What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Mom: A Complete Checklist
You have a few weeks left until your due date, so it's time to prepare your hospital bag. You’ve likely spent the last few months eagerly looking forward to the arrival of your new little joy. You used them to buy everything your baby will need, set up the nursery, and master installing the car seat correctly.
However, it’s important to remember that one of the most essential tasks in the third trimester is deciding what to pack in your hospital bag. Unsure of where to start? Let us help.
You don't have to be excessive, but don't ignore anything crucial either. Having the proper understanding allows you to find a middle ground between being ready and avoiding excessive luggage.
A lot of new parents tend to overpack for their first hospital trip, only to discover that the hospital already has everything they need. By taking heed of their experiences, you can steer clear of similar pitfalls.
Here's a complete checklist of things you'll need for your stay:
A Duffle Bag
One of the most important items you'll need for your hospital stay is a reliable and spacious duffle bag. It's essential to have a bag that can hold all your necessities while being easy to carry and access.
A good duffle bag should be durable, comfortable to carry, and designed with enough compartments to keep your items organized.
Introducing the Monaco Travel Bag
The Monaco Travel Bag is perfect for your hospital stay. This trendy and practical designer bag meets all your needs!
Stain-resistant exterior and interior: The durable exterior ensures that any spills or stains can be easily wiped off, keeping your bag looking fresh and clean. The interior is also smooth and made from satin, making it easy to clean.
Versatile carrying options: With a long shoulder strap and two clutch handles, you can carry the bag in a way that’s most comfortable for you. The adjustable shoulder strap allows for a customizable fit, while the clutch handles provide an easy grab-and-go option.
Luxurious materials: Made with high-quality faux vegan materials, this bag combines style with ethical choices. The premium YKK zippers ensure smooth and reliable use, and the matte gold hardware adds a touch of elegance.
Secure storage: The bag features a magnetic flap front pouch for quick access to important items. The large zippered core storage space and ten total compartments ensure that all your belongings are securely packed and easy to find when needed.
Spacious interior: The interior of the Monaco Travel Bag is lined with luxurious satin, providing a soft and protective environment for your items. The large central space is perfect for bulkier items, while additional pockets and compartments keep smaller items organized and accessible.
The wide opening allows for easy access and placement of items, making packing and unpacking hassle-free.
The Monaco Travel Bag provides style and functionality, ensuring you have everything you need for your hospital stay in one elegant package.
What to Pack for Mom
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable clothing is essential after giving birth. Try to steer clear of overly constrictive clothing (besides a well-fitting bra) and consider having several choices prepared in case of a C-section.
If you intend to breastfeed postpartum, be sure to pack some nursing bras or tanks in your hospital bag. Match your tank top with comfortable, baggy bottoms such as joggers or cozy sleep pants. Another choice is to bring a pajama set or nightgown that’s suitable for nursing. Postnatal leggings can also provide comfort.
Grippy socks are excellent for keeping feet warm and cozy and providing traction on slippery hospital floors. Remember to pack easy-on shoes such as Birkenstocks, Crocs, or flip-flops for when you leave. You may experience swelling in your feet due to IV fluids, so having shoes that you can easily put on will be the best.
Toiletries
Remember to keep these in your bag! You’ll need a hairbrush, regular or dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, body lotion, extra hair ties, and face wipes.
Birth plan
If you have a birth plan, print out several copies: one for your medical records, a few for your labor nurse(s), and maybe another to display in your hospital room. Emphasize certain key points for easy access.
A cell phone charger with a long cord
Hospital beds are typically located far from electrical outlets, so ensure your phone is fully charged for capturing moments with your new baby and communicating with loved ones through video calls.
Refreshments
Bring along a refillable water bottle (preferably with a straw for convenience) and an electrolyte beverage, such as Gatorade or coconut water, if you desire something other than water. You'll also need some convenient and energy-packed snacks, such as granola bars, pretzels, and dried fruit.
Pillow and a bath towel
Turns out, hospital towels are the opposite of luxurious hotel towels—thin, scratchy, and too small. You might be pleased that you brought a towel from home for your first shower after giving birth. The situation is similar to pillows in hospitals. It’s also advised to bring your pillow from your house for added comfort.
Nipple cream
If you intend to breastfeed, your nipples will thank you for being prepared!
Postpartum care products
Something that's not talked about enough is adult diapers. The hospital provides pads and mesh underwear, but some parents find adult diapers more comfortable and secure. One more choice is washable postpartum absorbent underwear.
A perineal spray is a valuable asset to have during your postpartum recovery. Once you’ve identified the most effective prenatal vitamins for yourself, pack them as well - it's advised by many experts to keep taking them post-delivery.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Baby
Once you have packed your hospital bag with items that bring you comfort, it's important to shift your focus to packing the necessary items for your baby.
A car seat
When driving home with your baby from the hospital, having a car seat already installed is mandatory as they won’t allow you to leave without it.
An outfit worn when returning home
Prepare two sets of clothes in various sizes, as you’re uncertain about your baby's size. Plan to have one set of clothes in the newborn size and another set in the 0-3 months size.
Remember to bring hats and socks for the baby to stay warm if needed.
Your pediatrician’s contact details
It's recommended that you keep this information easily accessible, as doctors and nurses will require it multiple times. Provide the pediatrician's office with either the email or fax number to make it simple for them to send your baby's medical records.
Bottles
If you plan on using a specific brand, bring at least two bottles to the hospital when starting bottle feeding. If you decide to bottle feed, bring your favorite brand with you, as the hospital may offer samples too.
Avoid bringing diapers or wipes
The hospital provides all the necessary diapers and wipes.
What Your Partner or Support Person Should Pack
If you have someone accompanying you during birth and staying with you at the hospital or birth center, make sure they also pack some essential items.
Here are some other things to bring along with clothing and personal hygiene items (because partners also need to brush their teeth!).
Reading materials, electronic devices, technological gadgets, and audio accessories for leisure and amusement.
A compact sleeping bag and pillow. Hospital blankets, sheets, and pillows might feel rough and thinly-made.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
Understanding the right timing for packing your hospital bag can ensure you’re ready for the important day. It's best to have your hospital bag packed by 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy in case you go into labor early.
Although timing plays a key role, there is some room for adjustment depending on each person's specific situation. If your pregnancy is high-risk or you’re pregnant with multiples, think about packing at around 35 weeks.
If you want to be even more prepared, beginning sooner is completely fine. Make sure not to delay beyond 38 weeks since you should be prepared for whenever your baby decides to come. Being prepared with a packed hospital bag will help you feel calm as your due date approaches.
Wrap Up
Preparing your hospital bag is an important task when getting ready for your baby's arrival. By carefully choosing what to pack in your hospital bag, you can guarantee a more relaxed experience.
The extensive list supplied includes everything you need for yourself, your baby, and your support companion, enabling you to concentrate on the happiness of embracing your new arrival.
Pack your bag by 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy, or even earlier for high-risk pregnancies. If you're looking for a fashionable and functional way to transport your belongings, consider the Monaco Travel Bag from Luli Bebe. Its roomy and neatly arranged layout, along with its luxurious amenities, make it an ideal partner for your hospital stay.
Having everything ready in advance means you can focus on what truly matters—welcoming your new bundle of joy into the world. Start packing today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.