New Mom Vibes

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Each phase of pregnancy represents a special and memorable time of your life. During the first trimester, you’re googling pregnancy symptoms and trying to get through morning sickness and exhaustion. The second trimester you get to enjoy those first kicks, watching your bump grow and prepping the nursery. Besides the fun baby shower, the third trimester tests everything in you from your physical sturdiness to psychological strength.  You and your family are also eager for the big day.

But aren’t you forgetting something? A small but important very detail. You need to pack your hospital bag. No, not for you only but also for your partner and your yet-to-come baby too. Here is a printable hospital bag checklist that will give you every detail you need.         

When to pack your hospital bag?

Timing is of the essence here. You should start packing your hospital bag when you enter your 37th week of pregnancy. But if your OB has predicted early labor then packing bags should start around the 35th week. Packing your hospital bag a week or two earlier helps you to include anything that you forgot to included in the bag. Plus, it’ll give you the ability to leave for the hospital anytime you need to.

Now let us go through the hospital bag checklist person by person.

Mom’s hospital bag checklist

Don’t worry; this list is not one of those ‘beyond comprehensive’ lists. And, many of your basic needs are taken care of by the birth centers. That is a load off your shoulders. But, it is always encouraged to ask the hospital beforehand and know about all the items they’ll be providing. Most birth centers generally provide you with:

• Hospital gowns.
• Birthing ball and other labor tools.
• Grip socks.
• Basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• Large cups of ice and water.
• Sanitary pads.
• Standard pillow and blankets.

Yet, you’ll need a few things listed below. Moreover, it’ll be more useful if you take this printable hospital bag checklist so that you don’t forget anything that proves to be a crucial detail afterward. Nevertheless, the list here might look quite long, but everything in it will mostly fit in your single overnight bag.

• Identification cards – This item in your checklist seems obvious, but you aren’t aware that many tend to forget adding this small crucial detail in their hospital bag checklist. Plus, you’ll also need your insurance and other documents.
• Medicines – It is obvious you’re taking some medications, and the hospital’s pharmacy can usually provide them. But, they might provide at a higher cost. Plus, if you are on some less common medications, then the hospital might not have the stock in hand. So, plan and pack these medications to avert this potential discomfort.
• Birth plan – If you have created your own birth plan then bring a copy or two with you during admission.
• Personal robe, hospital gowns or pajamas- Bring something that you can change into after you deliver. But choose those that are easy to access for monitors and do not obstruct breastfeeding after birth.
• Toiletries – Now, a hospital will provide you with basic toiletries but their choice of the product might not be your choice too. Hence, pack a bar of soap, deodorant, hairbrush, hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, etc. There is no end to it; you can choose to bring a makeup kit, especially if you opted for a professional birth photo session.
• Lenses and/or glasses – These kinds of things tend to slip out of attention. Thus, it is an important part of the printable hospital bag checklist. So make sure you pack it along with the saline solution, case, etc.
• Undergarments – The mesh underwear from hospitals are very useful in the first or so days when you are bleeding heavily. Nevertheless, slipping into your own underwear after that would be comforting. Moreover, you’ll be wearing pads so choose full coverage style and consider sizing up.
• Pads – Hospitals will provide you with thick pads, so if you require a thin one, then you’ll have to bring your own.
• Nursing or supportive bra – If you are or you are not planning for breastfeeding; still, your milk will come hours and even days after birth. Supportive bras will soothe the discomfort, and a nursing bra will give easy access to feed the baby.
• Comfortable clothes – If you don’t prefer to spend days in the hospital gown then you can prefer to wear some loose and comfortable clothes. Like button-down shirts, robe, etc.
• Slippers – Yes, hospital floors and bathrooms are cleaned and sanitized. But, you might feel extra protected and comfortable in slippers or flip flops.
• Belly Binder-Some hospitals provide this but if you want a comfortable belly binder for core support after delivery, you should bring your own.
• Nipple Cream- Breastfeeding can be rough on the nipples.  Make sure you bring some nipple cream in case your nipples get sore or cracked when trying to breastfeed.
• Light Makeup-this is optional.  If you’re taking pictures or expecting a ton of visitors, you might want to put a little bit of makeup on.

If you are having a cesarean delivery then add these items also –

• Support underwear – Pack some C-section recovery underwear because they are high-waisted and offer light compression. Alternately, you can also bring some fold-over underwear that sits under the incision.
• Special snacks –Post-surgery constipation is a common thing and you can beat it with some snacks that contain lots of fibers, such as apple or oatmeal with dried fruits.
• Loose clothing – You should pack some comfortable clothes to wear, such as, nightgowns. Just keep in mind that clothing doesn’t rub against your incision.

