Complete Hospital Bag Checklist
Getting ready to head to the hospital can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. What should I pack? What is the most important? Below is a complete hospital bag checklist to get you started, including info on what you need to bring to a scheduled C-Section.
For You
Administrative
You definitely want to bring any information that you might need to give to the hospital. Make sure you have:
- ID/Wallet
- Insurance Card
- Medical Paperwork
- Birth Plan
Clothes
After you give birth, you’re probably going to want to get back into your own clothes. You’re going to want to choose something that is loose-fitting and comfortable, especially if you are having a C-Section. You should bring:
- Comfortable Underwear
- Leggings or Other Loose Fitting Pants (Maternity clothes work great)
- Going Home Outfit
- Pajamas and Robe
- Nursing Bras or Tanks
- No-Slip Socks/Slippers
- Slip-On Shoes
Toiletries
After your baby is born, besides feeling exhausted, you’re also probably going to feel like you want to clean yourself up. Here is a list of items you may want to have on hand:
- Hairbrush and Hair Ties
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Face Wash/Wipes
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Makeup (if you plan to use it)
Miscellaneous
There are a lot of things that you may want to bring that don’t really fit into a category. Here is a list of those things:
- Cell Phone and Charger
- Snacks and Vending Machine Money
- Contacts
- Comfortable Pillow
- Baby Book or Journal
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Bath Towel
- Nipple Balm
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker (If you plan to listen to music during labor)
- Sugar-free Gum/Hard Candy/Gatorade (to Use During Labor)
- Camera
For a Planned C-Section
A planned C-Section is different from a natural birth, so the things you need are a little different. You want everything from above, plus the following items:
- Glasses (Contacts Must Be Removed During Surgery)
- Nursing Pillow (to Keep Baby off of your Incision)
- Belly Band or Pillow for Support
For Your New Baby
Everything They Need
There are a few things you need to get a new baby home from the hospital. The hospital provides a lot of things, such as beanies and swaddling blankets, but you may want to have a few extra things on hand:
- Car Seat
- One or Two Outfits
- Going Home Outfit
- Bottles (If Using)
- Pediatrician Information
- Pacifiers (if Using) *
- Baby Blanket*
*Hospital may provide
For Your Support Person
Everything They Need
Your support person needs many of the same things that you need, but some additional items as well. Here is a list of items they may want to have on hand:
- ID/Wallet
- Insurance Card
- Pajamas
- Change of Clothes
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Other Necessary Toiletries
- Snacks
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Camera
- Laptop or Tablet
- Cell Phone and Charger
I know it can feel like you’re packing everything in your house when you head to the hospital, but having things to increase your measure of comfort are so important. So pack that suitcase tight, and be ready for anything.
Download Checklist Below
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