What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

When packing your hospital bag, you’ve just got to start somewhere! Having a checklist is a nice tool, because although you may not want/need/or agree with what’s on the list – it’s at least a starting point. It also makes you stop and think of what you DO want and what you DON’T want. Today, I’m sharing with you some of the items that made their way into my hospital bag and also the checklist that I used to help me figure out what I wanted to include. Here are some of my essentials:

1. Nursing Tank: I really like how long in the body this style is – for a snug and secure fit.
2. Favorite Pillow: Some hospital pillows are better than others, but if you have a fave that brings you comfort, I would stick it in the bag!
3. Lip Balm+ Makeup: Lip balm is a must because it can be dry in hospitals, but bringing a few makeup staples isn’t a bad idea either. Especially if you are expecting visitors and a few pictures – a sweep of blush might be nice. That said, I didn’t use any makeup while I was recovering from Aiden’s delivery…we’ll see this time around!
4. Phone Card, Cell Phone, Camera, Video Camera: You’ll want to bring your cell phone, but depending on hospital rules, you may also want to bring a calling card. Of course a camera or video camera for capturing the moments and a handful of change if you need to send your partner to grab something from the vending machines.
5. Snacks: Which brings me to snacks. I totally forgot to pack any granola bars or trail mix last time and after the birth, I got REALLY hungry. I had my mom go to the nurse’s station and grab a stash of digestive cookies (obviously not gluten-free!) while I waited for breakfast to be served. I also ate two whole breakfasts. What can I say, twelve hours of natural childbirth can really work up an appetite 😉
6. Newborn Diapers: There are lots of newborn diapers to choose from (Honest, Seventh Generation, Cloth) – but I really like these organic cotton ones from Huggies, because they have the cutout for the umbilical cord. Some of the other diapers were too high and wanted to rub against it as it healed, but these were perfect.
7. Nighty, Pyjamas, Comfy Loose Clothing: If you are planning to nurse, choose a nighty that has a front opening. You’ll want to bring comfortable clothing for wearing home (and make sure it’s stretchy, there’s no way of telling what size you’ll be).
8. Warm Socks or Slippers: If you can find socks with bottom grip, it’s best – because hospital floors can be slippery or just wear slippers with rubber soles. 
9. Baby Pyjamas, Baby Hat + Scratch Mitts, Going Home Outfit: A lot of people say scratch mitts are optional, but a lot of babies arrive with long, beautiful nails…scratch mitts will keep them from scratching themselves by accident. I brought a few nightgowns for baby, because they are long, warm and easy to do night-time diaper changing. As for the going home outfit, I packed a few to choose from; wardrobe options for baby!
10. Car Seat: An obvious necessity if you are leaving the hospital by car. Most hospitals check to make sure it’s within regulation before you even leave the hospital.
11. Swaddling Blanket, Nursing Blanket: I’ve got my favorite Aden + Anais swaddling blankets packed. Can’t wait to wrap baby girl up in them!

Feel free to download the PDF (click on image above) of the list that I made to help me stay on top of what I needed to add to my hospital bag. I listed the basics, but of course I added a whole bunch of extra things, like a bath towel, sugar-free candy, some makeup, too many going home outfits for baby, a bath robe, flip flops….I probably won’t use half of the stuff, but sometimes you just need the comfort of knowing you have it!

And, I’m ready to go!

How about you? Did you remember to pack everything you needed…was there something you forgot or that you recommend bringing?

• Author
• Recent Posts

Emily Smith

Emily Smith, Editor of The Best of This Life, has been crafting lifestyle content and delicious recipes for over a decade. Featured on platforms like BRIT + CO, Today's Parent, and Chatelaine, she writes about family, food, home, and wellness, inspiring readers to live well and savour life's beauty. Based in Ottawa, she shares her adventures with her husband, two beautiful kids, and their mischievous cat, Zoro.

Latest posts by Emily Smith (see all)

• Why the Ford Ranger is Perfect for Winter Road Trips - December 20, 2024
• Add Serendipity to Your Holiday Movie List - December 16, 2024
• 50 Things Kids Can Do During Winter Break - December 9, 2024