In your third trimester of pregnancy and wondering what items to pack in your hospital bag? Good! I’m sharing with you my no- bs hospital bag checklist. Because you do not need the extra fluff.
I don’t know if it was part of my nesting period, I was overly thinking everything or I was a bit crazy. But with both of my pregnancies, I packed my hospital bag like two months before my due date. I just kept checking it and checking it twice. I wanted to make sure I was not missing anything.
Packing your hospital bag is very important because you’re packing for your hospital stay after giving birth. You need to make sure that you have everything that you are going to need to make your postpartum more comfortable. That can be a bit nerve-wrecking but nonetheless fun. You don’t need to overpack, you don’t need the stress, just the things that you are going to use to make your hospital stay go as smoothly as possible.
Check out my hospital bag checklist for the things you need to pack for labor.
15 things to pack in your hospital bag/ hospital bag checklist
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1.Clothes your baby will be leaving in from the hospital
I only packed one set of clothing for each of my children to leave in from the hospital. I didn’t need to pack extra clothing for the hospital stay because the hospital provides you with that.
Maybe it’s not the most adorable clothing but it works and I felt all three of my children were comfortable in it. Also, some hospital actually preferred that you do not change your baby’s clothes for security reasons.
Items that I packed for all three of my children:
- A two set clothing piece or a cute onesie. It’s a family tradition to have the newborn baby wear yellow for good luck 🙂
- socks
- blanket
- hat
2. Clothes you will be leaving in from the hospital
Make sure you take comfortable clothes but still nice looking clothes for you to leave the hospital in. I opted to wear maxi dresses for both times I left the hospital 🙂
Other clothing you can leave the hospital in:
- maxi dress
- sandals
- sweats or leggings
- comfortable but nice shirt
Make sure to join a prenatal class before giving birth. This prenatal online class for couple is perfect. Be informed about your birth so you can have a relaxed and enjoyable experience!
3. Comfortable sandals or flip flops
You may find that the hospital floors are cold and wearing only socks may not do it for you. You can wear your flip flops or comfortable sandals when you walk around the hospital to exercise your legs and keep the blood flowing.
Also, sandals or flip flops are great to leave the hospital in, so comfortable!
Read this next:
20 THINGS YOU MUST PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG FOR A SCHEDULED C-SECTION
THE ULTIMATE HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR DADS
4. Your favorite socks
Hospital’s tend to be cold and even though they usually provide you with socks, I think bringing your own will make you feel more happy.
5. Burp cloths
Packing a few burp cloths for your baby is a great idea since most hospitals if not all, do not provide you with any. I found it very useful while feeding and burping my first born and then for my twins.
The burp cloths also came in handy for my family and friends who visited me. Babies may spit up and this keeps the visitors clean too.
Keep in mind:
I did not pack a lot of things for my baby (ies) because the hospital provided me with diapers, wipes, baby rash creams, ointment and bottles. It was great and less things to pack!
Read this next:
16 SMART WAYS TO PREPARE FOR BABY THE LAST FEW WEEKS OF PREGNANCY
6. Makeup
Another item that has to go in your hospital bag checklist is makeup. After the birth of my first born, I didn’t put on makeup or anything like that. Mostly because I wasn’t into it by that time. But, I did wear makeup in the hospital after the birth of my twins and I felt great. It’s always good to freshen up and wear light makeup to look alive.
These were and still are my staples:
- a blush
- mascara
- lipstick
- concealer
- setting powder
7. Toiletries
You can’t forget to add these items in your hospital bag checklist. Tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner because you are going to use it. Hospitals usually do not provide you with these, and if they do it’s most likely not as good as the one that you have at home. So it’s always a good idea to be on the safe side.
You may also want to pack but it’s not necessary:
- lotion
- body wash
- dry shampoo
8. Extra large pads
I actually didn’t pack this in my hospital bag for both of my deliveries but I wish I did! After you give birth, you will have after birth bleeding which is very heavy and comes immediately after you give birth. I felt like the one’s that the hospital had were uncomfortable for me (felt bulky) and I had to use two!
9. Large comfortable undies
Grandma like undies will be your best friend for a while so warm up to the idea of wearing them fast. They’re not bad at all, in-fact they’re super comfortable and handy.
10. Nursing pads and nipple cream
If you’re planning on breastfeeding your baby, you should pack a set of nursing pads like. Nursing pads will prevent leakage and will keep your clothes dry. Nipple cream is also important to soothe sore nipples
Check out this online breastfeeding class for fun and informational ways to breastfeed like a pro! Everything you need to know about breastfeeding is here!
You may want to also pack:
- A nursing bra
- Nursing shirt
- Nursing gown (perfect for your hospital stay)
Your hospital will provide you with a breast pump if you need one, so you do not need to pack one in your hospital bag.
11. Chap-stick
This may sound weird or you may think it’s unnecessary but trust me, you may need it. During birth your mouth can get dry and you’ll need something to moisturize it with. Chap-sticks are great and can fit in any bag!
Read this next:
10 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU START HAVING LABOR CONTRACTIONS
11 THINGS YOU SHOULD HAVE READY DURING YOUR THIRD TRIMESTER
12. Important documents
- You and your baby’s insurance
- An I.D, can be a drivers license, state I.D or your passport ( all valid and up to date)
- Social security number if you have not memorized it yet.
It’s important to pack any medications that you are taking, you do not want to forget this. Also, if your nurses or doctor ask you for them, you’ll have it at hand and do not need to worry about remembering the names of what you take.
13. Your wallet
Have your wallet or your partner’s wallet (with cash and debit/credit cards) at hand because it will come in handy. You may want to purchase food, drinks, snacks from the hospital or near by restaurants.
Also, hospital may charge a fee if you want to watch television.
14. Snacks
Pack a few snacks for your hubby to eat during labor and then for you to enjoy after labor.
My mother actually brought sancocho (hearty Dominican soup) for my hubby to eat while we waited for labor to start, I was envious, haha!
15. Camera and video recorder
Don’t forget your camera or video recorder to record and take pictures of your beautiful baby. Take your charger as well and don’t be shy with the pictures. Make sure you and your partner are also in them!
I’m pretty sure your cell phone camera is equally as good, so use it and don’t worry about buying the latest camera if you don’t have!
Extra things to pack in hospital bag:
- Tablet to watch Netflix
- Gift for baby’s siblings
- Your own hospital gown (not necessary but you’l be more comfortable in)
- Boppy pillow for easy feedings! ( I wish I had thought of taking mine to the hospital)
Quick recap:
Going to the hospital to give birth is the most exciting thing you’ll ever experience during your pregnancy. That’s why your hospital bag checklist is super important and I will recommend to pack it at least a month in advance.
Enjoy your pregnancy, do not over pack your hospital bag with things that you do not need and savor the precious moments with your newborn.
