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Printable Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor and Delivery (Free PDF)

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The crib is all put together, the clothes are nicely folded in the drawers, and the nursery looks perfect. 

 

Everything is ready for the baby!

 

Now it’s time to get ready for the hospital. 

And when I say that I mean, it’s time to pack your hospital bag. 

 

It can be hard to know what to pack for Mom, Baby, and Dad (especially if it’s your first time).

 

But, no worries! 

 

I’ve created this list of items of everything you’ll need for labor and delivery so that you’ll know exactly what to pack in your hospital bag!

Plus get your very own printable hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery.

 

Look below to see what you need for the big day!

 

(This page may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  You can read my full disclaimer policy here.)

 

Printable Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor and Delivery

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom

 

Insurance Card

 

When you get to the hospital, they’ll want to see your insurance card.

So be sure you have that on your when you come in!

 

ID Card

 

Your ID card can simply be your driver’s license.

 

Birth Plan

 

Having a birth plan is a great way to let your birthing team and the nurses at the hospital know what you’d like and not like during labor and delivery.

So once you have your made and done, be sure to pack it right away!

 

And if you’re not sure how to make a birth plan but want to, this post will show you exactly how to write a birth plan plus ideas of what you could put in yours!

 

Hospital Forms

 

The hospital may want you to have some kind of form filled out.

Some birthing places may let you fill out a form ahead of time so that you don’t have to do that one while you’re in labor.

 

If you do, be sure to bring those along too!

 

Lip Balm

 

Your lips may get dry during all that breathing!

Chapstick will help keep them from getting so dried out.

 

Glasses

 

Doctors may ask you to wear glasses instead of contacts if you get a c-section.

So if you have them, give them or pack an extra pair just in case.

 

Labor Item

 

You may choose to bring some kind of labor item with you.

Like something to help you through labor.

Some ideas of different things you could bring are:

  • Birthing Ball
  • Aromatherapy
  • Motivational Symbol
  • Lotion
  • Small Fan 
  • Music

Other Posts You May Like: +20 Best Labor Tips for First Time Moms

 

Clothes

 

Don’t like the nursing gown?

Then go ahead and bring some of your own clothes from home!

 

Even if you end up wearing the hospital gown the whole time, you’ll need clothes to wear when you get discharged.

 

Remember, you’re gonna wanna be comfortable.

So bring loose and comfy clothing.

 

Since your 6-month maternity clothes will probably still fit, you can bring those as well!

Or you can check out this post about the best postpartum clothes you can get on Amazon!

 

Slippers

 

Hospital floors can be cold! 

Take some slip-resistant socks and/or slippers for when you have to walk around the hospital halls.

 

Though some hospitals may give you a pair of non-slip socks when you’re there.

 

Phone and Charger

 

Seems obvious but can easily be forgotten at a moment’s notice!

 

Nursing Items

 

If you’re planning on breastfeeding then you may want to bring along some nursing supplies.

These can include…

  • Breastfeeding bra 
  • Nursing pads (Will help you from leaking on yourself)
  • Nursing pillow – This nursing pillow here is the kind I have at home and I LOVE it!
  • Nipple cream – This organic nipple cream here is what I used with my first!

 

Toiletries

 

Assuming you’ll want to get cleaned up and bathe at the hospital, you’ll want to bring things like…

  • Body wash, shampoo, conditioner
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Hairbrush, ponytails, headbands (Don’t use hair clips since they could poke you! Ouch!)
  • Deodorant

Snacks

 

Hospital food isn’t always the best.

And some hospitals also have a certain time for when you can eat.

 

So I would try to bring some small snacks along with you.

 

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby

 

Car Seat

 

The car is the number 1 thing to bring to the hospital! 

But most importantly, make sure the car seat is set up correctly and has been approved. 

 

Clothes

 

The hospital will have one outfit that they will put on the baby sometime after they’ve done the newborn procedures.

 

You can leave that on baby or bring a couple of outfits to put in them.

But I would definitely bring at least one for when you leave.

 

Hat

 

Hospitals are cold. 

And newborns can get cold very easily.

 

Bring a sweet little head to keep their head nice and warm!

 

Socks

 

Have socks or booties to put on the baby to help keep their feet warm.

