Preparing for your baby’s arrival can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for first-time moms. In your third trimester nesting can kick in HARD! Packing your hospital bag in advance can help you feel in control of something when everything else feels out of control. There is a huge feeling of accomplishment (mixed with anxiety because your due date is approaching, but that’s a topic for a different day) once your hospital bag is packed and in the car! I felt super overwhelmed when I was packing my hospital bag and I definitely over packed! So many of the hospital bag checklists you’ll see out there are full of things you don’t actually need to bring with you. This hospital bag checklist for first time moms has only the baby birthing essentials and no fluff or BS. To help you feel more prepared and reduce any last-minute stress, I’ve created a hospital bag checklist of essentials you’ll need for your stay at the hospital (and nothing you don’t need).
Hospital Bag Checklist for First Time Moms
For Mom
1. Important Documents:
- Birth plan (if you have one)
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Hospital registration forms (if you didn’t do them in advance or online
2. Comfortable Clothing:
PRO MAMA TIP: Pack maternity clothes, not your regular-size clothes! You’ll still have a pregnant-looking belly after you give birth (around 7 months pregnant) so your skinny jeans just won’t fit yet. And girl trust me, you’re not going to want to wear anything constricting anyway, especially if you’ve had a C-section.
CLOTHES:
- Loose, comfortable pajamas or nightgowns -preferably ones that open in the front for breastfeeding. (I HATED Nursing tops that opened from the side. I felt like they were just too constricting and not as easy to use as the ones that lift from the top. Just my personal preference.) You’ll want to stay away from side open tops during your hospital stay though because they don’t allow you to do skin-to-skin with your baby. And skin-to-skin is SO IMPORTANT! You’re better off with a robe, open-front hospital gown, nursing pajama that unclips down, or loose maternity top you can lift all the way up to maximize skin-to-skin as easily as possible.
- A comfy robe. This robe is super comfy, soft, and has pockets!
- Comfortable going-home outfit (consider something that was comfortable in your second trimester) maternity leggings, loose Nursing top or maternity top, soft cardigan.
- Nursing bras (for breastfeeding). This 3 pack of nursing bras is super comfy and a great deal!
- High-waisted dark underwear – After birth, you’ll be bleeding (a lot!) so you’ll want dark, high-waisted, comfy underwear in your postpartum days.
- Disposable underwear. Yes, the hospital provides them BUT I was way more comfortable in the ones I brought with me! I highly suggest bringing your own especially if you’re a plus-size mama like me. The hospital provides a one size fits all type, and they’re also itchy and uncomfortable. Do yourself a favor and bring your own disposable underwear because you’ll be way more comfortable!
- Socks with grippies
- Loose, comfy maternity top
- Maternity Leggings or maternity joggers for going home
- Hospital Bag!
Optional Clothing Items:
- OPTIONAL BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND: Your own hospital gown that opens all the way in the front and back. You can’t wear it during delivery but it was the best thing ever that I brought with me. Even My doctors and nurses said they wish everyone had one like it.
- OPTIONAL: Matching mommy and baby outfit like a robe and matching swaddle if you want something like that for a picture. This is an adorable idea but not essential at all, so please do not stress about this!
3. Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Lip balm– Don’t forget this! (hospitals can be very dry)
- Maxi Pads the Super thick ones! Most hospitals provide these for you but I liked the ones I brought with me better.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash -travel-sized (if you plan on showering there)
- Deodorant
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Dry shampoo
- Contact Lenses / Case
- Glasses
- Some makeup (not you’re entire makeup bag; just a few essentials to feel human)
4. Other Items
- Phone and charger with extra long charging cord
- Phone charging bank
- Cord Blood Kit (If you’re choosing to do so. We did and I’m so happy with that decision!)
- SNACKS!
- Water bottle with straw
- Nursing pillow like the Boppy or this butterfly Nursing Pillow which is better for c-section mamas. (If you’re choosing to breastfeed)
- Nipple Shields and Nipple Balm (if you plan on breastfeeding). This is my favorite nipple balm and is wonderful for sensitive skin!
- Peri Bottle (most hospitals provide one but check with yours before hand). Consider a postpartum care kit that included multiple postpartum items like this one that also includes ice pads and healing foam for vaginal births!
- OPTIONAL: Csection Belly Band (a lot of hospitals provide this too but if you’re plus size you’ll probably want to bring your own.
For Baby
- Newborn and 0-3 size onesies (2-3)
- Newborn and 0-3 size zipper sleepers with fold-over mitten cuffs (2-3). These sleepers are AMAZING and way more cost-effective than the name-brand ones that shall not be named.
- Socks
- Baby hat
- Swaddles or receiving blankets (most hospitals provide these too but double check with your hospital)
- Burp Cloths– soft and absorbent
- Going Home Outfit
- CAR SEAT! You can’t go home without one! The car seat travel system is what you’ll want. Make sure it’s properly installed BEFORE going to the hospital.
- ***(CHECK FIRST: Most hospitals provide you with diapers and wipes with enough to take home so no need to pack any, But check with your hospital beforehand to make sure.)
For Partner
1. Clothing:
- Comfortable clothes and pajamas
- A change of clothes for going home
- T-shirts
- Sweatpants
- Socks
- Underwear
- Slippers
2. Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
3. Other Items:
- Pillow and blanket -not necessary if your hospital provides guest amenities like mine did
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone with charger
- Phone charging bank
- Pen to fill out paperwork
- File folder to keep track of important documents. We love this baby file folder briefcase!
- Money for vending machines or hospital cafeteria
Hospital Bag Checklist for First Time Moms FINAL TIPS:
- Pack Early: Aim to have your hospital bag packed by 36 weeks.
- Keep It Simple: Hospitals provide many of the basics, so don’t overpack.
- Stay Organized: Use separate bags or packing cubes for mom, baby, and partner to keep things organized and easy to find. Clear, labeled bags are also a great idea. This is something I wish I did!
- Check with your hospital beforehand on what items they provide for mom, baby, and partner, and ask about your recovery room amenities.
- I highly recommend doing a hospital tour if your hospital provides this. Mine was a virtual tour but it was so helpful! It included a free labor and birth course and went over everything from check-in, what to expect, items provided, visitor rules, and everything in between, up to the day you leave.
- Install your car seat before going to the hospital. You can also take your car seat to your local fire department and they will teach you how to properly install it and check it for safety once installed.
Remember This Mama:
Every birth experience is different, so customize your hospital bag to suit your needs and comfort. Your hospital bag may slightly differ depending on how you’re giving birth, if you’re choosing to breastfeed or not, and what items your hospital provides. I hope this hospital bag checklist for first time moms helps you pack your bag and feel a teensy sense of relief and control in this overwhelming, out of control, but amazingly beautiful time in your life. Here’s to a smooth, safe delivery and a happy, healthy baby!
