My Hospital bag checklist list for mom, dad and baby

Here’s what I packed in my hospital bag for my c-section and post-delivery, along with what I packed for our baby and what my husband brought.

Our baby has arrived and we‘re totally in love! Below I’m sharing what I packed for our hospital stay. I ended up having a C-section, so while I’m leaving the labor-specific things in this post since I still packed them (and loved them for my first delivery), I am also including a list of C-section essentials, now that I have that experience too. And if you want to read my C-section specific packing list blog post, you’ll find it here.

Packing for the hospital this time around was much less chaotic. As a first time mom with Thomas, I had no idea what I’d need and so I consulted as many people as possible. I ended up mostly referencing the hospital bag packing list from my doula since she has been along for thousands of births and it was SUPER helpful.

For this go ’round, I felt more equipped and had a better idea of what I wanted to have with me. My list didn’t change a ton, but there were a few additions which I’ve noted below. I have a video of packing below or if you prefer, you can also watch the hospital bag packing video on YouTube itself.

I shared my postpartum essentials in this post too, if you’re interested.

Hospital bag checklist for mom, dad and baby

Something I learned from my doula last time was to pack two bags: one for things I’d want during labor and one for things I’d use after delivery. That way, if/when you move rooms, it’s less to pack up. This time, instead of two separate bags, everything went into one bag, but I used two different packing cubes to keep things separate. The weekender bag I brought is bigger than my bag last time, so I just didn’t need two full bags. I also knew I was going to use some things for both labor (or in my case, C-section) and post-delivery, so one bag was a little easier.

All of my thing for the baby went in another separate bag, but I didn’t bring a lot for baby boy #2 since I knew I’ve have a lot of hospital supplies to take home (postpartum things). Tommy packed a bag as well, so we had 3 bags in total.

Okay, here’s what I packed in our hospital bag for baby #2! If you’d like a PDF checklist that you can print emailed directly to you, click here!

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom

Weekender Bag

I brought my favorite Weekender bag from ShortyLove as my duffle. It’s VERY big – like actually big enough to fit things you’d need for a few nights away. The quality is top notch too.

Here’s what went in it. Some of these things the hospital does provide (like a labor gown or peri bottle), but I learned last time that I preferred mine over what the hospital had.

What I packed for Labor

• Fuzzy socks with grippers
• Oofos sandals
• Labor Gown
• Comfy bra (will also wear post delivery) – I love all of the NEIWAI bras I have.

What I packed for my C-section

• LAKE Cotton Tank Night Gown – This was my favorite by FAR post C-section. It made nursing so much easier (just pull the straps down), and didn’t put any pressure on my incision. I wish I had 2-3 of these. I love LAKE Pajamas – I shared all of the sets I have and sizing details in this post.
• Wedge Pillow – A MUST. Maybe bring two.
• Water bottle without a straw
• Frida C-section disposable undies – I used the hospital undies for the first few days, then switched to these.
• Baobei Undies – After wearing the Frida C-section underwear for a few days, I switched to these.

Post-Delivery

• Joy Street Button front Pajamas – Button front makes nursing and skin-to-skin easier, but you’ll only like these for a vaginal delivery since the waistband isn’t great post C-section.
• Robe or cozy cardigan 
• This sweater set from Amazon as a going home outfit for a vaginal birth.
• This LAKE lounge dress as my going home outfit for post C-section since high waistbands didn’t feel great on my incision yet.
• Nursing tanks from Amazon
• Vuori joggers

Toiletries

All of these items are going in my beloved Amazon Toiletry bag. It holds SO MUCH STUFF.

• Nipple butter
• Colleen Rothschild Vitamin E Lip Balm
• Prenatal vitamins 
• Hair brush
• travel-sized shampoo & conditioner, body wash & body lotion – I was SO happy to shower after having Charles. 
• Glasses
• Frida foam
• Peri bottle
• Ursa Major face wipes
• Face wash, facial oil and moisturizer 
• Contacts + contact solution
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Scrunchies + claw clips 
• Deodorant 
• Makeup

Some of this (e.g. makeup and dry shampoo) is for post-delivery, but I want all my toiletries in one place in my toiletry bag.

Miscellaneous Items

• Drivers license and insurance card 
• Birth plan 
• TENS machine + extra battery 
• Charging block + long changing cord – I used the charging block more.
• Blanket and pillow from home (not white so it doesn’t get mixed up with hospital laundry)
• Brestfriend pillows for breastfeeding
• Snacks 
• My favorite electrolytes
• BabyBub pillow
• Eye mask
• Mouth guard 
• Simple Modern water bottle 
• “Thank you” baskets for the nurses filled with goodies
• Portable fan
• Ear plugs

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby

• Diaper bag 
• Portable sound machine
• Going home outfit (two different sizes)
• Mittens
• Pacifiers 
• Pump 
• Cozy blanket 
• Car seat 

Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad

• Toiletries + toothbrush
• PJs
• Pillow with non-white pillow case
• Change of clothes
• Slippers
• Wallet

I hope this helps if you’re planning for your upcoming delivery and your newborn’s arrival! And if you have any questions, leave a comment and I’m happy to share my experience!

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