Since both of my kids were both at 37 weeks (you can read about my birth stories), I definitely recommend preparing a hospital bag at 37 weeks or earlier! I’m a minimalist. Even travelling with two kids, I just bring a small roller bag and a diaper bag. So for the hospital bag, I only packed essentials. Here’s my minimalist hospital bag checklist!
Comfort Items, Toiletries, and Essentials
Comfy pillows and a throw blanket: Hospital pillows are not comfy, and even at fancy hospitals, they’re low in stock. Bring one for you and one for your partner.
Sound machine or playlist: This one’s personal. I like to sleep with a sound machine, so that was calming for me.
Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size)
Shampoo (travel size)
Lotion (travel size)
Snacks: e.g., applesauce pouches, coconut water (for labor)
Water bottle
Phone and charger
Wallet
Forms for doctor to fill out: e.g., for paid parental leave
Items for Mom
These are clothes for after birth. I was gifted fancy hospital gowns but opted to go for the hospital-provided one. The hospital provides postpartum supplies.
Nightgown: button-down for easy nursing access and skin-to skin
Nursing tank with nursing pads
Cardigan
Jogger pants
2 pairs of underwear
Comfy grippy socks
Shower sandals
Honeypot pads: the hospital provides pads, but I prefer these ones that are thin yet absorbent and cottony
Items for Baby and Partner
The hospital provides little white side-snap shirts, blankets, and diapers for baby.
Newborn outfit
Change of clothes for partner
Car seat installed properly
Did I leave anything out? Let me know in the comments!
This is a perfect list! I’m hoping to pack a little lighter for baby #2 (and shed some of the anxiety that accompanied us with our many bags for baby #1)!
This is a perfect list! I’m hoping to pack a little lighter for baby #2 (and shed some of the anxiety that accompanied us with our many bags for baby #1)!
Thanks, Caroline! Wishing you fewer bags and less anxiety for baby #2. 🙂
My partner liked having a button-down shirt for skin-to-skin contact!
I love that idea! Thanks for sharing, Rachel!