Realistic Hospital Bag Checklist for You, Your Partner, and Your Baby (Free Printable)
There are hundreds, maybe thousands of hospital bag checklists out there already, so you might be saying “another checklist”? And while it’s true, this is just another checklist, my goal in creating this list (and free printable!) is to help you feel realistically prepared for a hospital birth experience while still bringing the least amount of “stuff” from home as possible. I can’t tell you how many clients and friends I’ve heard say, “I brought all this stuff and only used ______!” with the one used item typically being something like chapstick or a scrunchie. Depending on your planned birth experience, you may want to bring some specific items to help facilitate the environment you want, or increase your comfort while away from home, so I’ve added optional items to consider at the end of each section. Either way, this list is the only one you’ll need to feel prepared and ready for a hospital birth, without feeling like you’ve packed everything but the kitchen sink.
Hospital Checklist for You
Flip Flops (and if you came wearing tennis shoes and socks, bring an extra pair of socks) - Although it may be inevitable to walk around the hospital room barefoot, especially if you’re moving around the room while laboring, flip flops are good to bring if you want to slip on some easy shoes to walk around the room or the unit, or to use in the shower during labor or postpartum.
Optional: Grip socks - while not a necessity to bring from home, yours may be more comfortable than the ones they have at the hospital.
Lip Balm - Whether it’s the hospital air or your breathing techniques or a combination of both, your lips are likely to get chapped.
Long-sleeved robe - Bringing your own robe from home will provide more comfort than a hospital gown. You could even wear the robe over the gown if you want. A robe can easily be put on or removed, and a front closure can be optimal if you’re planning on breastfeeding.
Hairbrush, scrunchie/hair tie and basic toiletries (face wash and moisturizer, body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner) - The hospital is probably not the place you’re going to want to do your 11 step skincare routine. Bring only what you need to feel refreshed (including makeup if this makes you feel refreshed).
Water bottle with a spout or straw - Staying hydrated during labor is important, and it’ll be most convenient for you to have a water bottle with a straw or spout (as opposed to a removable lid) so you can take sips even if you’re laboring in a position like hands and knees or lying down.
Phone charger, Watch charger, Bluetooth speaker and charger - Whatever electronics you plan on bringing, bring the charger!
One set of pajamas and one set of going home clothes - Pajamas will be most comfortable to change into postpartum while you are still in the hospital. A button-down top will be most accommodating for breastfeeding, and loose-fitting bottoms will be most comfortable after a vaginal or cesarean birth. As for going home, bring loose-fitting clothes that fit the season. For winter, you may want joggers and a sweatshirt, in the summer you may want a dress or soft shorts and a loose tank or tshirt.
Nursing-friendly bras or bralettes - I always recommend a bralette or wireless bra because anything with underwire can be super uncomfortable coming home from the hospital (most nursing bras are wireless anyway).
A printed copy of your birth plan - to share with your care team and support people.
Insurance information and any registration paperwork needed.
Hospital Checklist for Your Partner
Many of the same things on your checklist would be helpful for your partner to bring as well.
Flip flops and an extra pair of socks
Lip balm
Basic toiletries (face wash and moisturizer, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, body wash)
Water bottle
Electronics and chargers (phone, watch, computer or tablet if bringing)
One set of pajamas and going home clothes.
A sweatshirt (in every season, hospital rooms can feel cold)
Swim trunks/bathing suit - in case your partner joins you while you labor in the bath or shower.
Other things you or your partner might want or need: snacks, a pillow (with a zip-closure pillowcase), a blanket, any necessary paperwork needed for things like cord blood banking.
Things that are likely provided by the hospital: pillows, blankets, towels and washcloths, postpartum pads, ice packs, and underwear. If you’re unsure if your hospital provides any of these things or more, be sure to call them to confirm what they provide during labor and postpartum.
Hospital Checklist for Baby
Two outfits that fit the season
If born in the colder months: 2 pairs of socks, a hat, a warm blanket for the car.
Three pairs of pajamas
1-2 swaddle blankets
Car seat (installed and in the car)
Stocked diaper bag for the ride home (you can leave this in the car during your hospital stay!)
Every other thing the baby might need is provided by the hospital: diapers, wipes, body wash (if receiving a bath at the hospital), swaddle blanket, hat, a onesie, formula (if formula-feeding).
Things you might want to bring for photos or to suit your preferences: name plate for announcement photos, special hair bow or hat, your own wipes, diapers or body wash, your preferred formula (if formula feeding).
Anything else is preference only but not absolutely necessary to have on hand.
Things That Might Be In Your Doulas Bag
My doula bag is mostly filled with my own personal items like snacks and toiletries, but I also throw in a few things to use with clients, or if I know ahead of time they’ve asked me to bring something specific. If you’ve hired a doula, ask what they bring in their birth bag and request anything you think you might need or want in addition to their unwavering support!
Honey sticks - a doula friend of mine told me about honey sticks when I first became a doula and they’ve been in my labor bag ever since. They provide a quick burst of sugar for you or your partner (or your doula) if you don’t want to eat other snacks, have been restricted by the hospital staff, or can’t stomach anything else.
Massage oil - I always keep plain, unscented massage oil in my bag for clients who enjoy massage. The oil makes it easier and more comfortable (for myself and the client) to do firm massage for an extended period of time.
Twinkle lights - I keep some battery-operated twinkle lights in my bag just in case the environment needs a bit of ambient sparkle.
Comb - Squeezing a comb during contractions can provide an alternative sensation to focus on.
Your birth plan - I always bring a printed copy of my clients birth plan so I can reference it or give it to the staff if needed.
Of course there are more things you could add to this list, based on your own preferences and what items you deem important to you! But if you’re looking for a bare minimum checklist that will still carry you through a few days spent in the hospital, this is the one for you.