What to Pack in Your Maternity Hospital Bag + Free Printable

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Now that I’m due with my third baby any time now, I’ve started to pack my maternity hospital bag.  With my first two children, I sought advice and read various recommendations on what I needed to pack – only to find that I didn’t bring along certain items I wish I had and vice versa.  Now that I’m a seasoned pro, I’ve put together a list of items that best fit my needs during maternity hospital stays.

Although I’m late to the party this time around, I recommend that you begin readying your bag anytime after 35 or 36 weeks pregnant.

Here are my recommendations and tips for your maternity hospital bag.  To check out all my recommended products, access my Amazon Influencer page (all purchases there will earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you).  At the end of this post, I’ve included a downloadable full-size list for you to print and go!

Related Articles:

• 9 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Breastfeeding
• 10 More Things I’ve Learned About Breastfeeding – At 6 Months Postpartum
• What You Really Need For a New Baby + FREE Printable
• 7 Reasons the United States Needs Paid Maternity Leave
• My Third Birth Story – Or, Why You Should Get an Epidural

Mom’s Clothing Items

• Maternity Sweats/Shirts: Do yourself a favor and leave the nice clothes at home.  Comfy sweats and shirts are the best daytime clothing items to pack.  The hospital is often cold, so I’ve learned to leave the shorts and flowy dresses at home (Kate Middleton may be able to pull it off, but not me!)
• Loose Pajamas: Nothing is better than changing into your comfy oversized pajamas after laboring in a scratchy hospital gown for hours on end.
• Slippers or Thick Socks: Do you want to walk around on dirty hospital floors in your bare feet?  Me neither.  Pack the slippers or thick socks for cleanliness and to keep your feet warm in the chilly rooms.
• Nursing Bra or Camisole: I recommend this whether or not you’re nursing.  Obviously for breastfeeding, it allows for ease of access.  But even if you’re not breastfeeding, you will be much more comfortable in these than in underwire bras. I’m a fan of these Loritta Maternity Seamless Nursing Bras for price and comfort.
• Going Home Outfit (Loose): Again with the loose as you will still be bloated, larger than normal, and uncomfortable.  Avoid anything too fancy or with too many buttons.  I suggest maybe going a step up from sweats – to maternity yoga pants.
• Cotton Panties (Larger Size): This is the one time it is perfectly acceptable to pull on some granny panties.  Go one size up from your regular size for maximum comfort, and skip the low rise or boy cut styles.  Simple cotton bikinis or briefs are the best – I recommend something like Hanes or Fruit of the Loom.
• Loose Sweater: Did I mention that it gets cold in the hospital?  Bring an oversized sweater just in case.
• Flip Flops: Bring these for the hospital shower.  You can grab a pair for as little as $2.50 at Old Navy.

Mom’s Toiletries

• Hairbrush/Comb: Pretty self-explanatory.  Even if you tie your hair up, you may want to brush it out before pictures – or definitely after a shower.
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss: Don’t neglect your teeth!  Purchase the travel size.
• Soap/Shower Gel: Yes, they will likely provide you with soap at the hospital, but would you prefer that or your own soap or gel?  If bringing shower gel, don’t forget the shower loofah.
• Shampoo/Conditioner: Same story as the soap.  Purchase the travel sizes.
• Deodorant: This I haven’t seen the hospital supply, so don’t forget it!
• Makeup: I will admit that I actually do not bring makeup to the hospital.  And it shows in my post-delivery pictures.  So if you want nicer pics than mine, go ahead and pack.
• Lip Balm: With both prior stays, I remember vividly my lips being SO DRY the entire time.  I was grateful to have lip balm.
• Ponytail Holders/Headbands: You will definitely need these during delivery, but even afterwards as well.

