Hospital Bag Checklist for Newborn Baby

Having a baby? Here’s a REALISTIC hospital bag checklist for newborn baby. You won’t be there long so you don’t need to pack a ton.

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I was browsing Pinterest today and reading some articles and came across one I thought was interesting:

What should you pack for the hospital when you’re having a baby?  

Since I have 3 kids, I figured that nothing on the list would be particularly surprising.  Wrong!  As I was reading this article, I was laughing…50 things to bring to the hospital, really?  Fifty things, you aren’t going on vacation–you’re having a baby and you’ll only be in the hospital for about 48 hours, at most. You’ll probably be there closer to 24 hours.

Here are just 3 items that were on the list:

extra bag– Are you really going to accumulate enough stuff to need an extra bag?

family photos–  Can you imagine walking into a hospital room and seeing a group of frames sitting next to the patient?

takeout menus– Do you need to research and gather takeout menus?   You probably know what places there are to eat near your local hospital. Update: Now you can do all this from your phone!

Realistic Hospital Bag Checklist for Newborn Baby

I decided I needed to make my list of items that were REALISTIC and what you really need while you are at the hospital or birthing center with your new little one.

Remember: Your partner can always run out and pick up anything you forgot.

I’m keeping this list short and sweet- no frills. You are in the wrong place if you are looking for an ULTIMATE hospital bag checklist.

When should I pack my hospital bag?

When your due date is approaching you need to start getting organized, get your birth plan together for your delivery. Packing your hospital bag should not stress you out. Scroll below to see what I recommend bringing to the hospital.

Start packing up your bag around 34 weeks pregnant. I just did a quick Google search and it stated that about 8% of babies are born between weeks 34-36 weeks. It’s not a huge percentage, but it’s still good to be prepared.

I went into labor with my middle child about 2 am and I didn’t want to be packing then.

Must Haves for Hospital Bag

Footwear

Many times you have to walk the halls to jump-start labor.  Slippers are good to have.  You will have to get up to go to the bathroom too.  My feet are always cold so I added in socks. Flip flops for you crazy people that aren’t cold all the time. 🙂

Your phone and phone charger

You aren’t packing your phone since you probably have it with you at all times, but don’t forget your charger.  This is probably the item you’ll use the most.  You can watch Netflix, call your friends, take pictures, FaceTime, text, and play games.

Snacks

I’m a snacker and it’s nice to have your favorite snacks while you’re in the hospital. After giving birth you will be starving!

Nursing Supplies

• Nipple Cream– I used Lansinoh and used it from the very beginning for all 3 babies.

• Nursing Bras or Tanks- I LOVE nursing tanks.   I wore one under my clothes for each of my children every single day.  The hospital supplies the gown so I never worried about bringing other pajamas or sweat pants because I didn’t want to get them messy.  I loved being able to throw on my tank and take the gown off when I knew there would be no visitors.  They are so comfortable and convenient when nursing.  You also don’t feel exposed.

• Nursing Pillow– Take your nursing pillow to the hospital even though it’s bulky. The nursing consultant will be able to help you learn to use it. I never used one when nursing. I felt it was always in the way, but some people swear by it.

• Nursing Pads– You can purchase a disposable pad, but I recommend reusable ones. 

Toiletries

You’ll need toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, soap, face wash, lip balm and other basic hygiene items to freshen up. Don’t forget any medication that you normally take.

Going home outfits for mom and baby

One of your cute pregnancy dresses is the best for mom to wear home, so comfy when you’re sore. Comfortable clothes is key!

Baby Car Seat

Don’t forget your car seat and make sure you have installed it properly and know how it works.

That’s about it. Just let me know if you think of anything I’m forgetting

Diaper Bag

If you want to have a diaper prepared for the car, you can do that but you shouldn’t need any extra supplies while at the hospital.

More baby posts you will enjoy

• What no one tells you about breastfeeding
• 21 newborn baby must-haves that you can’t forget to register for
• How to get sleep with a newborn– This one is a good one!