If you’re currently pregnant and have been thinking about what you’re going to pack in your hospital bag, this post and free hospital bag checklist is for you. The best time to start packing is anytime around 32 weeks so that you’re packed and ready to go by weeks 35-36.
I still need to flesh out my birth story so I can get that shared and up on the blog, but I wanted to share all my hospital bag tips today. At the time of writing this, I am almost 3 months postpartum with my second baby (April 2025).
Because I had no idea I was going to be admitted when I was, I did not have everything I needed in my bag. I went in on a Saturday for testing and they kept me because of my baby’s heart rate. My poor husband had to scramble alone and grab what he could in the middle of our toddler having a meltdown before heading to me. I ended up having him that night 4 minutes before midnight.
So just keep this in mind when packing your bag that it could happen at any moment so it’s better to be prepared for the unexpected.
The good thing is the hospital provides pretty much everything you need anyway in case you end up getting admitted and are not able to bring your bags right away. I listed down below what items they usually provide.
Bag I used for the hospital
Mina Baie Emmy Full in Coco
This is what I use now as a diaper bag + I love it!
Everything I packed
This is a list of everything I had packed and ready to go in my Mina Baie bag for the hospital…
What I packed in my hospital bag
Amazon Grippy Socks
These are technically pilate socks, but the hospital floors are slippery so these come in handy.
Two 10 foot chargers
If you bring a normal charger, you’re most likely not going to be able to reach your phone from your bed.
tap to shop
Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, floss picks, etc.
Another thing I made sure to have packed were snacks!
What I used vs what I didn’t use
During my stay, I used the gowns, sheets, pads, ice pack liners, baby wipes and diapers the hospital provided. You can also ask for extras to take home with you.
One thing I did not end up using were the grippy socks. The hospital gives you pairs to wear so I stuck with them I probably would’ve worn them if I had brought my own gowns + clothing instead of just wearing what they provided.
What I would pack next time
a planned out outfit for baby announcement photos
baby props for announcement photos
disposable bra pads for leaking milk – these are the ones I love and use everyday currently
nursing bras – these are my favorite ones (I have 3 pairs they’re so soft and comfortable)
my kindle
my remarkable tablet | SHOP HERE
my laptop
currently can’t bring it anywhere with me because i damaged it.
Free Hospital Bag Packing Checklist
I created a checklist you can reference for when it comes time to pack for your hospital stay. Just Drop your name + email below. Keep in mind this will also add you to my newsletter list that I send out every Saturday morning.
xo, Kristen