Mom’s Other Items

• Pillow: Hospital pillows are about as comfortable as lying on a book.  Bring your own.  And use a pillow covering in a color other than white so you don’t mix up yours with the hospital’s.
• Nursing Pillow: Whether or not you’re planning to nurse, you will want this.  It helps for laying on, sitting on, and a variety of other things.  I strongly recommend a Boppy Pillow for both the hospital and months home afterwards. I’ve included it as one of the 7 Most Useful Gifts For a First Time Mom.
• Sanitary Pads/Briefs: With my first delivery, I packed extra absorbent winged sanitary pads.  They ended up not being absorbent enough.  So for my second, I went straight to the adult diapers.  Not only were these MUCH more comfortable, I had zero issues with absorbency.  I recommend Depends or Always for a more discreet profile.
• Numbing Spray: Giving birth is NO JOKE, and the pain in your lady parts lasts long after the baby has been born.  With my second I was thankfully given the tip to bring numbing spray to assist with bathroom breaks post-delivery.  I recommend Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray.
• Breast Pads: Unless you want large milk stains ruining your shirts, these are a must for both hospital and home.  I’m a fan of the Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads as they are comfortable, discreet, and have a waterproof backing to protect clothes.
• Nipple Cream: If you’re even considering breastfeeding, bring this.  Nursing is not easy on the nipples, and in my experience is extremely painful at first.  Lanolin cream helps soothe and heal your nipples, and is safe for baby.  I’ve tried several brands and my preference is Lansinoh Lanolin.  Fun fact: it also works wonders on very chapped lips or dry cracked feet.
• Prenatal Vitamins: I bet you thought you were done with these after delivery, right?  Unfortunately not.  If you’re nursing, you will need to continue to take them.  I opt to switch from the prescription pills to the easier-to-digest gummy pills sold over the counter though.
• Glasses/Contacts: Don’t forget these in the rush to get to the hospital – you will want to see your brand new bundle clearly!  Also pack contact lens solutions and cleaners.

Dad’s Clothing/Toiletry Items

• Shirts/Pants/Sweaters: You know the drill.  Whatever he needs or wants to wear during his stay in the hospital with you.
• Underwear/Boxers/Socks: The intimates, along with PJs to sleep in (please discourage him from sleeping in just his boxers at the hospital).
• Blanket: Newsflash: Hospital blankets are almost as bad as hospital pillows.  Have him bring one from home for himself – and you too, if he’s feeling generous.
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss: Travel sizes work well.
• Shampoo: Or perhaps he can share yours?
• Comb: Unless he shaves his head.
• Deodorant: This he can’t share – so make sure he brings his own.
• Razor/Shaving Cream: Along with any other mens’ products he needs to beautify himself each morning.

Dad’s Necessities (For Both)

• Insurance Cards: You MUST bring this to the hospital, even if you’ve pre-registered.  Have him bring both yours and his.
• Drivers Licenses: Same story – make sure he brings both (hoping his is a given assuming he is driving you there in the first place).
• Registration Paperwork: If you have not already pre-registered at the hospital, bring the completed forms.  But I HIGHLY recommend you pre-register to save everyone some headache during a time when you’re likely to be in a lot of pain and not in the mood to be filling out paperwork.
• Obstetrician Contact Information: Don’t forget this if you want your OB to deliver your baby!  Make sure he brings name, number, address, and any other pertinent information.
• Pediatrician Contact Information: The hospital will request this so that your baby can have his or her first checkup.  Ensure that all pertinent contact information is brought along.
• Camera/Charged Battery/SD Card: Charge the battery beforehand, and bring an extra charged battery just in case.  I also bring two SD cards – the one in the camera and an additional, because you can never overestimate how many pictures you’re going to take of the new baby!
• Cash: For snacks, meals, and anything else you might need during your stay.
• Friend/Family Contact Info: This is important assuming you want to announce your baby’s arrival outside of Facebook.  Make sure the list includes email addresses and cell phone numbers for calls and text messages.  It may be helpful to create a draft mass email or text message template beforehand – that way you can simply fill in the blanks and hit send instead of populating everyone’s name and information at the hospital.

