You may already have an idea of what you need in your baby’s bag. Some hospitals may even provide products for you and your baby; it’s best to call ahead and ask what is provided so you know what you need to bring and what you can leave at home. It’s important to make sure you are prepared for this new season, whether you spend one day in the hospital or seven days, so we made a list of essentials just for you!

 FIVE BASICS

1. Phone charger/Headphones: There’s not a whole lot you can do while you wait, so chances are you are going to have your phone in hand. You’ll probably be busy updating family members, looking at memes, or saving a recipe for a seven-layer bean dip that you’ll never get around to making. Make sure that phone stays charged!

2. Laptop/Tablet: Once that baby is here it might be awhile before you can get an hour of peace to catch up on The Good Place, This is Us, or Grey’s Anatomy. 

3. Change of clothes: Pack socks, underwear, and comfy clothes.

4. Camera: Take photos of everyone involved! You will be able to look back, not on just mom and baby, but everyone that came to love on you and your family.

5. Questions: Write down any and every question you have. Ask away, your nurses are there to take care of the whole family and ease your fears.

Mama

1. Toiletries: Don’t forget to pack toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lotion, and  contacts/glasses.

2. Makeup: For my ladies who feel more confident with a lil’ mascara and some concealer, you won’t want to forget your makeup bag. 

3. Magazines/books/games: If your baby isn’t ready to come out and you end up being stuck in that bed for a while, you’re going to want something to keep you busy and distracted.

4. Pillow + blankets: Whoever invented hospital sheets has never had to sleep in them. #nothanks 

5. Slippers/fuzzy socks/robe: Because it’s important to be comfy! 

6. PANTS: No, not your pregnancy ones. Give your body some time, girl! Pack some comfy leggings or shorts. 

7. Hair accessories: It’s a good idea to bring headbands and/or hair ties.

8. Stool softener: It’s going to be rough for the next few days, and this is going to make it easier on you and that booty. Trust me.

9. Maxi pads/granny panties: There’s a lot going on and you don’t want to worry about ruining your undies. *Been there, done that.* 

 

 

Partner

Calling all dads, husbands, wives, boyfriends, and best friends. If you plan on being there to help take care of this baby and take them home this list is for you! 

1. Neck pillow/blanket: Try to be as comfortable as you can. When you aren’t restless and irritable from having your neck at a 90* angle, things are going to go a lot smoother for you.

2. Snacks/juice/reusable water bottle: We recommend you eat (but we don’t recommend you eat in front of her!). If your hospital does not have vending machines you will want to pack some healthy snacks.

3. Emergency Call list: Include family, friends, neighbors, and school/childcare provider. If you have other children and need to call them out for the day or make other arrangements then you’ll want that number handy.

4. Insurance + Medical information: Don’t make her dig through her purse while she’s trying to push out a baby.

5. Speaker: Bring a piece of home and try to destress with your favorite tunes. 

Baby

1. Wipes/diapers: If you are using cloth diapers, bring seeeevvvveerrraalll.

2. Scratch mittens/hat

3. Nursing pillow

4. Car seat: These are required. Make sure you’ve got it assembled correctly and installed in your vehicle a few weeks before the due date. 

5. Blanket

6. Bottle/formula: If you aren’t able to nurse right away, you do not plan on nursing, or maybe nursing is not an option for you, this is a MUST!

7. Going-home-outfit: Make sure to pack a few options/various sizes. 

There you have it! Now you’re as ready as you can be for baby. Once you get those bags packed, you can focus all of your attention on welcoming your little one.

Download our Hospital Checklist!