Packing my hospital bag makes it feel like baby #3 is almost here! After two previous hospital stays, I have a better idea of what I want to bring to feel comfortable during labor and postpartum recovery.
I’m sharing my checklist for labor, myself, and the baby, along with a few of my favorite essentials. Hopefully, this helps if you’re getting ready for your own hospital stay!
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Hospital Bag Checklist
Labor Essentials
[ ] Portable fan
[ ] Water bottle
[ ] Printed birth plan
[ ] Labor gown
[ ] Labor Combs
For Me/Mom
[ ] Phone charger
[ ] Kindle and headphones
[ ] Pillow and blanket from home
[ ] Pajamas X3
[ ] Robe or sweatshirt
[ ] Socks with grips and slippers
[ ] Going-home outfit and shoes
[ ] Nursing bras X3
[ ] Nursing pillow
[ ] Nipple cream
[ ] Peri bottle- this one is better than the one my hospital provides
[ ] Toothbrush and toiletries
[ ] Eye Patches
[ ] Electrolytes
[ ] Nightlight
[ ] Hairbrush
[ ] Polaroid camera and film
[ ] License and Insurance card
[ ] Nurses Baskets- completely optional, but just a little thank you for L&D and postpartum nurses
For Baby
[ ] Newborn going home outfit, including a hat and bow
[ ] Newborn onesies
[ ] Pacifier- hospital should have these as well
[ ] Ollie swaddle
A Few Things I’m Bringing Again
After breastfeeding both of my older babies, I know I’ll want my nursing pillow and nipple cream (the hospital will have this too) readily available. I’m also packing electrolytes for hydration and a nightlight for overnight feedings without bright overhead lights.
I love having physical photos and keepsakes, so my Polaroid camera and baby book & ink pad are coming along, too. These little details help capture memories from those first few days. Plus, the nurses will put the baby’s footprint and handprint directly into their baby book for you.
Don’t Forget the Last-Minute Items
A few things will need to be grabbed before we leave for the hospital, including phone chargers, our pillows and blanket, and water bottle.
Every hospital stay is different, but this list is a good starting point for packing your own bag. I’m keeping it simple this time and focusing on the things that will help me feel comfortable and make those first days with baby #3 special!
Until next time, XXX McKenzie