My Essential Hospital Bag Guide + Checklist

I wanted to share this hospital bag guide + checklist with you a month ago as I was starting to pack my hospital bags, & welcome the bambino. But then the last month has gotten away from me and here I am, 38 weeks pregnant and better to get this out now.

So today I want to share my essential hospital bag checklist, using this also as a bookmark for our next baby so I don’t overpack again! I have also included a free printable checklist at the bottom – this is great for not only you but giving it to your significant other in case you didn’t pack yet or weren’t quite finished!

If overpacking makes you happy and feel better, please do what you need to do. If packing less makes you feel better, again please do what you know is best for yourself. This is your labour, your delivery, your baby, and you need to only worry about making sure you feel confident and secure. If someone wants to judge you for what you’re bringing or not bringing, let them! With that said, I am an over-packer and not having enough options brings me anxiety.

What I’m Packing In My Hospital Bag

Outfit for going Home

I’m packing comfortable sweats, t-shirt, nursing bra, slip-on shoes and a sweater to go home in. I wanted to pack an outfit that would be easy to put on and arrive home in.

Baby Outfit

I put in a swaddle, onesie, hat, mitts, socks, and booties for the baby to go home in. The hospital apparently will dress is in swaddles or onesie while we are there, so I’m not bothering packing another outfit. I also put in a couple of extra diapers just in case.

Entertainment

An iPad with a couple of movies downloaded on it, a camera, a small tripod, a book, and magazines are all in the bag as well. Just in case we are there for a day or two afterward. Oh, and I also put in an extra-long phone charger because you never know where the extra outlets are in the room.

Labour Supplies

I didn’t go overboard with this, I only packed a small Bluetooth speaker for music, a cozy blanket, my flipflops, a massage ball, and a scarf. Everyone says to pack a water bottle with a straw, so I did plus an extra swell bottle for either Curtis and me to use. Cozy socks and slippers to put on and walk around in while in labour were also added. Definitely not going around in bare feet nor worrying about putting on my shoes.

Miscellaneous Other Bits

Two travel pillows because I’ve heard the hospital pillows suck, nipple pads, a towel for the shower, maxi pads, a sleep mask, a nightgown, and a robe. I don’t want to wear the hospital gown if I can help it. There’s also a small snack bag, full of crackers, ginger chews, protein bars and granola bars for us to snack on after or for Curtis while I’m in labour. I’m pretty sure I won’t eat while in active labour haha.

Car Seat

It might seem obvious but don’t forget it! They won’t let you go home without having it in your car.

Toiletries

I went minimal on this, packed shampoo, hair ties, face wash, and wipes, body lotion, deodorant, face moisturizer, tinted moisturizer, and concealer, hairbrush, hand cream, lip balm and nipple cream for breastfeeding.

Download your FREE hospital bag checklist here.

Well I hope this is very helpful for any moms to be out there! Any anyone who has gone through labour, please share anything I’ve missed below in the comments!