Bag Checklist for Moms  

Are you overwhelmed with packing your hospital bag?  This post was created to help you stay focused and remember everything you may need.  

After having four hospital births and getting ready for my fifth, I have a few good ideas of what should be on this Ultimate Hospital Delivery Bag Checklist for Mom.  

Whether you will be staying one night or several, there are a few things you’ll be happy you packed for your hospital stay to make the delivery experience and postpartum recovery experience just that much more enjoyable.  

I suggest packing separate bags for you and baby.  Don’t forget to pack your husband a change of clothes if he is planning on staying with you through the night. 

Also, remember the hospital can get chilly. Pack a robe or a cardigan sweater for post labor.

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Scroll down to the bottom of this post to receive your free hospital bag printable checklist.

Essentials:

1. Identification and Important Documents:
   • Wallet 
   • ID 
   • Credit Card/Debit Card
   • Extra Cash
   • Health insurance card
   • Hospital registration forms (if applicable)
2. Comfortable Clothing:
   • Labor and delivery gown.  The hospital will provide a hospital gown if you would rather not wear your own. 
   • Robe and slippers.  My mom bought me a new robe to wear after my first baby was born. It was one of my favorite things and I have packed it in my hospital bag for every baby!
   • Loose, comfortable clothes for labor and recovery.
   • Nursing bra 
   • Underwear (consider disposable or dark-colored) – Honestly you probably won’t be wearing your own underwear for a while after birth.  The hospital provides some super awesome mesh, comfy undies for you that are disposable.  Really, you’ll love them. 
   • Grippy Socks (The hospital also provides grippy socks).
   • A going-home outfit (comfy clothes). Invest in a lounge set (size up) or pack your most comfortable maternity clothes, trust me they will still fit! 
3. Toiletry Bag
   • Toothbrush and toothpaste
   • Hair brush or comb
   • Extra hair ties, head bands or claw clips
   • Lip balm
   • Face wash and moisturizer
   • Shower essentials (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
   • Glasses, contacts and contact solution if applicable. 
4. Personal Items:
   • Cell phone and phone charger.  Don’t forget this! You will want your phone fully charge for plenty of picture and video content. 
   • Reusable water bottle 
   • Snacks (like granola bars or protein bars) and drinks for you and your husband.  The hospital has snacks and food, but if you want specific items, pack them.
   • Nursing Cover 

For Postpartum Recovery:

1. Breastfeeding Essentials:
   • Nursing pads.  The washable nursing pads are very comfortable.  I highly recommend these over the disposable ones.  Shop them here.
   • Nipple cream. This stuff is a life saver during those first few days/weeks of nursing!
   • Nursing pillow – Boppy brand is tried and true. 
   • Nursing-friendly tops and nightgowns
2. Personal Care Items:  All of these items can be brought home from the hospital.  Just ask for extra when you are discharged. 
   • Maternity pads
   • Disposable underwear or mesh underwear 
   • Peri bottle for postpartum care
   • Stool softener (if recommended by healthcare provider)
3. Comfort Items:
   • Heating pad or cold pack 

Other Important Items:

• Baby Items:
  • Several pajama options for baby (zippered or magnetic is the easiest).
  • Baby’s going home outfit/picture outfit
  • Hat
  • Swaddle blankets
  • Infant car seat (installed in the car)
  • Sound machine (also optional).
• Contacts:
  • Contact list for friends and family to notify after birth
  • Contact information of pediatrician
• Miscellaneous:
  • Money for vending machines or hospital cafeteria
  • Pen and notepad
  • If you use essential oils, pack some that will help you.
  • Some mother’s like a birth plan.  If this is you, remember to pack it.  
  • Thank you cards. This is completely optional and not necessary.  I just know that after one of my births, the hospital staff saved my life and I always wished I would have thanked them in some thoughtful way.  

Remember to customize this list based on your personal preferences, needs, and the specific policies of your hospital.  After all, this is your big day.  It’s also a good idea to pack your bag well in advance of your due date to avoid any last-minute stress.  Who knows if baby will make his or her debut early! 

Shoppable Links

Need a registry list for baby? Read my Best Baby Product Must Haves for New Moms post here.

Download this free Hospital Bag Checklist printable here!

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