Dad’s Other Items

• Cell Phones/Chargers: I’d be lost without my cell phone at the hospital.  Same goes for the charger.  Bring both.
• Laptops/Tablets: Whatever floats your boat.  Labor may take hours and if you’re not in too much pain (or opt for an epidural) you can surf the net, watch movies, read ebooks, or even work.
• Sibling Gifts: I think it’s a nice and memorable gesture for the new baby to give each sibling a small gift. Think things like a baby doll, a big brother or sister book, etc.  My preschooler still talks about the gift that his brother gave him when he was born (a baby doll so that he could have his own baby to take care of).  This time around I purchased them both some coloring books and big brother books: You Were the First for my eldest, and I’m a Big Brother! for my youngest. It helps ease the transition and jealousy a tad.  So bring the wrapped gifts with you.
• Bluetooth Speaker: If you want music during labor, bring a small bluetooth speaker to amplify your cell phone music list.
• Snacks/Bottled Drinks: Things like granola bars, crackers, trail mix, favorite candy, and bottled water or teas help keep everyone satiated between meal times – or if the hospital meals aren’t quite up to par.
• Gum/Mints: Great for both Mom AND Dad during and after long hours of laboring.
• Towels/Garbage Bags for Car: You can never be too prepared.  Before rushing you off to Labor and Delivery, make sure Dad places a trash bag covered by a towel on the car seat.  You may not need it, but if your water suddenly breaks, everyone will be thankful.
• Baby Book: Pack your favorite baby/nursing/related book to refer to during those first hours and days with a brand new human being to take care of. I use the Pearhead Chevron Baby Book and have been happy with it.

Baby’s Clothes/Toiletries

• Going Home Outfit: Opt for something simple, comfortable, and without too many buttons or snaps.
• Extra Outfits: While the hospital does provide onesies, they are typically thin, threadbare, and not overly attractive.  Bring some of your favorite new outfits from home – and perhaps a special outfit or two for the professional baby photographers who will come around and offer to take pictures.
• Sleepers: These are sleep gowns that I love because they are easy to put on and take off (no snaps or buttons), and diapering is a breeze (just lift up the gown).  All the major baby clothing manufacturers make them, although I’m partial to Carters.
• Mittens/Booties/Caps: If the hospital room is cold for you, imagine how it must feel for a newborn.  Be prepared with baby booties, caps, and mittens.  An added benefit of the mittens is that they help prevent babies from scratching themselves with long nails they are sometimes born with.
• Baby Wash/Lotion (Travel Size): Bring something along for baby’s first bath, even if it is a sponge bath.  I love Babyganics Shampoo + Body Wash and Babyganics Daily Baby Lotion for clean, natural, and sensitive ingredients.
• Vaseline: This is another item that the hospital will provide but in my experience, it comes in tiny packets (think ketchup packets) that are difficult to open and apply.  I also like being able to bring my own brands that I love.  Right now I’m a big fan of Burt’s Bees Baby Bee 100% Natural Multipurpose Ointment.
• Newborn Size Diapers: This can be considered optional, as you will be supplied these at the hospital.  But if you have a certain brand in mind, bring your own.  They should also help stock your diaper bag.  I’ve tried all the major brands and, in my experience, Pampers is the best and most leak-resistant for newborns.  That said, others swear by other brands.  So try several out and see what works for you.
• Baby Wipes: You can NEVER have too many baby wipes.  Not only for diapering, but for wiping up milk, spit-up, spills, and a variety of other messes.  My favorite by far are Target’s up & up Sensitive Baby Wipes – I purchase them by the case.

