Complete Hospital Bag Essentials: A Survival Kit for New and Experienced Mommys (FREE HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST INCLUDED)
As a new or experienced mom, approaching labor can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. But to make the process simpler and more comfortable for you and your baby, we suggest packing a well-stocked hospital bag that is budget friendly while keeping it as minimal and simplistic as possible. This blog post provides an exhaustive list of necessary goods to pack in your bag - ranging from comfort objects to medical apparatus. To make it easier for experienced mamas, we have included a minimalistic version of this hospital bag checklist! Now you can ensure that your delivery with all necessities will be smooth and stress-free. With our guide, rest assured that all your needs will be handled! As we delve into the essentials for new mothers' hospital bags, remember that each healthcare provider may have different needs. Be sure to double-check with them before over-packing your bag! We'll also dissect the optimal time to pack and where you can purchase some of these items. Take notes and prepare confidently - it's showtime!
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1. Overview
This blog post provides an all-encompassing guide on what should be packed in a hospital bag as soon as possible when expecting. We’ll get started by answering some of the top questions that expectant moms have—helping ensure your preparation for the special arrival! For moms who want to be prepared for any situation, we will follow with a comprehensive hospital bag checklist that should cover all your necessities. For those that are experienced or prefer minimalism, there will also be a condensed version. Finally, we'll discuss how to make these items budget-friendly and give you five tips on where to get some of this so you don't break the bank! With our guide, rest assured that all your needs will be taken care of – with no detail left out. Let’s get started and put together the perfect hospital bag for mommy-to-be!
THIS POST WILL PROVIDE:
Answers to some of your questions
Comprehensive List of Essentials
FREE Downloadable Checklist!
2. Preparing for the unexpected – Why it is essential to have a fully-stocked hospital bag
Having a well-stocked hospital bag is an essential part of the birthing process. They can be tailored to fit each mom's needs, whether those needs are spartan or elaborate. Having all the necessary items ready will make delivery a smoother, more comfortable experience and give you one less thing to worry about. Focus on your new baby. Hospital bags provide security and ensure that all your needs will be taken care of, so you can focus on the critical job.
A hospital bag should include items for both mom and baby, from comfort items and medical equipment to hygiene products and other vital items. Providing the essentials beforehand will help you and the medical staff better prepare for labor. For first-time mothers, ensure that you are organized and packed with all the basics in case you don't know what will work best for your needs. A digital or printed hospital bag checklist will ensure you don't forget anything. Meanwhile, experienced moms should use both lists to remind them of their previous experiences and create an individualized plan based on their initial journey into motherhood. Having all your necessary items on hand can make an extended stay much more comfortable.
Having a well-stocked hospital bag is an essential part of the birthing process.
3. When to pack your hospital bag?
When to pack your hospital bag is an essential factor to consider. Generally, it would be best to fill the bag a few weeks before your due date, as it is impossible to predict when labor will begin. Make sure you create a hospital bag checklist first. While having your hospital bag ready weeks in advance can be daunting, keep in mind that this will help ensure that you are fully prepared for any unexpected scenarios. Additionally, if you have your pre-packed hospital bag a month before your due date, it will give you more time to hunt for the best deals online and unhurriedly compare different brands or prices. This ensures you have plenty of time, so you don't need to rush!
Packing your bag a few weeks before your due date, will ensure you have plenty of time, so you don't need to rush!
4. What are the best types of hospital bags?
To ensure you have all the essentials for your hospital stay, it's crucial to select a mommy bag that is both comfortable and functional. Choose one with plenty of pockets, preferably made out of lightweight yet durable materials such as nylon or canvas - these will be able to handle heavy loads while still being easy on the shoulders. With this type of bag in tow, you can rest assured that everything needed during labor and delivery will always be close at hand! For the ultimate convenience, choose a bag with either one long handle/strap or two backpack straps. This way, you can transport your hospital bag easily and comfortably when it's time to welcome your little bundle of joy! Ensure you're providing for any potential medical emergency without breaking the bank by opting for a pre-owned carry-on suitcase as your go-to choice for packing all those essential items in your hospital bag!
Choose one with plenty of pockets, preferably made out of lightweight yet durable materials.
5. Comprehensive Checklist of Essentials for New or Overpacker Moms
Mommy's Apparel
LABOR
Laboring gowns: Use the hospital’s or bring your own.
Nursing bra: Comfortable and with soft fabric.
Grip Socks: 2 pairs
RECOVERY
Nursing Gown or Long Buttoned Up Shirt
Robe: Light or thick, depending on the season
2 Slippers: Shower and cozy
Button Up PJ set: For easy nursing
Loose Maxi Dress: In case you have visitors
Going Home Outfit: Dark Color, Loose and Comfortable
Mesh bag for dirty clothes
Relaxing Items for Mom While in Labor
Comfy Pillow- hospital pillows are not comfortable for some moms
Headphones and Playlist Ready
Small Roller or massager
Candy, mints, gum
Snack Bag: Light snacks such as protein bars
Nursing and Postpartum Items
Disposable underwear: Check this blog post that details the best underwear we recommend.
Pain relief medication: The Frida Labor and Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit has all the essentials for first-time moms.
