What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag And What To Leave Home — Shop Now

Source: Amazon

By:Haley Gunn

Jun. 6 2022, Published 5:16 p.m. ET

In this article

What Should You Pack In A Hospital Bag?
What Not To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

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Getting ready for a new bundle of joy entails a long list of to-dos, including packing your hospital bag. With so much happening during the final weeks of pregnancy, it can be easy to forget important items that can help make your delivery experience easier, which is why we’ve rounded up some of the internet’s favorite products for new parents, plus must-have items you may not have realized you needed. Read more to discover hospital bag essentials.

What Should You Pack In A Hospital Bag?

The time has finally come: your due date is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start prepping your hospital bag. A hospital bag is simply an overnight kit to help you feel comfortable throughout the labor and delivery process. While everyone's needs are different, there are a handful of tried-and-true products that moms and new parents swear by. Now, you don’t need to pack the kitchen sink, but having a few of these items can certainly bring a world of comfort. Here’s a quick list of items to considering bringing with you:

Personal IDs
Insurance information
Carseat/Stroller

Comfortable and breathable PJs/loungewear
Blanket/Pillow from home
Extra long charging cord
Portable speaker/sound machine
Toiletries
Slippers
Portable fan
Going home outfit (you and baby!)

These are just some of the basics you’ll want to have ready to go in your bag. In addition to these, you’ll more than likely want to bring other items tailored specifically to postpartum care like the following

Breast pump/kit
Nipple cream
Postpartum underwear
Chilled pantyliners
Photo props for birth announcement

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but a collection of recommendations from parents. The hospital will provide you with supplies — in fact, there’s quite a bit you shouldn’t pack, as some items are provided by the hospital. If you’re interested, you can contact your hospital to determine any necessities that won’t be provided to make sure you have all of your bases covered.

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What Not To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

Welcoming a newborn is an exciting time but can often bring feelings of anxiety. First, take comfort in knowing that you are just as prepared as you need to be and the rest will fall into place. Second, as much as you can prepare, there is such a thing as overpacking and making the final weeks of preparation harder than need be. Unfortunately, it’s not well known that much of the supplies you’ll find stocked in your delivery room will be tossed after you leave for sanitary purposes. So if possible, check with your nurses to see what supplies can come home with you. Additionally, because the supplies are included in hospital costs associated with giving birth, you’re technically missing out on items you’re paying for. Pack an extra bag or reusable grocery sack to fill up any leftover items that will otherwise be scrapped after you check out.