 

Blanket

 

Typically the hospital will give you a receiving blanket for the baby.

You can, of course, use that or you can bring a special blanket for them that you have at home.

 

But if it’s winter I would definitely bring a blanket.

You can lay it on top of them when you bring the car seat to the car.

 

Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad

Camera

 

Take pictures of this special day!

And be sure to bring the charger too!

 

Phone and Charger

 

Be sure to have your phone and charger with you!

It can be an easy thing to forget.

 

Clothes

 

If they’re going to be staying at the hospital with you, then they’re gonna want to bring a couple of pairs of clothes.

 

Toiletries

 

If they are staying at the hospital with you then I’m sure they’ll want to get cleaned up at some point.  So remember to bring things like…

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste 
  • Deodorant  
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
  • Hairbrush

Pillow and Blanket

 

If your partner is staying at the hospital with you, they should also bring a pillow and blanket.

 

What do I actually need in my hospital bag?

 

Everything above are things that you will ACTUALLY need at the hospital.

 

This list is made it keep things as simple (and little) as possible.

But you may decide to bring other things with and that’s okay too!

 

Some moms want to use a particular product on their baby (such as baby soap or wipes) so they may want to bring those along with them.

 

Another thing some moms like to take with them is their baby book.

This would be a great idea if you have a place to do footprints in the book since the hospital will end up doing them anyway.

 

What should you not pack in your hospital bag?

 

To help you avoid overpacking and bringing a bunch of unnecessary things, here are some things that you probably shouldn’t bother bringing to the hospital.

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Burp Rags
  • Pads
  • Stroller
  • Something for Baby to Sleep
  • Large Food Items & Drinks
  • Entertainment (movies, card games, books)

The reason I would suggest not bringing these things is that either the hospital will have them, it’s too big and unnecessary, or you won’t have any time for them.

 

What do hospitals provide for newborns?

 

Believe it or not but the hospital will actually provide you with certain things for the baby!

Things that you can expect the hospital to have are:

  • Burp Rags
  • Swaddle Blanket
  • Hat
  • 1 Baby Outfit
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Pacifier
  • Formula & Bottles

I didn’t know this when I had my first child, so hopefully, this will help you avoid an overstuffed labor and delivery bag.

 

What do hospitals provide for moms?

 

Just like for babies, hospitals will also have supplies for moms too.

Items you can expect the hospital to have for you are:

  • Hospital Gown
  • Socks
  • Birthing Ball (most of the time hospitals will have ones you can use)
  • Heavy Duty Pads
  • Disposable Underwear
  • Peri Bottle
  • Dermoplast
  • Witch Hazel Pads (sometimes these aren’t available)
  • Heating Pad

All hospitals are different and may provide different items.

With my second child, I gave birth at a different hospital and they provided ice pads (which I highly recommend using by the way) but didn’t have witch hazel pads or a heating pad.

 

Another hospital I went to actually offered aromatherapy to use during labor as well.

 

So I would definitely be sure to ask what types of supplies they offer for your stay there.

 

How many weeks in advance should I pack my hospital bag?

 

Really, you can get your hospital bag ready whenever you like. 

 

However, you should make sure your hospital bag is completely packed no later than 35 weeks!

After it’s packed, put your bag in the car so it’s ready to go. 

 

You don’t want to accidentally forget it if you’re in a rush and you may not be home when you go into labor. 

So, to be safe, keep it in your car!

 

How I can make sure I don’t forget anything?

 

We all wanna be prepared and not forget anything, and using a checklist is the perfect way to keep track!

 

Below there’s a free printable hospital bag checklist that you can download and use! 

 

 

It’s has a checklist for Moms, Dads, and Baby!

 

Other Posts You May Like:

Simple Ways on How to Dress During Pregnancy Without Maternity Clothes

Best Pregnancy Apps for Tracking Your Pregnancy

Best Pregnancy Journals for New Moms

 

pregnant mom packing her hospital bag with text saying "the super simple hospital bag checklist for mom baby and dad"

What do you think is the most important item to bring to the hospital?  Tell me below in the comments.  And if you liked this post, give it a share, thanks!  Also, be sure to get your printable hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery above! 

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