Packing Your Hospital Bag: A Guide for First Pregnancies

Written By Dr. Erika Billick, MD, Ph.D.
Photo features Florentina Hanisch, #1 World Champion for Women’s Platform Tennis, on ShareLove.Fund’s yoga mat, available for purchase.  https://sharelove.fund/shop/p/yoga-mat

Photo features Florentina Hanisch, #1 World Champion for Women’s Platform Tennis, on ShareLove.Fund’s yoga mat, available for purchase.  https://sharelove.fund/shop/p/yoga-mat

As a medical doctor and a mother of two children, I know both personally and professionally how daunting a task packing a hospital bag might seem.  However, preparedness is the key to success!  I advise you to pack your own version of the below list at least two weeks before your due date.  And, of course, remember to breathe!

 

Hospital Bag Packing List

  • Phone Charger with Extra Long Extension Cord!

  • Flip Flops for Shower

  • Heating Pad and Extension Cord (Ask your hospital first if they permit it.)

  • Hair Conditioner

  • Hairbrush

  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste

  • Lip balm

  • Makeup

  • Face Wipes

  • Ponytail Holder

  • Towel

  • Pumping Bra

  • Headphones/Ear Plugs

  • Eye Mask

  • Gatorade/Electrolyte Drink or Powder with Water Bottle 

  • Coconut Water 

  • Hard Candies

  • Popsicles (The hospital will usually store these in their freezer for you.)

  • Soup Broth

  • Tea Bags & Honey (Ask your doctor about caffeine limits as well as herbal tea and honey prohibitions if any.)

  • Two (2) Baby Outfits to Take Your Baby Home in (New Born (NB) Size NB & One (1 Month Size))

  • Aquaphor/Vaseline 

  • Rounded Pacifiers/WubbaNub or Lovie for the Baby

  • Cute Hat/Headband for Pictures 

  • Nightgown

  • Snacks

  • Granny Panties

  • Robe

  • Tank Tops with Built-in Bras

  • Nursing Bras

  • Loose Comfortable Pants

  • Infant Car Seat (Know how to properly install it and use it.  For free, you can ask a local fire station to check to verify that you have properly installed your infant car seat.)

Two (2) extra bags for items for your postpartum care: 

  • Medela Pump

  • Soap

  • Mesh Underwear

  • Sanitary Pads

  • Two (2) Peri Bottles for Postpartum Care

  • Sitz Bath

  • Diapers (Generally, the hospital will provide these and you will likely need Newborn (NB) size.)

  • Formula (Generally, the hospital will provide this.)

  • Nasal Aspirator 

  • Nipple Cream

  • Ice Packs

  • Cloth Baby Wipes

Good luck, and seek the help of others to support you during this journey!

 
Dr. Erika Billick, MD, Ph.D.
Previous

SPOTLIGHT: REVIVAL X, MINORITY-OWNED LOCAL COMPANY
Next

Ginger Colada Smoothie