Nursing Bras: Included in your Apparel Bag
Bath Towel: Some moms do not like the feel of hospital towels
Toiletries
(Travel Size )
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Shampoo and Conditioner
Body Wash or Soap
Coconut Oil: Good for mostly anything
Hairbrush/comb
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Dental Floss
Facial Wipes
Facial, Hand, and Body Moisturizer
Razor and Shaving Gel
Small Mirror
Deodorant
Lip Balm
Eyeglasses, Contacts, and Solution
Kleenex travel-size packs
Cosmetic Bag
This will be challenging to make a list since every woman has different makeup needs and routines. We recommend you pack everything you need to create a light makeup look. Smaller or more sample versions of the items would be the best. You still don’t know if you will be the type of mom that wants to look cute once the baby is here or if you will not care. Don’t forget the makeup remover wipes!
Technology
Phone
Long Chargers (2)
Video Camera
Camera sim card
Camera Charger
Laptop/iPad
Essentials for baby
4 Onesies: 2 Different sizes
Socks
Hat
Bow if applicable
Pacifier and Clip
Pacifier Wipes or small sterilizer
Mittens with Elastic
Baby Nail Clippers
Diapers
Wipes
Formula
Birth Announcement Accessories
Car seat (Installed for safe transportation home)
Warm Blankets to leave the hospital and cover the car seat
Daddy’s Hospital Bag
Cellphone
Extra Long Charger: Included in the technology bag
Laptop or Ipad: Included in the technology
Pj’s
Change of Clothes: Comfy Clothes, preferably
Toiletries
Pillow
Blanket
Book
Snacks - hospital food may not be available
Gifts for siblings: This is entirely optional
Arrange the ride home
Paperwork
Birth Plan (2 copies)
Insurance
Identification
Gift cards or gifts for Nurses
Blank Check: Some hospitals have birth certificate services
Some cash
Pen: You will be filling out hospital forms
6. Hospital Bag Checklist for Minimalistic or Experienced Moms
For Mom + Dad: Minimalistic
Toiletries: scrunchie, lotion, shampoo + conditioner, body wash, toothbrush (2), toothpaste, lip balm
PJs for mom
Oversized T-Shirt (for check-ups and easy access)
Going Home Outfit
Postpartum Underwear
Shower Slippers
Nursing Bra and Pads
Grip Socks
Change of clothes for Dad (optional)
Essentials for Baby: Minimalistic
Coming Home Outfit
(2) Onesies of different sizes
Swaddle Blanket
Pacifier and Clip
Technology and Miscellaneous: Minimalistic
Long Charger
Camera and Charger
Water Bottle
Snacks
Wallet and Insurance Card
7. How to Organize your Hospital Bag Essentials?
Are you curious about how to effectively pack your hospital bag? Please permit me to share my only suggestion: purchase zip pouches. I find them incredibly useful when organizing my hospital bag, diaper bag, purse, and travel basics. Even my husband uses them as well to keep his possessions in order! They come in handy while out and about and within the home; I often use them within drawers that tend to get disorganized quickly. Zip pouches are a resourceful item that will help bring serenity back into any chaotic situation! Follow this link for my personal recommendations, although I encourage you to research and find the ones that best suit your preferences.
***Everything should fit on a backpack or small duffle/weekend bag if organized well using these pouches or any other type of zip bag.
Make a checklist or download our FREE pdf below and adjust it to your needs.
8. 5 Tips to Make your Hospital Bag Budget-Friendly
Preparing for your hospital bag can be a costly experience. Although purchasing the necessary items may cost hundreds of dollars, there are ways to make Hospital Bag preparation budget-friendly.
Look for sales or discounts at local stores and online retailers like Amazon.
You can get creative with pre-loved items from thrift stores, Poshmark, Mercari, and friends. Hospital Bag checklists are a great way to keep track of everything you need, allowing you to focus your budget on fewer items while preparing for labor!
Take advantage of your baby registry. Fill up your baby registry as much as possible with items from this list; that way, you'll save a lot of money!
Peruse your wardrobe and test out the boundaries of your creativity with pieces you already possess.
Find an "Other Mothers" Store or similar in your area, and you will discover a treasure trove of pre-loved baby and maternity items at unbeatable prices! Whether it is furniture for the nursery or toys for the tots, this store has practically everything that parents could need.
5 Tips to Save Money
Look for Sales
Get Creative
Baby Registry
Check Your Wardrobe
Find a Thrift Store
9. Conclusion
The Hospital Bag is a crucial part of your labor journey and an invaluable asset in ensuring you have everything you need to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Having a hospital bag checklist will be your best assurance that your bag will be packed with the essentials; it can be budget-friendly, hassle-free, and, more importantly, give you peace of mind when your baby arrives. With the tips and tricks we've shared here, you'll have everything ready for a smooth delivery journey!
Good luck on this fantastic journey!
10. Download our FREE Hospital Bag Checklist for New Moms
Hello there, I’m Claudia Pizarro, also known as "The Dancer Mom.” As a mom and dancer, I'm passionate about supporting other women who are balancing their careers and motherhood while managing my own. I hope you found my post helpful.
Thank you for reading!