Worried about forgetting something when you head to the hospital to have your baby?
We partnered with WubbaNub pacifiers to bring you a list of everything you could possibly need (and nothing you don’t!) for mom and baby.
I’m not sure if I was more worried about having my baby or forgetting to pack something in my hospital bag. Both were the cause of a lot of anxious nights leading up to the big event! When I talked with a friend about it, she laughed and said she had worried over her hospital bag too. Apparently, knowing what to include in your hospital bag when you’re having a baby wasn’t only a me thing – it was common! Who knew?!
Having a baby never goes exactly like you plan but it is helpful to plan for the items that comfort you and will soothe the new baby. Items like a big comfy robe, lip balm and your favorite hand lotion, as well as a handful of hair ties will seem like gifts during delivery. And a
WubbaNub Pacifier and a soft receiving blanket will be the first items you use to soothe your new baby as he or she adjusts to the bustling life outside the womb instead of tucked inside beside mommy’s heart.
If you have ever experienced the tears and drama that come from the great disappearing pacifier, you are going to fall in love with WubbaNub.
The pacifier is attached to baby’s first lovie – you can choose from baby sheep, elephants, monkeys and tons of other designs. (
Meet some of the WubbaNub friends here!) So in the hospital as baby is learning to use the pacifier for soothing, it is much less likely to end up on the floor or somewhere buried in the sheets of mom’s hospital bed. And much more likely to provide baby and mom the comfort they both so desperately need!
So, if you’re getting ready for the big day – whether it’s your first baby or your seventh – the list below has everything you need to pack in your hospital bag.
From labor and delivery items to going home day for you and baby, we’ve written it down to make it easier for you. In fact, you can also download it as a free printable checklist, so you can mark things off as they get packed. We know what it’s like to have pregnancy brain!
Click here to download the
HOSPITAL_BAG_CHECKLIST
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Before worrying about what cute outfit to bring for your new little one, let’s make sure you have everything you need for yourself.
Items to Pack for Mom
A Picture ID – You’ll need your driver’s license or other form of photo identification when being admitted into the hospital. If you’re not bringing your purse, be sure to grab your ID and your…
Insurance Card! – The hospital will ask to see your insurance card when they check you in, so be sure to grab it and give it to your partner to hold onto.
Hospital Paperwork – Some hospitals give expectant moms packets of paperwork to fill out and bring with them when they’re having their baby. If your hospital had you fill out such paperwork, be sure to pack it so you don’t have to fill it out again!
Birth Plan – If you have a birth plan, put it at the top of your hospital bag, so that you can easily grab it.
Eyewear (Glasses/Contacts Lenses/Contact Lens Solution) – I decided not to even worry about my contacts when I went to the hospital, but I did bring two sets of glasses – just to be safe. If you’ll be wearing contacts, be sure to pack the solution and your case.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Consider getting a small travel-size toothbrush and tube of toothpaste instead of worrying about packing your full-size ones at the last minute.
Hairbrush – Chances are that you’ll want to brush your hair after delivery and after your IVs have been removed.
Deodorant – A travel-size deodorant is perfect.
Lip Balm – Your lips will get dry, so be sure have a couple of lip balms in your bag.
Make-up – If you’re the type of person who is never photographed without make-up, feel free to bring it along.
Face Wash – Your skin may get dry, so pack your face wash.
Soap, Shampoo & Lotion – Hospitals typically have small bars of soap and bottles of shampoo and lotion, but after delivery it’s comforting to shower with your own products.
Hair Ties – Bring a bunch, because you may want to pull your hair back.
Comfortable Bathrobe – Leave the silk dressing robe at home and go for an extra-large, fluffy robe that may end up getting dirty during delivery.
2-3 Loose-Fitting Nightgowns – If your hospital allows you to be in your own nightgown during delivery, make sure it’s not a favorite one, because it will get soiled. After delivery, you’ll need some soft nightgowns with buttons down the front to make it easier to breastfeed.
Slip-on Slippers – You’ll want to stand up and walk around in more than socks, so a pair of easy-on/easy-off slippers is ideal.
Non-slip Socks – The hospital will probably give you a pair of non-slip socks, but they are not always very comfortable. Feel free to pack a couple of extra pairs for after delivery.
Nursing Bras – Even if you don’t want to wear a nursing bra in the hospital, you will need one to come home.
Nursing Pads – Not breastfeeding? You’ll still need nursing pads! They’re great for slipping in your bra to catch any leakage.
Maternity Underpants – You’ll get to experience the joy of mesh undies in the hospital, but when you’re going home, a pair of big, comfortable cotton ones will feel a lot better. Forget sexy lingerie and think more along the lines of full coverage!
An Outfit for Going Home – Your body won’t magically pop back into shape, so pack a maternity outfit for going home.
Comfortable Shoes – Instead of packing a separate pair of shoes, consider wearing a comfy pair to the hospital when you go.
Cell Phone Charger – We recommend purchasing a separate charging cord and plug specifically for your hospital bag!
Camera or Video Camera – If your partner plans on using a separate camera or video camera, be sure to have it ready to go. Don’t forget the SIM card!
Earbuds – Music is soothing and can help you during labor and delivery, as well as during recovery. Pack a spare pair of earbuds in case you want to escape the sounds of the hospital for a few minutes.
A Comfortable Pillow in a Bright Pillowcase – Why a bright pillowcase? Because you don’t want your favorite pillow being mixed up with the hospital linens! You might want to zip the pillow into a waterproof liner before putting the pillowcase on though.
Magazines – There’s going to be a bit of downtime while you’re in labor, so a light reading magazine may help keep you distracted.
Snacks – You don’t want to eat while in labor, but afterwards you’ll probably be ravenous. Consider packing crackers, protein bars, fruit snacks, and other tasty treats for yourself and your partner.
Items to Pack for Baby
A Going Home Outfit – There are so many adorable outfits to choose from, but be sure to pick one with legs, so that the car seat is easier to buckle. If it’s winter, be sure to add enough outer layers to keep him warm. Don’t forget socks!
A Receiving Blanket – The hospital will probably give you the swaddling blanket, but you may want an additional receiving blanket to tuck around him after he’s buckled into the car seat.
A Soft Hat – Baby’s lose a lot of heat through their heads, so a soft cap to keep him warm is always a good idea.
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WubbaNub Pacifier – Don’t forget to bring baby’s first friend to the hospital too! Pacifiers are a great way to help soothe your infant and WubbaNub’s pacifier friends are perfect for new families. There are polar bears, puppies, pandas, and penguins to name just a few of the options. It’s a great combination of first toy and the ultimate soothing pacifier!
Install the Car Seat – Don’t forget to have the car seat installed before leaving for the hospital. We suggest having it professional installed (check with your local fire house to see if they offer installation service) about a month before you’re due. You never know when baby will make an appearance and you don’t want to be fiddling with the car seat while in labor!
Don’t forget to download the printable
HOSPITAL_BAG_CHECKLIST, so that you can mark things off as you pack them!
Here’s hoping that everything goes smoothly! We wish you the very best!
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