When to Pack
First off, let’s talk about when you should have your bag ready. I usually suggest by 35 weeks to give you peace of mind. If your pregnancy has a lot of complications, then you may consider packing sooner. But for a normal pregnancy, with no expected complications, 35 weeks is plenty.
What to Pack
Pack light! Your hospital will likely provide pretty much everything you need. Plus, if you have extra room in your bag, then you can take home all the goodies that the hospital supplies.
Must Haves
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Brush
- Hair tie (x2)
- Phone charger
- Going home clothes for you and baby
Optional
- Robe
- Slippers/Socks
- Nursing Bra
- Snacks
So let’s talk about the why behind these, and why I don’t stress much else beyond this. I keep the list short because I think it is really common to over pack your hospital bag. You really are only going for a few days and nights. This is not a multi-week vacation. Keeping your bag light and empty of clutter can help you find what you need faster and result in less crap you have to leave with.
You might be surprised at how much your hospital offers you. Things like breast pumps, bottles, food, and even hospital clothes are all supplied. Over packing just requires you to lug extra stuff in and out of the hospital. And if this baby is your first, you should be worried about baby and car seat, not makeup and breast pumps.
I think a lot of the ‘Must Haves’ that I list are pretty straight forward. Basic hygiene items such as toothpaste, deodorant, and a hair brush can help you feel a little more human. They are the hygiene items that are about you and your comfort, not about showing up for other people. The chapstick falls a little outside that, but honestly, hospitals have weirdly dry air so you may want it to prevent your lips from drying out. I suggest two hair ties because if one breaks, you have a backup. Obviously, if you have short hair, this likely won’t be an issue for you, but I know I wanted my hair out of my face during labor.
The final two suggested items are some of the more important, in my opinion. The phone charger so you have a way to take first photos. And not just a charger for your phone, but if your partner or whoever is going to stay at the hospital with you has a different type of phone, make sure they have a charger packed as well.
And finally, a going home outfit for you and your little one. For you, you want clothes that are comfortable. If you had a c-section, you may want to avoid pants that sit tight at your waist line where your incision is. Also, after birth, most women bleed. The hospital will provide you with a lot of liners and pads and such, but you may want to break out the period panties anyway, just to be sure. And for baby, this is their first outfit! I ave stupid amounts of fun dressing my kids up, so I wanted their first outfits to be something I absolutely adored. Pick wisely!
For your more optional items, I boil those down to personal preference. Some women prefer their own robes and slippers and are very uncomfortable walking around without a bra. I even know women who brought their own pillow because it was a comfort object for them. Think light and simple. What little things help you feel more comfortable either in your body or even just in general.
As for snacks, you might get hungry, and waiting for a nurse or room service might drive you over the edge. I never ate from home snacks and ate exclusively hospital food, but that isn’t everyone’s flavor. Also, you partner may want snacks as well. It’s good to have some light, healthy, easy options to select from.
Hospital Supplies
Hospitals really supply most things and it’s great. Many nurses will encourage you to take everything in the room home with you, plus get you extra supplies if you ask for them. They have everything you need for baby, including diapers and wipes. If you are nursing and need to pump, they will provide you with a hospital grade breast pump and plenty of bottles to pump into. They even will give you nipple cream. If you are pumping though, the hospital breast pump cannot go home with you (unless you want to rent one), so plan to have your own ready for you at home.
Hospitals also provide food, medication as necessary, and a lot of general creature comforts. There are very few things you are likely to need that your hospital cannot provide. They are in the business of helping you deliver your baby, so most of the universal things that women need, they know about and are prepared with.
Not entirely part of your hospital packing list, but around this same time of 35 weeks, you also want to install your car seat. This way it is not something you have to struggle with after just giving birth. This is especially true if you are a single parent and will need help getting your car seat secure enough. Some fire stations will even check to ensure your car seat is installed correctly. Better to be prepared on this one, even if it takes up unnecessary space in your car for a few more weeks. You’re going to want it when the time comes. Your baby CANNOT go home in a car without one.
Additional Preparation
Packing your hospital bag isn’t the only task to completed in your third trimester. Check out this great Third Trimester Checklist to ensure you have done everything! Your little one will be arriving soon, so be prepared!
