Hospital Bag Checklist- What You ACTUALLY Need -

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Simple & No-Fluff Hosptial Bag Checklist

Knowing what to pack in your hospital bag as a new mom can feel a little overwhelming. You’ll read lists that have TONS of items and it can feel as if you need to pack your entire life in a suitcase just to give birth.

As a first time mom, I wanted to make sure I was prepared for anything. But I also wanted to keep things simple and not overpack my hospital bag.

If you enjoy this post, be sure to grab this FREE printable hospital bag checklist!

My Personal Experience (An optional read, otherwise jump down to the checklist!)

Although I packed ONLY the basics, here is something you will be surprised to know: I didn’t end up using about 90% of what I packed!

But this was given my own personal situation. I am grateful to say that I had a very easy labor and delivery and that my sweet baby boy was perfectly healthy. As a result, we were actually able to leave the hospital a day early!

I gave birth at 5:26PM on October 20th and was able to leave the hospital around 6:30PM the next day.

So a major reason why I didn’t use most of what I packed was because I really didn’t need to.

What I DIDN’T End Up Using

Since we were only at the hospital for a day after giving birth, I didn’t find it necessary to use a lot of items. But if circumstances were different and we were going to be there longer, I most likely would have used more of what I packed. Here are items I didn’t end up using:

My own clothes: I only wore my own clothes when we left the hospital. I was perfectly fine staying in the hospital gown and it made it simple for nurses to check on how everything was healing.

Toiletries: I know some women can’t imagine not showering or brushing their teeth, especially after everything you go through when giving birth. Since I knew I was going to be home the next day, I decided to hold off on showering until I could do so in the comfort of my own bathroom. My hair was still fairly clean during our stay so I didn’t need to wash it or use dry shampoo

Tablet: I had a pretty quick labor and didn’t end up having a lot of down time. So I didn’t need to use my tablet for entertainment. I was primarily on my phone to communicate with family and friends and hop on social media.

Our Extras: We didn’t end up needing snacks or gum, or any of the little extra things people always say to pack.

Hospital Bag Checklist

Without further ado, here is your hospital bag checklist! I’ve included the bare necessities and basics as well as other extra items you may want to consider packing.

Bare Necessities/Basics

Going home outfit
Shampoo/Conditioner
Face wipes
Deodorant
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Brush
Hair ties
Underwear

Check out this 10 piece kit that has most of what you need so you don’t have to search for individual items!

For Daddy

Shirts
Sweatpants
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Underwear
Socks

For Baby

Going Home Outfit

Stay Cozy

Extra Pillows
Blanket
Slippers
Fuzzy Socks

Electronics

Tablet
Extra Long Phone Chargers
Headphones

Miscellaneous

Letter board with baby’s name/birthday
Snacks
Mints
Gum

Final Thoughts on Packing Your Hosptial Bag

At the end of the day, it’s entirely up to you what you want to pack. The hospital will provide you with so much, but sometimes we feel more comfortable using our own things.

Whether you decide to keep your hosptial bag simple or choose to pack extra items to be prepared, there is no right or wrong way to do it.

Did you find this list helpful? What were items you packed or items you ended up not using during your hosptial stay? Share in the comments!