Our Ultimate Guide For Packing Your Hospital Bag + Printable Checklist
I have never put together a post on Something Turquoise that was more timely with my personal life. I am 38 weeks pregnant with my second little one and have been taking all the steps to get ready, decorating the room, washing tiny baby clothes and I finally feel better now that I have my hospital bag packed. It’s been on my list for the last couple of weeks, but I dragged my feet a little. It’s kind of an intimidating task, knowing what to pack and what you’ll need for the hospital stay and birth of your baby, even if you’ve done it before. With the help of the Something Turquoise team, who have birthed three babies in the past year, we put together the ultimate guide for packing your hospital bag.
Printable Checklist
Our team has compiled the ultimate printable hospital checklist for you! We’ve had 4 babies and we have 3 more on the way, so we’ve been there and done that. This is our ultimate list. Some items might not make sense for you and some you might not have thought of. Click on the image to download a printable version or save the image to your phone or Pinterest for later.
THE BAG
A bag the size of a carryon should be more than enough room to fit all the items you will need for the first few days. If you choose to bring a nursing pillow or a personal pillow, you may need something a little bigger.
Mark and Graham Monogramed Bag
TAKE HOME OUTFIT
Your favorite baby outfit to take your little one home in. Probably best if it’s not complicated, a one-piece with footies is nice and easy.
SWADDLES
You will get a blanket for your babe at the hospital, but they are a little stiff and scratchy. A few washed swaddle blankets are a great thing to bring along, the nurses can help you practice swaddling your baby with the blankets you will use at home. I am partial to the soft muslin options.
PACIFIERS
I’m sure there are mixed feelings about pacifiers in general, but I’m in camp whatever works, and you may find your newborn wants will take to a pacifier right away. These are the kind my baby preferred, but there are lots of different types. Find what works for you.
CUTE PJS
You obviously don’t NEED to go out and buy a new set of PJs, but just as I’m in camp whatever works for your baby, I’m also in camp whatever makes you feel good. I think it’s more than okay to treat yourself to a new set of PJs when you know there will be photos snapped and shared of you laying in a hospital bed. I advise making them breastfeeding-friendly, button-up tops work great!
TOILETRY BAG
One of the most important items to pack is your toiletry bag. You will likely be there for several days, so you’ll want all the items you’d pack for a weekend away – toothbrush and toothpaste, chapstick, contacts, solution and glasses, shampoo, soap and shower items, any make-up that will make you feel fresh.
ROBE
A robe is the perfect garment to pack. You’ll want it post-shower and it’s great for feeding baby. If you want to personalize your own, check out this tutorial!
BABY HAT
The hospital will likely supply baby with one of these, but you may want a cute option, and especially if it’s chilly when you bring baby home, you’ll want something a little more winter-appropriate.
BABY SOCKS AND MITTENS
A couple pairs of socks and a couple pairs of mittens are important. Babies can shockingly come out with fingernails that can do some damage to his or her own face, as well as to your chest. And if your cute outfits don’t have footies, socks are necessary.
NURSING BRA
A nursing bra or two are a must. If you’ve never purchased or worn a nursing bra, there a couple of options, a bra where the cup flaps down, as shown here, and one that is more like a wrap style that you can pull over to pop your breast out. Both are generally pretty comfortable. The flap down style is usually more streamlined with thinner straps.
NIPPLE CREAM
Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable at first, nipple cream can offer you some relief.
NURSING BRA PADS
Another joy of breastfeeding is leakage. Nursing bra pads will help prevent embarrassing moments and keep your nursing bras in rotation for longer.
PHONE CHARGER
Don’t forget to bring items to entertain yourself, starting with your phone charger. The hospital equipment can drain your battery. You’ll want to keep a charge to capture all those special moments. You may also want to bring a book, magazine or iPad to watch Netflix or keep you entertained, labor can sometimes be a long process.
LABOR SOCKS
The hospital will provide you with socks, but if you want an upgrade, and a cute instagramable moment, a pair of labor socks is perfect item to pack. On that note, you can also bring along your own labor gown, for a softer, cuter option.
INSTALLED CARSEAT
Before you head to the hospital to have the baby, be sure you have your carseat infant-ready and installed properly. Most hospitals have services that can check your carseat to be sure it’s installed correctly before taking your baby home. If your carseat fits into a stroller, you may also want to bring that for easier exiting.
SNACKS
Pack a few of your favorite snacks. Granola bars are great and a favorite cracker or boxed snacks are a good alternative to in-between meal vending machine snack options. If you have other littles that may be coming to visit, you may want to pack something for them as well. Finally drinks, if you are person who has preferences other than ice water, best to bring it a long.
MOM’S COMING HOME OUTFIT
Don’t forget to pack your own cute coming home outfit. I love an easy one-piece jumpsuit. This one is cute, but casual and comfy with an adjustable waist.
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