The Ultimate Hospital Packing List

With my induction date barely over 5 weeks away (August 30th!) I decided it was about time for me to get our bags packed for the hospital, in case I go into labor on my own before that. Being the total overpacker that I am, I didn't even use half the stuff I packed with Quinn and it just ended up being a hassle having all that stuff to carry with us. So this time around, I spent a lot of time coming up with the best packing list there is out there. I separated the list into 5 categories...

Must Haves for Mom

Nice to Have for Mom

Dad

Baby

Extras for a Birthing Center Birth

If you think of anything not on the list that you think should be added let me know! 

Must Haves for Mom

• Chapstick (your lips will be really dry during labor)
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Brush/Elastics/Bobby Pins (for pulling your hair back during labor)
• Deodorant
• Glasses/Contacts
• Breast Pads (even if you don't plan on breastfeeding, you will still want them)
• Lotion
• Travel Size Shampoo/Conditioner
• Loose Underwear (for going home... the hospital provides something to wear during your stay)
• Loose Going Home Outfit (I'm packing maternity leggings and a large t-shirt)
• Nursing Bra/ Regular Bra (if not breastfeeding)
• Comfortable Flats (I'll be wearing flip flops home)

Nice to Have for Mom

• Makeup (keep it simple... I'm taking foundation/concealer, blush, and mascara)
• Blow Dryer and Straightener/Curling Iron (Since I'm being induced, and I only wash my hair once a week, I will be doing it right before I go into the hospital, so I won't need any of these. If you want to keep it simple, just put your hair up or in a braid.)
• Robe (if you want it... if not, you can just stay in the hospital gown until you're ready to go home. Just know that whatever you bring could possibly get ruined.)
• Socks (I hate socks so this isn't on my list, but some people swear by them)
• Mints (to suck on during labor... you might not be able to drink or eat past a certain point in labor)
• Ipod/Phone with music
• Boppy (nice, but a pillow works fine too)

Dad

• Change of clothes
• PJ's
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Socks (again if he likes them... my husband hates socks but it can get cold in the delivery room)
• Pillow/ Light Blanket ( you could be in the delivery room over night and he will be sleeping on an uncomfortable couch/bed)
• Laptop/ Tablet and chargers (it could be a while)
• Phone and chargers
• Snacks (in case he gets hungry)
• Camera and charger/extra batteries/memory card

Baby

• Going Home Outfit
• Blanket
• Pacifier
• Beanie
• Car Seat

Extras for a Birthing Center Birth

This section is for those who are giving birth in a birthing center instead of a hospital. Most of these items would be provided in a hospital, but may not be in a birthing center, so check with your midwife!

• Breast Pump (Hospitals provide one)
• Large Pads (post delivery care for mom)
• Witch Hazel Pads
• Hemorrhoid Ointment
• Extra pairs of loose underwear
• Robe or Nightgown
• Diapers/Wipes
• Several Onesies
• Bottles/Formula (if not breastfeeding)