Simple Hospital Bag Checklist

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There are about a million lists out there for just about everything. Including packing your hospital bag for labor. As a first time mom, I perused many of them trying to figure out exactly what I would need and what was frivolous. I relied on friends and family as well. After extensive research, I’ve decided it depends on the person! What someone thinks of as necessary, someone else may laugh out loud at the thought of bringing. Trust me- I was right there! A curling iron? No way. I put together this simple hospital bag checklist for anyone who is looking for something a little more “bare bones.”

Birthing Preferences

I feel like it’s necessary to give some heads up here because birthing preferences are going to come into play in what you pack.

For instance, if you don’t want to labor in the hospital gown you certainly don’t have to. However, you’d need to bring more clothes with you to make sure you have more on hand as labor can get messy. 

Another example of this is if you plan to have a photographer come to the hospital. If that is the case, you may be more apt to be concerned about how you look. Things like makeup and hair straighteners might make your list. 

I want to emphasize that this is the SIMPLE hospital bag checklist. I’ll be laboring in the gown and really don’t care what I end up looking like. The visit isn’t meant to be comfortable so I’m not bringing a bunch of items to make my room feel more like home. My goal is to get in and out as quickly as possible with a healthy baby. 

The Simple Hospital Bag Checklist

Mom

• 2-3 outfits
• 2 nursing bras
• 2 pairs underwear (not necessary if you plan to use the hospital disposable panties)
• 1 set of pajamas
• toothbrush
• chapstick
• deodorant (Attitude is the BEST non-toxic brand)
• phone charger (I recommend really long ones so they reach across the room)
• birth plan

Toiletries- to be shared between mom and dad or packed individually

• shampoo & conditioner
• toothpaste
• body wash / soap
• hair brush/ comb

Baby

• 2-3 outfits
• swaddle
• 2-3 blankets
• 1-2 pacifiers

Dad

• 4 outfits
• 2 sets of pajamas
• 4 underwear
• 4 socks
• sweatshirt
• toothbrush
• deodorant
• phone charger

The Printable Version

I’ve included a printable version of this list for FREE below. Feel free to print it out and utilize it that way. I’ve also included a couple extra lines so you can even customize it a little bit for yourself too. For instance, we are being induced so I’m also bringing a deck of cards and a book (or two, I read fast) since that process can take a bit longer than normal labor. I also plan to include some snacks as I’m a little particular about what I eat and I’d like for my husband to have some healthy options too. 

In Summary: Simple Hospital Bag Checklist

I found there were things that other people used (like a robe) that I did not use. I’d probably still pack one but it wasn’t necessary. Also, we got stuck in the hospital a tad longer due to jaundice so it spurred me to add a couple more outfits if I ever do it again. Hard to believe it wasn’t that long ago I was sharing the fertility update when we finally announced we were pregnant. It’s been a long road but I’m so thankful and happy to be able to share it with all of you!