I’ve shared my hospital bag checklist before, and there are only a few changes this time around! Also by popular request, Gabe is also spilling what is in his dad bag for this baby;) You don’t need much in your hospital bag, but it certainly helps to have a few essentials on hand! Here’s both of our hospital bag checklists as well as a blank one you can print if you want!
His Hospital Bag (Written by Gabe):
Camera with charged battery and charger – This is not the time to miss the kodak moments!
JBL Speaker – Stick one in the bag for your lady’s birth playlist.
Snacks and more snacks – Stress eating is my bag
Travel toiletries bag – to stay so fresh and so clean, clean!
Phone chargers
Pillows for both parents – Let’s be honest, I’ve spent lots of time at hospitals assisting the birth of my children, and I have never found a decent hospital pillow.
Blanket – I have a lucky birthing blanket.
Headphones – If you are going to catch some winks at all after the baby is born, you are going to want to bring a pair of these!
Overnight clothes – be sure to have a comfy pair of pants and sweatshirt. Hospital AC is way to cold!
Slippers – Cold feet are a new dads worst enemy.
Extra mouthwash – Don’t want to be knocking out any nurses or your wife with thermo-nuclear dragon breath.
Ibuprofen – Last thing you need is a migraine knocking you out of commission. 😉
Anna’s Hospital Bag Essentials:
Cozy robe or nursing gown for post delivery
Cozy socks
Slippers (I love these)
Nursing tanks
Nursing bras -The Kindred Bravely line is great!
Postpartum leggings – I basically just wear nursing tanks, leggings, and robes the whole hospital stay, and the first few weeks at home!
Toiletries bag
Heating pad – you can use your own heating pad for the post birth cramps no one prepares you for. They get more painful with each baby so the heating pads can be a lifesaver. I got one like this on ETSY years ago that had aromatherapy scents inside.
Take home onesies and swaddle for the baby
Diffuser + Oils of choice – Setting the atmosphere in the birth room made a world of difference when delivering Chiara! My sister/doula requested to have the lights dimmed, we put on a birth playlist and diffused calming oils. I have learned how great an impact preparing your mind can have on your birth experience!
Birth affirmations/prayers – Speaking of how mental prep for birth – I love these simple birth affirmation cards and spiritual prayer you can stick in your hospital bag that someone can speak aloud for you.
Thank you notes/gifts for nurses – I ran out of room on the list above to add this! I packed a few notes and gifts to give to the labor and delivery nurses, midwife, or doc that help deliver our baby. I always feel so grateful for their help, and having a hand written note + gift to give them before we leave in person feels necessary!
A few additional favorites:
Calendula balm – Calendula is a healing and hydrating ingredient that does wonders. I use this for dry hands, breastfeeding, for baby, etc.
Trubee lip balm – Best lip balm I have ever tried. I am always parched and needing extra lip balm! Only $4 too.
Melting Body Balm – Another great relief option for dry or itchy skin. This Monoi scented melting body balm smells and feels like a dream. One tube has lasted a year.
CBD Relief Balm – For muscle soreness and aches, I have Gabe massage this in for back pain during labor. I also use it for post birth cramps. (I think their products are currently on sale, and you can use code ‘inhonorofdesign’ for an additional 15% off.)
In case you missed, I shared my newborn essentials in this post.
We included a blank one you can print and use yourself!
For the kids – I prepared a simple surprise bucket for the kids when we head to the hospital. I filled a bin with some art supplies, movie treats, and a few other activities they can do when my mom stays with them. It’s a way to let them know we are thinking of them during this shift in their little worlds.
Anything you would add to this list? Share for new mamas below!
