Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby

Congratulations on soon welcoming your little one! This blog post provides a realistic hospital bag checklist for mom and baby. Overpacking and unpacking should both be avoided, so as a mom of two, I created this perfect list of items to make your packing a breeze so that you only bring exactly what you need. Enjoy!

When I had Hadley a couple years ago, I had no idea what I would realistically want and need in the hospital for the two of us, so I heavily overpacked. This created an issue later because the very last thing I wanted to do when I got home from the hospital with my newborn a few days later was unpack our very full suitcases.

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby

When I made my packing list a few weeks ago for Sadie and me, I tried to be very intentional about only bringing the things we needed. Thankfully I was able to unpack and settle in lickety-split when we got home this time around.

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom

1. Lightweight robe (I had an inexpensive one that came with a $19 nightgown from Marshall’s that is similar to this one.)
2. Four pairs of comfortable pants (I highly recommend these maternity yoga capris from Old Navy.)
3. Four nursing tanks (I have lived in and loved these from Destination Maternity.)
4. Slippers
5. 4-6 pairs of underwear (Think inexpensive full-coverage panties that come in a pack from Walmart.)
6. Comfortable going home outfit (Consider that the odds are high you’ll still look 4-5 months pregnant.)
7. Nursing cover (great for when you have male visitors in the room)
8. Boppy pillow for breastfeeding
9. Nursing bra (I’m really loving this inexpensive one from Target.)
10. Makeup
11. Dry Shampoo
12. Comb/Brush
13. Hair elastics/headbands
14. Body wash and loofah
15. Face wash and lotion
16. Eye makeup remover
17. Chapstick
18. Toothbrush and paste
19. Cell phone charger
20. Extra bag to bring home gifts received in the hospital
21. Optional: Straightener and blow dryer
22. Optional: Snacks for Mom & Dad

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby

1. Two outfits per day (Sadie had some spit-up issues, so we went through five in three days.)
2. 2-3 cozy receiving blankets
3. Headbands/hats
4. 2-3 burp cloths
5. Newborn diapers (The hospital will more than likely only supply premie and size one diapers.)
6. Car seat

Hospital necessities provided in the mother/baby unit (may vary depending on your hospital)

1. Size one diapers
2. Wipes
3. Swaddle
4. Pads
5. Other healing necessities
6. Lanolin cream

What would you add to this hospital bag checklist for mom and baby?

PS: Sadie’s birth story