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
- Lightweight robe (I had an inexpensive one that came with a $19 nightgown from Marshall’s that is similar to this one.)
- Four pairs of comfortable pants (I highly recommend these maternity yoga capris from Old Navy.)
- Four nursing tanks (I have lived in and loved these from Destination Maternity.)
- Slippers
- 4-6 pairs of underwear (Think inexpensive full-coverage panties that come in a pack from Walmart.)
- Comfortable going home outfit (Consider that the odds are high you’ll still look 4-5 months pregnant.)
- Nursing cover (great for when you have male visitors in the room)
- Boppy pillow for breastfeeding
- Nursing bra (I’m really loving this inexpensive one from Target.)
- Makeup
- Dry Shampoo
- Comb/Brush
- Hair elastics/headbands
- Body wash and loofah
- Face wash and lotion
- Eye makeup remover
- Chapstick
- Toothbrush and paste
- Cell phone charger
- Extra bag to bring home gifts received in the hospital
- Optional: Straightener and blow dryer
- Optional: Snacks for Mom & Dad
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
- Two outfits per day (Sadie had some spit-up issues, so we went through five in three days.)
- 2-3 cozy receiving blankets
- Headbands/hats
- 2-3 burp cloths
- Newborn diapers (The hospital will more than likely only supply premie and size one diapers.)
- Car seat
Hospital necessities provided in the mother/baby unit (may vary depending on your hospital)
- Size one diapers
- Wipes
- Swaddle
- Pads
- Other healing necessities
- Lanolin cream
What would you add to this hospital bag checklist for mom and baby?
Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to two little girls (ages 5 and 2) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo
