On average, parents who deliver vaginally stay in the hospital for one to two days. If you deliver via c-section, you’d be looking at closer to three or four days. Keep your length of stay in mind as you select what to pack in your hospital bag.
Tip: Ask your hospital what they provide for mothers and take those things off your hospital bag checklist.
HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR MOM
• Photo ID, insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan
• Eyeglasses (if you wear them)
• Cell phone and charger
• Two or three pairs of warm, nonskid socks (for walking the halls before and after labor)
• A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause
• Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)
• Headband or ponytail holder
• Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)
• Non-perishable snacks (find out if your hospital room as a fridge)
• 2 maternity bras and nursing pads
• Toiletries and personal items: hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)
• Loose, lightweight clothing (maternity wards can often be hot)
• Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity sizes, and flat shoes
•Nipple Cream
•Adult Diapers (The hospital will provide pads, but adult diapers might be more comfortable.)
Optional hospital bag checklist items for mom
• Very light reading (think magazines and newspapers, not War and Peace)
• Earbuds to listen to music on your phone
• Bath towel (the hospital will probably supply a very thin, small one)
• Hairdryer
• A comfy pillow from home (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
• A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, if preferred)
• Breastfeeding pillow
•Eye Mask for sleeping
HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR BABY
• Approved infant car seat
• A coming-home outfit (bring clothes in different sizes to make sure they fit!)
• Warm blankets
HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR PARTNER
• Cell phone and charger
• A change of clothes
• Toiletries: toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens case and solution
• Snacks (you don’t want your partner eating all of yours!)
• Entertainment, whether it’s something to read, listen to or watch
• Camera or video camera with batteries, charger and an extra memory card
• Any daily prescription medication