March 31, 2023

The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for a Smooth Delivery and Beyond

Getting ready for baby’s arrival? Don’t stress—our hospital bag checklist covers everything you need, from mom essentials to baby must-haves. Pack with confidence and focus on meeting your little one!

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THE ULTIMATE HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST: PACK LIKE A PRO FOR LABOR & DELIVERY

The big day is almost here! That mix of excitement, nerves, and maybe a little What am I forgetting? starts to creep in as you get closer to your due date. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate hospital bag checklist. Because the only thing you need to focus on is meeting your little one—not scrambling through your bag for that favorite lip balm. So, let’s get to it—grab your bag and start packing!

Toiletries for Mom and Dad

Let’s start with the basics: you’re going to want to feel like you during labor, so pack the essentials that’ll keep you comfortable and fresh. This is my favorite hanging toiletry bag and makeup bag to pack all the essentials!

So, forget about that hospital toothpaste—bring your own, and a few extra things to make your stay just a little more enjoyable. Here’s what I swear by:

Toothbrush & toothpaste (for you and your partner)
Deodorant (because, trust me, you’ll want it)
Contact lenses + solution (or glasses, whatever you need)
Saline solution to refresh those eyes
Shampoo & conditioner (keep your hair manageable, mama)
Cerave body lotion to hydrate that dry hospital skin
Face wash to feel human again
Kopari Beauty face cream for that glow
Tula Get it + Glow Eye Balm – goodbye dark circles!
Dry shampoo for quick touch-ups
Hairbrush for a quick brush through
Makeup wipes for when you just can’t…
Makeup & compact mirror (if you want to freshen up)
Prenatal vitamins (for mama’s health)
Chapstick (no one needs dry lips, especially during labor)
Hair clips and ties (Teleties are gentle and don’t leave those nasty kinks)
Lansinoh nipple balm (for, you know, post-baby comfort)

THE DELIVERY ROOM BACKPACK: WHAT YOU NEED AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Next up: your delivery room backpack. You’re going to want to have everything right there when you need it. Skip the frantic last-minute rummaging and have these items ready to go:

A toiletry bag with your travel-sized essentials (easy to grab and go!)
A baby book for first footprints and memories
Cloud Slides or slippers—comfort is key
A long phone charger (because labor time is not the time for your phone to die)
Cozy robe to stay comfy
Maternity sweatpants for easy movement (no judgment here)
Nursing gowns or tanks for quick and easy feeding access
A cardigan for when you need extra warmth
Liquid IV (hydration is crucial, especially during labor)
Manual breast pump (just in case)
A water cup (stay hydrated, mama)
Towels (check with the hospital first to see if they’ve got you covered)

CLOTHING FOR BABY: THE CUTEST FIRST OUTFIT

And then, there’s the star of the show: your baby. Pack their first outfit and everything else they’ll need to be cozy and comfortable. Here’s a checklist to make sure they’re all set:

A coming home outfit (weather-appropriate and cute, obviously)
Booties + hat or bow to keep that sweet head warm
A receiving blanket for snuggles
A sleeper or gown for maximum comfort
A Love to Dream sleep sack or swaddle (hello, cozy!)
A portable white noise machine (to drown out the hospital sounds)
Baby nail clippers (because those little nails will get you)
Your preferred diaper cream (because baby skin is delicate)

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS YOU WON’T WANT TO FORGET

There are a few extras that are always good to have on hand—trust me, they come in handy:

An empty tote bag for collecting hospital freebies (because you know they’ll give you stuff)
A laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate from all the cute baby outfits
A nursing pillow for comfy feeding sessions
A letterboard and some photo props for capturing the first precious moments (don’t forget the first “baby’s first photo op”!)

FINAL THOUGHTS: PACKING WITH PEACE OF MIND

There you have it—the must-haves to pack for your labor and delivery. Packing early gives you one less thing to worry about as you get closer to the big day. Trust me, the more you can check off your list now, the more time you’ll have to focus on you—and the little one you’re about to meet. Customize your bag with anything else that brings you comfort or joy, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Here’s to smooth deliveries and beautiful, stress-free moments (or as stress-free as possible when you’re bringing a tiny human into the world)! Happy packing, mama!