Hospital Bag - Checklist and tips!

If you're in your third trimester, it's time to start thinking about what to put in your hospital bag. For many moms-to-be, this is a time for reflection - and a definite sign that the baby will be here soon!

Some have their hospital bags ready weeks in advance, while others barely have time to pack a toothbrush on their way out the door. All moms are different, and there is no right or wrong! That said, we'd like to share our best tips to help you along in planning and packing a hospital bag that will make your the first hours as a new mother easier and more comfortable.

The Hospital Bag - Checklist for Moms

The list below can be summarized in one word: SOFT. During and after childbirth, you'll want soft and functional clothes that make you feel nice and comfortable. The last thing you want to worry about is clothes that chafe or are uncomfortable. We also recommend bringing 1-2 nursing bras and nursing tank tops, as you will need to change these often. Since hospital rooms can sometimes be cold, don't forget to bring some warm and cozy clothes as well, which will make it easier for you to regulate your temperature. For our ultimate checklist for moms, read on:

Clothes

✓ Nursing bra (1-2)
✓ Nursing tank top (1-2)
✓ Nursing pads
✓ Soft panties for after the birth
✓ Nightgown with nursing function or pajamas
✓ Leggings or sweatpants with a soft elastic waistband
✓ Cardigan or cozy sweater
✓Slippers or wool socks (the floors can be cold)

Toiletries

✓ Period underwear or Reusable Sanitary pads for lochia
✓ Toothbrush and toothpaste
✓ Lip balm or lip conditioner
✓ Face and body moisturizing cream
✓ Intimate cleansing wash
✓ Dry shampoo
✓ Deodorant
✓ Hair bands
✓ A roll of super-soft toilet paper (you will thank us later)

Etc.

✓ Wallet
✓ Driver's license or other ID
✓ Music
✓ Phone and charger
✓ Pain relief in the form of a wheat pillow or TENS (Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation) device.
✓ Water bottle
✓ Sweets or snacks
✓ PowerBars

The Hospital Bag - Checklist for Baby

Many parents look forward to that first moment at the hospital with their baby resting against their chest, skin to skin under a soft blanket. Your baby will not need a lot of clothes, but it is difficult to know the exact size of your baby before it's born. Bring some onesies in different sizes just in case. Below, you'll find a list of baby things we were glad we packed in our hospital bags.

Clothes

✓ 2-3 wrap bodysuits (the wrap facilitates diaper changes)
✓ 2 pairs of soft pull-on pants with cuffs
✓ 1 cardigan that is easy to put on and take off
✓ 1-2 pairs of socks (if it is cold outside, it's nice to have a pair of booties for the trip home)
✓ 1 baby bonnet or beanie cap
✓ 1 pair of no-thumb mittens (these not only work well against the cold, they also prevent babies from scratching their faces with their sharp nails)
✓ A bunting or romper for the trip home
✓ Cloth diapers if you prefer it
✓ Cloth diaper inserts

Other

✓ Cloth wipes
✓ Babynest
✓ Soft baby blanket or security blanket (thin muslin blankets are popular and take up very little space in your bag)
✓ Maybe a small stuffed animal that you've slept with so the scent will comfort your baby
✓ A car seat if you return home by car or taxi

The Hospital Bag - Checklist for your partner

Even though the focus is of course on the expectant mother, it is always good when one's partner also packs a small bag. Since all births are different, you never know when you will be discharged from the hospital.

By making sure to pack the most important things, partners will be prepared to stay at the hospital for a few nights and prevent having to make multiple trips to pick up necessary items.

Clothes

✓ Skin to Skin Shirt
✓ Underwear
✓ Comfortable pants
✓ T-Shirt
✓ Cardigan or cozy sweater
✓ Slippers or wool socks

Toiletries

✓ Toothbrush and toothpaste
​​​​​​​✓ Deodorant