Essentials to Pack in Your Hospital Bag [Free Printable]

Do you wish you had a list of what to put into your hospital bag? Did you have a list but wish you had a realistic list? As a new mom who had a c-section and was in the hospital for quite a bit longer than a regular birth, I wish I had an actual list that I could have used to help me plan what to bring with me. I read the book on what to bring but there was never an actual list that I saw or looked up online. I was not well prepared. It was a good thing my house was near and my family lived near so things could be brought to me, but I would really like to have been prepared for myself.

I have created a list for you and I will link each product to Amazon so that you can find it easily. I would suggest printing this out and using it as a checklist. I am telling you, new mommies – it is worth it!

Hospital Check List

• C Panty – in case you are having a C-Section, you will definitely want to get this. If you have an unexpected one, order it on Amazon and get it BEFORE you go home. You will thank me later!
• Travel shampoo and conditioner – if you plan to wash your hair, then bring the small bottles, less to carry.
• Small Suitcase – you will need something to put all of your items in!
• Hairbrush
• Old undies -3-6 pairs or ones you don’t plan to wear again. This is really important because you are going to start bleeding and you definitely do not have time for thongs.
• Pads – Heavy  (they will also give them to you. Use them!) Consider getting Depends too.
• Nursing bra
• Sports bra
• Phone chargers – This is usually the most forgotten item. Just leave one that you don’t use in your bag already packed.
• Camera
• Hairdryer
• Flip flops
• Robe
• Hair ties
• Shirt that is easy to breastfeed in –  Keep in mind, you haven’t breastfed before and you want to make sure you have easy access between being hooked up to IVs and holding a baby
• Clothes for you to wear home – make sure they’re easy to put on – shirt, pants – However, sometimes you might need a dress. If you have a C-Section, wearing pants might be the last thing in the world that you want to do right after surgery.
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• ID / insurance card/ doctors info/ container to hold the info 
• Glasses and contact solution.
• Pillow from home for you– Hospital pillows suck! Bring your own.
• Pillow and blanket for hubby – They will be sleeping on the tiny couch and they don’t get very comfy pillows or blankets!
• Snacks
• Empty bag to bring things home in
• Movies or iPad or computer or book – Baby is going to sleep a lot in the first few days, so take advantage and get some self-care in!

Want to download a printable essential hospital packing checklist? Check out below and print as many as you like!

Bring for baby

• Swaddle – Yes, they give you blankets to swaddle in, but if you have never swaddled a baby before, this is extremely hard! Bring a velcro swaddle and make your life 100 times easier.
• Car seat
• Baby blanket
• Formula – just in case. We know that some moms feel this is a big no-no, but if your baby is hungry and you are not producing, then you want to have a backup plan.
• Bag for dirty items
• Burp Cloths 
• Car seat installed in the car – Make sure this is done like 2 months in advance! You just never know what can happen when you are in the count down.
• Boppy pillow – this will make your life easier when you are just starting to breastfeed.
• Gloves for hands so they don’t scratch face – girl or boy – New babies scratch their face very easily. Getting gloves or onesies that have the hands covered would be ideal.
• Washcloth
• Nail file for baby nails
• Pajamas for you ( overhead nightgown way easier – button down too ) (more than one)
• Pajamas for baby – 2-3 (button-up are better)
• Pacifier
• Newborn outfit in the case for pictures – boy or girl

While there is a HUGE list of things to bring, there are also a few things not to bring. This is in case they get lost or stolen and a few things that you just won’t need to use yet but also important to know because unless you went through it, you wouldn’t know!

What not to bring

When there is a list of items to bring, there is always a list of items not to bring!

• Jewelry – Just leave it at home. Don’t try to keep track of it.
• Cash – There is no need. Just make all your visitors get any snacks you need!
• Diapers (hospital gives you)
• Breast pump – You will not need this until you get home. The hospital can help you with breastfeeding. Make sure to ask for help if you are having a hard time. They have lactation specialists available.
• Bottles (hospital gives you)
• Tampons – Girl, just no. Don’t even waste your time! 

Final thoughts

Packing for a new baby is the hardest thing because you just have no idea what you are getting yourself into until it happens. Make sure to download our printable list and use it to pack your small suitcase. We promise it will make your life SO much easier!

{This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclaimer.}