Fitness Influencer and new mom Jessica Knoles shares the deets on her maternity hospital bag. Read all about how soon she began packing, the essential items she included for herself, baby and even dad, plus a few extras for visiting guests and the hospital staff.
Alright ladies, here it is—Everything you could possibly need in your hospital bag. Maybe you just found out you’re pregnant and you’re already finding every check list known to man; maybe you finally made it to the third trimester and the nesting has hit; or maybe it’s a few days before your due date. Whatever the case, you’re probably dreaming about the day you get to bring this beautiful baby into this world—and let’s be honest—probably also really freaking out. Let me make that a little easier for you. In the middle of my freak out, I spent hours downloading and comparing lists, asking all my mom friends and even asking the Instagram community. I compiled it all into one list. If there was a chance I would want it, I was going to pack it.
When to pack your hospital bags:
This is probably the most-asked question, and to be honest, there isn’t a definitive answer. Whether you’re 12 or 38 weeks, whenever it will ease your mind to have it done is a good time. I personally packed mine at 37 weeks, but if you’re high risk, pregnant with multiples or your OB has any reason to believe that you might be delivering early, having your bag packed as early as 34 weeks is a good idea.
What to put in your hospital bag: Hospital Bag Checklists
This is about to be the absolute best day of your life. You really are not going to care if you brought slippers or not, and I promise you no matter how prepared or under prepared you may feel, you are the perfect mama for that child and it will not change the amount of love (s)he will have for you. All (s)he needs is you. With that being said, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead and pack anything that you feel may help make your hospital stay a little less stressful.
What to pack in hospital bag for mom
- Clear Travel Bags to keep toiletries and important documents organized.
- Phone Charger
- Wallet
- Insurance Card & ID
- Underwear (4 pairs)
- PJs and/or Sweats
- Slippers
- Leggings (2 pairs)
- Nursing Bras (2)
- Nursing Tanks or Loose t-shirts
- Nursing Pads
- Nipple Cream
- Socks
- Pads (if you want your own, but hospitals usually provide them)
- Chapstick
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Face Wash
- Body Wash
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Hair Ties & Brush
- Hand Sanitizer
- Lotion
- Glasses/Contacts (if you need them)
What should I pack for the hospital for baby?
- Car Seat (Make sure it’s properly installed. The hospital will not let you take baby home if you do not have a car seat.)
- Going-home outfit
- Swaddle Set
- Onesies (2) Small/ Large
- Mittens or onesies with fold over mittens
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Nursing Pillow
What to pack in hospital bag for dad
- Phone Charger
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Change of Clothes
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- iPad
- Head phones
Extras:
- Snacks for you and visiting guests
- Baby Book for Footprints
- Thank you card for Dr. & nurses
- Pillow
- Breast Pump (My lactation consultant taught me how to set it up and use it.)
