I feel like a broken record saying this, but there are so many things I didn’t, and couldn’t, know about having a baby until I actually experienced them myself! For example, having never given birth before, I had no idea what all I’d need for the hospital stay after my baby was born. Sure, shampoo, conditioner, and several changes of clothes were a given, but what were the little things I was missing?
A few weeks before Lincoln was due I asked my Facebook friends what their must-have items were and their responses helped me put together the ultimate hospital packing list for childbirth. Whether you’re a new mom like me needing help for the first time, or have another little one on the way and need a refresher, here are all the items I packed for our three day stay, and some items I wish I would have included!
Hospital Packing List for Childbirth
* Items I packed but didn’t use
** Items I wish I would have had packed
Personal Items:
I wouldn’t worry about drying/curling/straightening your hair (I think I let my hair air dry every day) unless you’re in need of a pick me up.
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash
- Body lotion
- Face lotion
- Face wash
- Face wipes (in case you’re too tired to wash your face)
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Hairdryer
- Straightener and/or curling iron*
- Makeup
- Nursing pads*
- Nipple cream
- Deodorant
- Glasses/contacts/solution
- Headband
- Ponytail holder
Clothes:
I stayed in my nightgown and robe the majority of the time.
- 2 pairs comfy pants with loose waistline
- Nursing tanks**
- Nursing bras
- 2 button down nightgowns (or deep V-neck)
- 2 robes (you’ll sweat your way out of and/or baby will barf on at least one!)
- Throw-away underwear 2 sizes up
- Cardigan/fleece/light sweater
- Loose pants/leggings/shorts to wear home
- Loose shirt to wear home
- Flip flops
- Slippers**
Extras:
- Pillows for both you and spouse/partner
- Baby book (they’ll put baby’s foot prints in it for you)
- Camera + charger
- Phone + charger
- Laptop + charger
- Energy bars/snacks
- Extension cord*
- Notepad/pen (you will be taking lots of notes!)
- Journal
- Boppy* (I used pillows)
- Money/change for vending machine/cafeteria
- Water bottle (the biggest one you can find)**
- Canvas bags to take home gifts/hospital goodies
For Baby:
Lincoln stayed in his diaper, wrapped in a hospital blanket for the majority of the time. If your baby is born in the winter, I’d take warm clothes/PJs, but Lincoln didn’t need them.
- 2 going home outfits (one newborn, one 0-3 months)
- 2 onesies*
- PJs*
- Baby nail file*
- Hat*
- Car seat carrier with infant insert (don’t forget to install the base in the car!)
- Receiving blanket
I will say that Ben thought I was crazy for taking in a wheeled suitcase and extra tote with all of this stuff, but I ended up using 90% of it. My motto has always been, better to be safe than sorry!
What essential items would you add to the list?
Your list is great for mom & baby, but don’t forget about your hubby. For baby #1, hubby wouldn’t leave my side and was exhausted and in desperate need of a shower & shave. Hubby insisted on staying in the hospital again with baby #2 and baby #1 stayed the night (and was spoiled rotten) with grandma. For baby #2 I packed him a change of clothes, deodorant/razor, PJs, slippers and snacks. He was amazing in the hospital! In fact, I never changed a diaper in the hospital! But he was a much better help to me when he was able to freshen up.
And Ditto on the movies! Netflix on an ipad would have been a dream for my 36 hour labor. ha ha!
[…] A great idea for expectant mothers- a Packing List for the Hospital. […]
I over packed for my first and under packed for my second, but after both deliveries, I asked for a second giant water bottle. The nurse was happy to give it to me and it made for way less trips to get water which I felt like I was drinking like a camel. Also, I really wish I would have packed a soft, thick wash cloth to wet down and keep on my head or chest. I was so darn hot those first few nights.
Love this list and you did such a great job of capturing it all. I have a 17 week old now (where does time go??) and until I read this I forgot how THIRSTY I was after. The cups they gave you at the hospital weren’t nearly big enough- also wish I would have had a large glass for water :)
I thought your list was a good one. It took me 4 deliveries before I got it just right :) I would add one important thing that isn’t just for the hospital but will be important at home too. While in the hospital with my 3rd baby, I succumbed to the chocolate desserts brought with my evening meal. Needless to say, I had a very fussy baby when it was time for bed – even the nurses had a hard time calming him, and he didn’t sleep well. By my 4th delivery, I came prepared. I had a bottle of Woodwards Gripe Water (the version from India because it doesn’t contain sugar) from Amazon.com. I SWEAR BY THIS PRODUCT…IT’S MIRACULOUS! The American versions of Gripe Water contain sugar and/or petroleum products so I wouldn’t use them. I also had a Munchkin Medicator (also from Amazon) to pour the Gripe Water into and it has a nipple top, so baby sucks it down. We’ve had no colic or fussiness due to upset tummies with baby #4 because within 5 minutes of administering the GW, baby burps or passes gas and all is well again. Happy Baby, Peaceful Mama :)
baby nail file made me laugh out loud. that’s the LEAST of your concerns after birth.
all the other items are great!
Thank you!! I am 37 weeks with my first and I’ve seen soooo many lists but this is the best and most comprehensive one I’ve seen!! Love your notes on everything. Thank you!!
Thanks for this. I’m going to pack my bag in a week or two, so this definitely helps. I never would have thought of the baby nail file or clippers!
I love your list! It looks like you were super prepared. One thing I brought to the hospital was the full season of Friends on DVD! My absolute favorite show and it helped keep my mind off things.
Genius!!! Thank you!!!
[…] {NEW on the Family Channel: Packing List for the Hospital>>} […]
Love this list! Definitely saving this when Jason and I start popping out babies!
Brought my second one home 6 months ago and really wished I had my own blanket for skin to skin time while he was sleeping. He hated the sleeping bassinet-it was too hard- so there was a lot of time spent with him sleeping on me and I loved every minute!! Ps thank you for sharing your precious pictures.:-)
Great list! Here’s mine:
Extra socks, including one that can be thrown away. If you have your water broke, you will totally understand :-)
What a great list – thanks for sharing !
We LOVE this list – we put so many of these things in our bundles including nipple cream, flip flops, a headband, onesies, notepad, water bottle…the list goes on ! Good job packing lady!
Hi – is there a separate list to be on for food edition over mommy edition?
I am thrilled for your new motherhood but … this topic is not relevant to my life. Unless you want to do an empty nest edition. Did I miss a key point in subscribing to one over the other?
Thanks??
Hi Petra! Are you coming from an email? These posts are not appearing on the main page, just here on the family channel.
My boys are 16, 18 & 27 (a semi-empty nest which I do NOT enjoy and would love keeping them home longer) but I still love reading the Family Channel. Lincoln is so cute and it’s great seeing his pictures and hearing your stories : ) I always keep an eye open for new additions on the Family Channel : )
I know you’re just starting your journey on Motherhood, but this list looked a little bit like the one we used to get my son off to college! (minus the nipple cream, nursing bras and “For Baby” things!)
That’s a pretty demeaning thing to say. Keep harsh words to yourself. She’s done a pretty intimate thing by letting us in on this.
Chapstick!! I thought the hospital was really dry!