What Should You Carry In Your Hospital Bag? 

Ready for the big day? Are you prepared to head to the hospital? We know just thinking about it might be making you anxious. Well, let’s help you take some of that load off by telling you exactly what you need to pack for the hospital. 

Here is a detailed checklist of everything you need to carry in your hospital bag. We’ll also include what your spouse needs to bring and what your baby will need at the hospital. But first, when should you pack your hospital bag? 

When Should You Pack A Hospital Bag? 

Sometimes, your baby may come earlier than you had planned. For this reason, it is wise to pack your hospital bag and your baby’s essentials between your early eighth to your early ninth month. This way, you’ll be all set well before your due date. 

Once you are all packed, set everything up at a location where it will be easy to head out with everything at a moment’s notice. 

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

First up is a list of what to pack in your hospital bag. You want to bring all the necessary administrative items as well as a few things to entertain yourself with. 

• Your birth plan. Bring a printed copy even if you had already discussed it with your medical team. 
• Hospital papers, ID, and insurance. Keep duplicates of your medical records on hand as well. 
• A comfortable bathrobe. 
• Slippers or flip-flops. 
• Water spray and sponge for when you feel overheated during labor or delivery. 
• Lip balm for when your lips get chapped during labor. 
• Massage oil or body lotion. A quick massage can calm you down during labor.
• A comfortable pillow. 
• Entertainment sources, such as books, magazines, a music player, or a tablet. 
• Earplugs and an eye mask for when you need some shuteye. 
• Toiletries, including your toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, and face wipes. 
• Comfortable clothes. 
• Drinks, including a few bottles of water or an electrolyte drink, such as Gatorade.
• An extra-long cell phone charging cord. 
• Nipple cream if you are planning to breastfeed.
• A bath towel. 
• Adult diapers, which are more comfortable and secure than maternity pads
• Maternity pads. 
• Nightgowns.
• Underwear. 
• Nursing bras. 
• Contact lenses and glasses (if you need them). 
• Snacks and beverages. 

What Your Spouse Needs To Pack

If your spouse is going to be joining you at the hospital, here are a few things they should bring with them: 

• Snacks and drinks. 
• Phone or camera and their accompanying chargers and a few extra batteries. 
• A change of clothes. 
• Toiletries, including a toothbrush, hairbrush, shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, and deodorant. 
• An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses.
• A comfort cushion.
• Entertainment sources, such as a book, a tablet, or a music player.
• A sleeping sack and a pillow.

What To Pack In Your Baby’s Hospital Bag

Here Are Some Of The Most Important Things You Will Need For Your Little One: 

• Baby clothes. Remember to consider the weather and don’t forget socks and booties!
• Receiving blanket and going home attire. Pack two going-home outfits; one in a newborn size and the other in a slightly larger size because you can never really quite tell how big your baby will be until you see them!
• Contact information for your pediatrician. 
• Bottles and formula if you're using them.

Final Thoughts

With this list, you should be a little more confident about heading to the hospital. Just be sure to get everything ready in time because you never know when your little one will decide to turn up!