Dad’s Hospital Bag Checklist

Hospitals do not provide anything much to attending partners. Therefore, here’s a checklist for your partner’s printable hospital bag checklist.

• Comfortable clothing and shoes – You’re likely to stay in a hospital for a day or so. Therefore, it’ll be useful for your partner to bring some comfortable clothing like pajamas and other lounge clothing. Plus, they should have a pair of slippers that grip or, an extra pair of comfortable shoes and socks.
• Toiletries – The hospital’s basic toiletries might not be available to anyone except you. So, remind your partner to pack some essentials like shampoo, face wash, deodorant, lotion, etc.
• Medications and some other basics – Your medications will be taken care of by the hospital but not your partner’s. Therefore, your partner will need to pack anything that they’re taking. Plus, their regular use amenities like glasses and contact lens are also a must-have to spend a few days with you.
• Cell phone and charger – There is nothing much to explain about this here. Cellphones are a necessity and it’ll help to let you call your friends or update your social media handles after you deliver.
• Pillow and blanket- Hospital will provide blankets. But, they are usually not warm. Hence, it’ll be comfortable to include some good blankets and colorful pillows in your partner’s hospital bag checklist.
• Snacks, Water bottles, and books – Meal replacement bars can be handy. After all, you wouldn’t want your partner to go to the cafeteria on and on, during the long delivery and labor process. Moreover, you are probably going to take over the water cup provided by the hospital. Hence, your partner’s printable hospital bag checklist should include at least one water bottle. Besides, you’ll be busy in the hospital, but your partner will need some reading to pass time when you are resting or sleeping.
• Credit cards, debit cards, a small amount of cash – It is not uncommon for anyone to feel like using a vending machine or getting something from the cafeteria during the stay. Therefore, it is an important part of the printable hospital bag checklist.

Baby’s hospital bag checklist

Your young one will be provided with most supplies for their time in the hospital. Even some hospitals might require the baby to wear hospital-branded onesies, until you are discharged. Yet, some items must be included in the printable hospital bag checklist, which can easily fit in a diaper bag.

• Returning home outfit – It is exciting to plan for what your baby will wear home. However, do keep the weather in mind. Additionally, pack an extra pair, in case the first pair becomes dirty.
• Diapers – It is a mandatory item in your printable hospital bag checklist if you are planning for specific diapering. Bring a pack with you at the hospital.
• Swaddle Blanket – It is a meaningful thing for the hospital bag checklist and babies love to be swaddled.  Your hospital may provide you with some of these but it’s nice to bring a few of your own.
• Nursing Pillow- these are a life saver.  They help you comfortably position baby if you’re planning on breastfeeding.
• Onesies- if you don’t want to use the ones provided by the hospital it’s good to bring some onesies of your own.  Bring both newborn and 0-3 months depending on the size of your baby.
• Baby Mittens- many babies come into the world with really long finger nails.  Putting mittens on baby will help reduce him/her scratching their face.
• Baby Hat- Not only are these cute, but it will help keep your baby’s head warm after delivery.
• Baby Socks- again this is good to keep your baby warm after delivery.
• Burp Cloths- Babies spit up a lot and especially after delivery so you’ll want to pack a few burp cloths.
• Formula and bottles- If you are planning to formula feed from the start then it is a vital part of the printable hospital bag checklist. Nevertheless, ask your birth center beforehand about their policy about it.
• Car Seat- you’ll want to make sure that you bring your baby’s car seat with you.  Most hospitals won’t let you leave unless you have it.

Now, when your printable hospital bag checklist is almost complete, let’s review these small but essential details.

What not to pack in your hospital bag?

• Excessive foods and drinks – Remember only to pack minimalistic amounts because you’ll have other matters in hand to attend to during labor. Plus, there are vending machines and a cafeteria to cater to you and your partner’s needs.
• Camcorders or video cameras – You and your partner will be busy, very busy, tending your newborn. And there will be not much time for striking a pose or doing a prop over and over again. Just celebrate your first few days as parents with your near and dear ones, and of course with the baby.
• Lots of baby clothes – Just a couple of pairs of baby clothes will get you through. Plus, you’ll merely require them when returning home.
• Dressy clothes – In fact, many of those clothes might not even fit you. Additionally, you will be drawn more towards comfortable clothes that help you nurse your baby.
• Baby toys – These are a strict no-no in a hospital bag checklist because your baby is going to spend time either sleeping or feeding. There is not a chance that the baby would play with these toys, so keep them at home.

Final words

Conclusively, your printable hospital bag checklist is completed here; along with few things that you won’t need there. However, your final list will depend on your individual needs and, your hospital’s policies and facilities. The importance of a hospital bag checklist is to pack essential things for your comfort and those that accommodate your needs. Nevertheless, if you forgot something then don’t sweat because you can always send for someone to acquire things you require after the baby is born.