hospital bag check list

So…I know many of you have become overwhelmed while thinking about what to pack to bring to the hospital or birth center! If I had one piece of advice to give you it would be, less is most definitely more! Always remember you must bring home, put away and wash everything you bring! So I have compiled a list of things to bring to your hospital/birth center. I have also broken it down into labor bag and postpartum bag! This list was created to help relieve your stress and take one less item off of your to-do-list! Happy Packing!

Labor & Birth Bag

• Picture ID, insurance card and Hospital paperwork
• Your birth plan (at least 2 copies)
• *Eyeglasses/contacts & solution
• Bathrobe
• Slippers
• 2-3 Pairs socks with grips
• Whatever helps relax you (music, pillows, electric candles, oils, etc…)
• Heating pad
• Fan
• *Birthing clothes/gown
• Jog bras (If you plan to labor in the water)
• Lip balm
• Headband and/or ponytail holder
• Hard candies/peppermints
• Flip flops
• *Essential oils
• *Essential oil diffuser/ziplock baggies with cotton balls in them (If at Hosp)

For You & Partner

• Snacks/Mints/Gum
• *Medications
• Toiletries
• Pillows (ones you don’t mind getting a bit messy)
• Cellphone chargers and extension cord(s)

For Your Partner

• Camera (with charger, memory card, batteries and/or charger)
• Change of clothes & undergarments (bathing suit if you want to get in the water too)
• Money (or credit card)

Hospital Bag For You

• Nursing bra and pads
• 2 Changes of roomy/comfortable clothes
• Coconut oil or nipple butter with no lanolin for breastfeeding
• (Don’t bring your breastfeeding pillow. Use the hospital pillows. Trust me, it will be so much easier starting out on your breastfeeding journey)
• A comfortable pillow

Hospital Bag for Partner

• 2-3 Changes of clothes
• Undergarments
• Snacks
• A comfortable pillow

What To Bring For Baby

• Installed car seat
• Going home outfit
• 1-2 Easy Outfits (Onesies)
• Extra blanket (for the way home if it’s chilly)
• *A thick hat (if it’s a colder season)
• A pair of socks (but no mittens for breastfed babies)

*What to bring/prepare for siblings

• Snacks
• 2-3 changes of clothes
• Comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal, etc…)
• Color books & coloring utensils
• Reading books
• DVD player/laptop to watch movies & chargers
• Toiletries (If planning on spending the night)
• Puzzles/Small games (without many pieces)
• Pillow
• Slippers

*Optional Depending on Birthing Situation*