What I’m Packing in My Hospital Bag (First Time Mom)

ByAbby Saylor Armbruster

What I'm Packing in My Hospital Bag (First Time Mom)

Hi friends! I’m 36 weeks pregnant and I can’t believe our baby will be here in about 4-ish weeks or less! One of the essential steps in preparing for her arrival is packing our hospital bag, which let me tell you, I did a lot of research on. As a first time mom, I want to make sure I have everything I need and nothing more because I feel like overpacking would bring more stress than comfort, honestly. Here’s what we’re packing in our hospital bag for me, my husband and our baby!

For research purposes, I found the “What I ACTUALLY Used in My Hospital Bag” videos on YouTube to be the most helpful (I particularly liked Brittany Balyn’s). Everyone is different of course and has different needs and desires, but watching these videos allowed me to take notes and choose what I thought I would personally need most from those condensed lists. Second, I would also recommend asking your hospital what they provide so you don’t bring any unnecessary items that they’ll give you as part of your stay without additional charge.

Here’s what I plan on bringing! We’ll be putting it all in one carry-on suitcase.

FOR ME

  • Mask (hello 2020)
  • My purse
  • Paperwork, etc.
    • Our birth plan/preferences sheet (2-3 copies)
    • Hospital registration form
    • ID and insurance card
  • Clothes
    • Robe
    • Shower flip-flops
    • Slippers to wear in, out and around the hospital (since it will be cold out, I feel like it makes sense to bring these so I’m not stuck leaving the hospital in sweats/pajamas and leather boots or whatever shoes I’m wearing when I go in 😆)
    • Nursing bras (2)
    • Nonslip socks
    • Loose pants (2)
    • Loose shirts (2)
    • Maternity underwear (2)
  • Postpartum
    • Nursing pads (2 sets)
    • Tylenol/Ibuprofen
  • Toiletries
    • Glasses, glasses case
    • Contact case
    • Toothbrush, toothpaste for both of us
    • Deodorant
    • Makeup wipes
    • Hair ties
    • Hairbrush
    • Travel shampoo, conditioner, body wash (here’s what I bought)
    • Lotion
    • Lip balm
  • Boppy nursing pillow
  • Blanket?
  • Heating pad (I don’t go ANYWHERE without it, ok!!!)
  • Electronics
  • Breast pump (my hospital recommends we bring it so they can teach me how to set it up and use it)

FOR BABY

  • Carseat
  • Carseat cover (we’ll leave in the car)
  • Newborn outfits (2)
  • 0-3 month outfits (2)
  • Hat
  • Socks
  • Mittens
  • Swaddle blanket (in case I want it for a photo)
  • Velcro swaddle
  • Pacifier
  • Name announcement

FOR JUSTIN

  • Mask
  • ID
  • Pillow and blanket if he wants it
  • Electronics
    • Camera, camera charger, SD card
    • Phone charger with an extra-long cord
    • Extension cord
    • Laptop?
  • Snacks
  • Toiletries
    • Toothbrush, toothpaste for both of us
    • Deodorant
  • Clothes
    • T-shirts (2)
    • Shorts, sweatpants (2)
    • Underwear (2)
    • Sweatshirt
  • + anything else he may want

That’s everything we plan to pack! This may seem like a lot to some and not a lot to others, but use your own discretion when packing your bag. If there are any additional essentials you recommend, feel free to share them in the comments below — I appreciate it! I can’t believe we’re weeks away (or maybe even days, who really knows) from meeting our little baby. It’s becoming so real and the anxiousness is starting to set in for sure. Some days I’m totally calm and other days it’s all I can focus on, however, I will say that going on our hospital tour yesterday made me feel more prepared. At this point, I’m not sure if these last few weeks will absolutely fly by or feel like the longest wait of my life… we’ll see! Wish me luck! 😉