Baby’s Supplies

• Car Seat: The hospital won’t let you leave without one, so this is arguably the most important item you can bring.  I’ve tried out and done a ton of research on many infant and convertible car seats, and have different preferences for each stage.  I will be writing a detailed review of my findings but, for now, I find the Chicco Keyfit 30 to be one of the very best infant car seats on the market.  And yes, I do recommend using an infant car seat for your baby – it is worth the money to be able to simply click the car seat in and out of vehicles and strollers without waking the baby.
• Car Seat Cover: Even though I live in a warm climate, I consider this a must have.  It allows your baby to sleep, and prevents strangers from getting too close and touching your baby.  I recommend Car Seat Canopy – but before purchasing, search online for a coupon code that will give you the product FREE (you will only have to pay shipping of approximately $12).
• Stocked Diaper Bag: This should be prepared before the baby arrives, and should include necessities like diapers, wipes, bottles, nipples, portable changing pad, Vaseline, receiving blankets, burp cloths, changes of clothes, etc.  I’ve found that some of the pricier diaper bags are not the most practical as they are simply too small and have too many slots.  My favorite bag to date is the simple $40 Eddie Bauer number from Target.
• Receiving Blankets: This is another item that you can never overdo.  I use them for swaddling, covering, shielding, as a nursing cover, and for a variety of other purposes.  I use them to this day with my older children for different things.  So definitely bring a few receiving blankets to the hospital.
• Warm Blanket: In addition to receiving blankets, a plush baby blanket is always a good idea for warmth or to cover the baby when going outside.
• Swaddlers: I’ve mentioned in another post that I have never fully gotten the hang of properly swaddling a baby.  Luckily for me, there are cheat products available.  I highly recommend bringing along a few Summer Infant SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wraps just in case your dexterity is as questionable as mine.
• Burp Cloths: Just as they sound, these are for keeping your clothes dry while burping your baby.  Pick up a few, and then a few more, as they will soil quickly.
• Pacifier: It’s amazing how quickly a pacifier can soothe a crying baby.  Bring a couple of these to the hospital.

Baby’s Additional Supplies

• Nursing Cover: A must-have for nursing or pumping.  I’ve used mine everywhere – from the car to public restrooms (yuck) to the hospital.  There are many different types available, but don’t spend a lot of money on this.  A simple inexpensive nursing cover works just fine.
• Nipple Shields: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: breastfeeding and pumping are PAINFUL, especially at first.  I use nipple shields to help with the pain and prevent the nipple from become too bloodied.  They also help the baby latch when physiological issues (such as inverted nipples) may be present.
• Nasal Aspirator: The ones the hospital provides do nothing.  The absolute BEST baby nasal aspirator on the market is the Nosefrida.  I’ve also reviewed it in detail here.  Once you get over the idea of sucking boogers out of your baby’s nose (don’t worry – filters protect you from ingesting said boogers), you will be amazed at how well this product works.
• Sterilized Bottles: Not sure if you’re going to breastfeed?  Bring a few pre-sterilized bottles and nipples just in case.  I’m a fan of Dr. Brown’s to help with colic.
• Changing Pad: This should already be included in your baby bag but, if not, pick one up.  Something like this portable diaper changing kit would work well with room to store diapers and wipes in a convenient carrying case.
• Notepad/Memory Book: While you can certainly use your cell phone, sometimes it’s just easier to jot down notes regarding your baby’s first days in a notebook.  You may also want to start on your baby’s memory book while events are still fresh in your mind.
• Hand Sanitizer: We go through gallons of this stuff during our babies’ first weeks and months.  We all sanitize sanitize sanitize before picking up the baby.  Bring a few travel sized hand sanitizer bottles to the hospital to be prepared for guests.
• Baby Nail Clippers: All my babies have arrived with long nails!  With number two I learned to bring a pair of nail clippers with us to the hospital.  A simple pair does just fine, but one with a small magnifying glass is helpful to avoid unintentional nicks.

So there you have it.  Feel free to add and delete as you see fit, but this is a list that has worked well for me.

Download, print, and save your free copy here: Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist.  Or, simply click on the image below.

Or to check out all my recommended products, access my Amazon Influencer page (all purchases there will earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you).

And now that you have your maternity bag packed, check out my post on all the items you must have for your new baby: What You Really Need For a New Baby + FREE Printable!

Related Articles:

• 9 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Breastfeeding
• 10 More Things I’ve Learned About Breastfeeding – At 6 Months Postpartum
• What You Really Need For a New Baby + FREE Printable
• 7 Reasons the United States Needs Paid Maternity Leave
• My Third Birth Story – Or, Why You Should Get an Epidural

Congratulations on your upcoming delivery!  I send you all my best for a smooth delivery and a comfortable hospital stay for Mom, Dad, and Baby.