Gone are the days when you can pack a day before or even on the morning of your trip. Once you’ve got the bump, consider it the start of a life of organized and planned packing–days or maybe even weeks before you need to leave. So consider your hospital bag the first of many bags you’ll surely have to pack ahead of time. A couple of mommy friends and my OB told me that it’s best to have everything ready as early as 36-37 weeks into your pregnancy, or at least start packing some essentials once you’ve reached your 34th week. Each pregnancy is unique, and for someone who’ll soon give birth to another human being, you deserve to free yourself from worry and stress. So to help guide you, we’ve put together your ultimate hospital bag checklist (not just for you and your baby, but for your hubby as well!) so you won’t leave out any essentials.
- Government issued IDs and important documents (e.g. SSS, Philhealth, insurance, HMO, birth plan if you have one, medical records, pedia’s information, admission orders, etc.)
- Hair tie – If you’ve got long hair, you’re going to thank us for putting this on the list!
- Cellphone, charger, power bank
- Comfortable pajamas or nightgowns with breastfeeding access (preferably button down ones) – Hospital gowns are usually not so comfortable and not stylish either! You deserve to feel good after giving birth, so make sure to pack this one!
- Bathrobe – For warmth and still with breastfeeding access
- Underwear – Choose super comfy ones!
- Maternity pads or adult diapers
- Nursing bra
- Breast pads – Because milk leaks!
- Nipple cream – (Optional) This is to soothe sore or cracked nipples, because breastfeeding can be really challenging at first, but hang in there, momma! I promise, it will get better! A trivia though, you can actually use your own breast milk too to ease soreness or heal cracked nipples.
- Slippers
- Socks
- Sweater – Hospitals can get very cold.
- Notebook and pen – So that you can track your baby’s feedings, poop, diaper changes, etc.
- Makeup – Or a tinted balm because you deserve to feel good about yourself! You just gave birth! Woohoo! Plus your lips can also get really dry during labor and from cold room temperature.
- Pocket mirror – So it’ll be easier to prettify yourself.
- Own pillow and blanket – Ask the hospital though if they will allow you to bring your own. (The hospital where I gave birth didn’t allow an additional pillow, but they did allow me to bring my own blanket.)
- Toiletry kit – (Including deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouth wash, shampoo, conditioner, soap, comb/brush, facial wipes, feminine wash, dry shampoo–because you might not be allowed to take a shower yet, wipes, bathroom tissue, cotton buds, facial wash, toner, moisturizer, etc.)
- Body lotion – Because not only your lips will get dry, plus it’s a great way to help you relax too!
- Binder – Especially for CS mommas! Hospitals provide binders but I would recommend bringing your own as it’s much more comfortable. Make sure to give this to your nurse once you’re already asked to enter the delivery room since they usually put this on CS moms right after. (Wink is a well-loved brand for CS moms.)
- Music, magazines, books – For leisure, just in case you need to wait in the hospital or just to set a happy vibe.
- Snacks – Breastfeeding can get you really hungry! Stock up on healthy snacks you can munch on while feeding the baby or just when you feel like it.
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing cover – Just in case you feel uncomfortable when guests arrive but you have to feed the baby, this will surely come in handy!
- Water bottle – Trust me, you’re going to need a lot of fluids, especially when breastfeeding.
- Comfortable going home clothes
Tip: Pack your baby’s essentials in ziplocks or pouches with labels so it’ll be easier for your husband to find a particular item. You can also pack them in a way that a set of clothes are already in one bag together.
- Receiving blankets
- Swaddles – You can opt for uncomplicated swaddles such as Halo SleepSack (no need to worry about swaddling techniques)!
- Mittens and booties or socks
- Bonnets
- Baby clothes – It’s best to bring separate tops (tie sides or snap) and pajamas so it’s easier for the doctor to check the baby. Or if you want to use onesies or frogsuits, opt for the ones that have buttons all the way down. Make sure to use white or at least light colored ones so it’ll be easier to spot insects, ants, or any other marks or stains.
- Disposable diapers – You’ll be using roughly 12 in a day.
- 70 % ethyl alcohol – The hospital might provide this too, but it wouldn’t hurt to have some stock either.
- Cotton balls
- Cotton buds
- Thermometer – Again, the hospital can also provide this, but you can bring your own too.
- Burp cloth
- Baby wash – Hospitals also provide baby wash but if you have your own preference it’s best to bring yours so they can use it when they bathe the baby.
- Baby wipes
- Changing mat
- Going home clothes – Keep it comfortable! I also still suggest using light colored clothes to easily spot anything that shouldn’t be there.
- Feeding bottles – Breastfeeding is always best for babies, but there are instances when this is not possible (and it doesn’t make any mom less of a mom), so just to be prepared and have some feeding bottles at the ready.
- Sterilizer – This is important if you’ll use feeding bottles, but can also be used for basically anything, even your phones!
- Camera – If he will be allowed in the delivery room, it would be priceless to get photos!
- Cellphone, charger, power bank – As he will basically be the one receiving and answering texts and calls from friends and family
- Comfortable change of clothes
- Sweater or jacket when it gets cold
- Blanket and pillow
- Toiletry kit – (Including toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, deodorant, soap, shampoo, comb/brush, facial wash, etc.)
- Snacks
- Comfortable shoes – He’ll be the one running back and forth to fix essential paperwork.
- Slippers
- Magazine, books, tablet, portable WiFi – So both of you can relax and watch Netflix!
- Credit card – To take care of the bill
- Face masks and alcohol for guests – It’s better to be safe than sorry since you’re baby’s still very fragile.
- Drinking water
- Extra bowls, cups, and utensils
- Laundry bag
- Medicine box
- Dishwashing soap and sponge for cleaning utensils
- Rolls of tissue paper
- Coffee
- Portable water heater if allowed
- A box of medical gloves – It’s cheaper to get your own!