I cannot believe we are so close to meeting our son. His due date is less than three weeks away, and Justin and I are over the moon excited for this new season of life to begin.

We spent last weekend packing our bags for the hospital and installing the car seat base in Justin’s vehicle since baby boy could really come at any time.

To prepare for our hospital stay, I did a lot of research about what others take with them or found comforting to have while they were in labor and after. I felt like a lot of the lists I came across had so many extra items on them that weren’t relevant to my particular desires but were still a great place for me to start.

As I crafted my own packing list, I tried to keep it simple and think about what I use daily or regularly and would actually want to have in the hospital. I don’t want to overpack, but I certainly don’t want to underpack.

This is my first go at childbirth, but I think what I came up with for our hospital bags is a great balance of necessities and things I might find helpful. 

Hopefully my list will be useful to you as you start prepping for your own little one’s arrival. There’s a downloadable printable at the end if you’re like me and prefer to literally check things off of a list!

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links I receive a small commission that helps keep Dammit, Hali running. As always, all opinions are my own.

For Mom

  • Clothes:
    • Pajamas (two sets): My best friend’s sweet mama gifted me this nursing-friendly set that includes a tank top, loose pants, and a robe. I also purchased this beautiful set a few months ago to pack. I thought it would be good to have two sets in case of accidents that would require me to change.
    • Nursing bra: I tried several different bras before I found this one that I really like. I have a fuller chest right now and expect the gals to grow even more when my milk comes in. This was the only nursing bra I found that provides full coverage and is actually comfortable to wear.
    • Nursing-friendly tank: These button front henley tanks are my favorite. They’re easy to unsnap for quick nursing access. I sized up from my normal medium to a large.
    • Going home outfit: Nothing fancy, just black leggings (black to conceal any leaks I might have) and a comfy sweater since it’s winter.
    • Slippers: These moccasin slippers are my favorite.
    • Socks
    • Shower shoes: I ordered a cheap pair of flips flops I can toss out.
  • Toiletries, skincare, makeup:
    • Lip balm
    • Toothbrush
    • Toothpaste
    • Face wash
    • Contact lens case and solution
    • Deodorant
    • Mascara
    • Concealer
    • Facial spray
    • Dry shampoo
    • Body wash
    • Hair brush
    • Flat iron
    • Extra contacts: My eye doctor recommended I take extra contacts to the hospital just in case.
    • Glasses
    • Hair ties
  • Postpartum care:
    • Nipple cream
    • Nursing pads
    • Dermoplast: I’ve read several blogs that said their hospital didn’t provide Dermoplast Pain and Itch Spray. Not sure if my hospital will or not, so I’m packing my own.
    • Earth Mama Perineal Spray: I’ve used Earth Mama products throughout my pregnancy and have loved everything. Their Perineal Spray has come highly recommended, so I’m tossing it in my bag.
    • Frida Mom Peri Bottle: I saw the bottle my hospital provides and prefer to have my own. The Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle is another postpartum item that has come highly recommended.
    • Adult diapers: My hospital will provide these as well as the mesh underwear and jumbo pads, but I also feel more comfortable having my own. I went with the Always Discreet Boutique Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear.
    • Breast pump: My hospital recommended bringing my own pump so the lactation consultant can work with me and help me use it.
    • Haakaa pump: Not sure if I’ll need my Haakaa this early on, but I’d rather have it to collect colostrum than not have it.
  • Other:
    • Towels and washcloths: I’m picky about my towels and washcloths. I prefer to use my own instead of hospital provided ones.
    • Comfort item: I’m taking my mom’s pillow she used to hold and sleep with when she was going through chemotherapy. I cling to it when I miss her or am going through a difficult time, so I want it at the hospital with me.
    • Pillow
    • Large cup for water
    • Printed copy of birth wish list
    • Phone charger

Note: I did not add underwear to my packing list because I plan to wear an adult diaper or the mesh underwear home.

For Baby

  • Diaper bag
  • Socks
  • Swaddle
  • Hat
  • Going home outfit: I packed a newborn outfit and a 3-month outfit just in case he comes out bigger or smaller than we anticipate.
  • Car seat: Obviously, this doesn’t fit in a bag but is still essential to bring with you.
  • Personalized items with baby’s name: I ordered a onesie with his name on it and a wooden circle with his name and a place for us to write in his birth stats. We will use these to take pictures in the hospital.

For Dad

  • Change of clothes (two)
  • Shower shoes
  • Deodorant
  • Socks
  • Pajamas
  • Snacks
  • Large cup for water
  • Phone Charger
  • Pillow
  • Extra blanket Our hospital recommended that dad’s bring an extra blanket because it gets so cold.

Download a printable copy of my checklist HERE!