What You Actually Need In Your Hospital Bag

Per your request, today I’m sharing what I packed in my hospital bag and actually used. I really felt like we were prepared (maybe overprepared) and that we used the majority of the items we brought with us. I didn’t feel right getting this post up pre-delivery, as I wanted to be able to share from my own experience. I personally felt very overwhelmed when packing my own bag and reading through numerous blog posts, so I wanted to make a list of things you actually need.

what you actually NEED to pack in your hospital bag when having a baby

Long charging cord
Pillows & blanket
Delivery Nightgown (I didn’t change into mine until after delivery)
Dry shampoo + makeup bag + deodorant, toothbrush/paste
Swaddle for 1st baby picture
Going home outfit for baby
Going home outfit for mom
Slippers (I wore these during postpartum care, but they also give you the grip socks so these aren’t completely necessary…just preference)
Silver nipple shields (I swear on these! I know they are an investment, but TRUST ME. If you plan to breastfeed, start using these after the first feeding and they help so much!!)
Bluetooth speaker (the speaker for the TV is the one on your hospital bed remote — which sucks! We used the app Tunity to connect the TV to our phone and play it through the bluetooth speaker. That way Kyle and I could both watch with good sound)
Chapstick
Sleep mask (Nurses are constantly coming in handout of your room. You will definitely want your rest prior to baby coming)
Babybook for footprints
Carseat
Diaper bag

Keep in mind that they provide a towel, washcloth, and body wash for you when you shower (some people don’t, but I felt so gross and couldn’t wait). They also provide the following items during your stay: baby diapers & wipes, nipple cream, water jug, grip socks, hospital gown, plain white t-shirt for baby, blanket to swaddle baby in, beanie, and postpartum essentials (pads, dermaplast, mesh underwear, perineal bottle). I’m probably forgetting a few small items, but these are things I thought I needed to pack and didn’t know the hospital would be providing.

I hope this post is helpful if you’re a mom-to-be and packing your hospital bag! Remember, I only included the items I thought were 100% necessary after my experience in the hospital. If any of you mama readers can think of essential items I forgot to include, please share in the comments below!

XO.