Expecting a baby and organising everything can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.
Here you will find a hospital bag checklist for mom and baby.
If you prepare your hospital bag with all the necessities for you and the baby,
I can guarantee that your birth experience will be better
and you will enjoy more the first moments with your baby!
This post is all about hospital bags for moms and babies.
Don’t go crazy and buy everything you read in this checklist right away. It’s important to ask your hospital what they provide first. Also, think what could be necessary for you.
Step 1 : Ask your hospital what they provide.
A mom and her baby’s length of stay depend on her and baby’s health. In most cases, it could be from few hours up to 5 days. Therefore, don’t forget to ask them what they provide as it could save you time and money. Some hospitals provide disposable underwear for moms, nappies for newborn babies, bottle feeding equipment and much more.
Step 2 : Think what you believe it could be necessary for birth, recovery and comfort.
According to hypnobirthing classes, personal items, like photos and visual affirmations, could contribute to a positive birth experience. In addition, some people find necessary to pack their own pillow, when they don’t stay at their place. Read this checklist considering always your priorities and recommendations from your health professionals.
A folder of your birth and health care information
- Birth plan
- Health info for your support person to be able to advocate for you (If not printed, it could be digital)
- Medications info
- Birth affirmation cards
- USB for music
- Pain scales (you can find examples on Allina Health and AASPIRE website)
Birth, recovery and comfort
- Pain relief heat patch
- TENs machine (if you plan to use one)
- Cream for vaginal birth
- Nipple cream
- Breast pads
- Waterwipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Your pillow and blanket. (It could be your pregnancy pillow.)
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Scent stuff like pillow spray, pulse point roll on etc.
- Belly band for post c-section recovery can be a gamechanger. Please seek your obstetrician and health professionals’ advice.
- Tiny Hearts have released a postpartum pack for all types of birth. Find here the birth recovery kit.
Drinks and snacks
You might need drinks and snacks during birth or even your stay in the hospital if you prefer.
- Water bottle
- Your own coffee cup
- Warm drinks
- Snacks
Clothing and accessories
- Slippers and shower shoes
- Socks
- Maternity underwear and/or postpartum underwear and/or disposable underwear
- Nursing bras
- Short sleeve and/or long sleeve nightgown (button up)
- Lounge set
- Robe
- Dress or comfortable clothes to go home in
Toiletry bag
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste and toothbrush : toothbrush cover with suction cup to stick to the mirror
- Comb and hair tie
- Face and body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Moisturiser
- Hand cream
- Medication pouch (if applicable)
- Cosmetics, lip balm etc.
Electronics
- Battery powered fan
- Laptop and/or Ipad
- Chargers and cables and/or power bank
- Headphones and/or airpods
- Stand for phone or Ipad
- Book light
- Glasses
Baby bits and pieces
- Baby clothes like onesies. It might be a good idea to get different sizes for newborn babies or adjustable baby clothes. Most newborn babies fit in 00000 or 0000 sizes though.
- Socks (if not onesies)
- Blanket
- Nappies
- Wipes
- ‘Welcome baby’ sign or birth announcement card for photos
- Expressed colostrum (check with your health professionals!)
If you would like to read a list of things you need for a new baby, read our post here and prepare everything at home!
Expecting a baby is exciting and overwhelming.
Be prepared if you want to enjoy it as much as possible!
This post helped you prepare everything for the last hours before you hold your baby
and the first days you will spend together.
You just read the ultimate hospital bag checklist for mom and baby.
