02/8/17

When it comes to packing your hospital bag for your baby’s birth, as a first-time mom, you might not know what to bring or as a seasoned mom you may not remember what you really need (or better yet, want).

Since both of my births were inductions, I was in the hospital 3 and 4 nights and always like to be over-prepared. You could definitely minimize your bag, but my advice is to pack a suitcase and bring everything you need…because, why not? Why not have options, be cozy, and have your comfort items that make you feel a little piece of home and normalcy over a sterile hospital stay?

I suggest bringing a suitcase so you can put mom, baby’s, and significant other’s belongings in one bag. When possible, I’ll share the exact items in my bag the second time around. Affiliate links included.

My Hospital Bag Must-Haves

hospital bag checklist

Mom

CLOTHES

You’ll be wearing a hospital gown during your stay. Even after you deliver, you’ll be constantly checked, so make sure you choose items that are comfy and easy to slide on and off.

Hospital gown: Having my own, pretty gown made me feel like a person and more like myself after delivery. My exact gown is the first pictured below. Other similar options available by clicking the images.

hospital gown

MAKEUP

I chose longwear makeup, which stayed on through my 20 hour labor and 5 minute delivery:

Foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear
Powder: Maybelline Fit Me
Blush: Milani
Lipsense: Pink Champagne
Mascara: Maybelline Pump up the Volume or Younique Fiber Lashes
Makeup remover or coconut oil

Hi, I'm Lindsay!

Writer. Mom. Wife. Teacher. I'm passionate about family, manners, and learning and fervently stand up for (and write about) what I believe in. I strive to make myself and the world around me better through blogging. Don't forget to never say no to tea, cookie dough, peonies, or kindness.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Oil diffuser: I chose lavender oil; all the doctors and nurses came in to my room just to visit because they loved the scent.
Journal or baby book (for foot print)
Small bag for laundry items
Snacks: I brought hard candy, CLIF BARS and Pineapple Juice
Water bottle
Wallet, insurance card, car seat installed, phone charger

Sweat/yoga pants or pajamas (2 pair)

These are all actual items I either brought in my bag or bought for home.

Stretchy, v-neck or scoop neck tees (2)

TOILETRIES

Buy travel-size items at the Dollar Store or grocery store:

toothbrush/paste
shampoo/conditioner/body wash
lotion (I love Aveeno or Say Yes To Carrots)
face wash/face lotion
deodorant
razor, nail clippers, tweezer

BED & BATH

Your own pillow and blanket
Towel and shower shoes

UNDERGARMENTS

You will wear the awesome mesh hospital underwear, but you might want to bring a few pair of your own undies just in case. This second time around, I also wore a post partum belly wrap after delivery.