Pregnancy can be a very slow and longggg experience, that is, until it’s not. All of a sudden it’s the third trimester, life is flying by, and you realize you have so much left to buy and so much left to pack! Packing your hospital bag can feel very overwhelming. There are a million different lists online and different countries/healthcare systems offer different items. After giving birth in both London and New York City, and considering myself a pretty thorough person, I’ve compiled two different, country-specific lists. These should fulfill your packing needs and hopefully take some weight off your shoulders during this exciting, but often stressful time! See below for a complete US and then UK Hospital Bag Checklist!
HOSPITAL BAG-United States
Baby Needs-
Small Booties: 2
Socks: 2 Pairs
Onesies: 4 Short-sleeve Newborn, 2 Short-Sleeve Size 0-3 (I hated the oversized hospital clothes!)
Sleepsuits: 3, Newborn Size, 1 0-3 Size
Pramsuit: Too bulky for car seat, but nice if you’re walking home with stroller in a cooler temperature.
Going Home Outfit: For example, 1 NB Pants + 0-3 Cardigan over onesie with booties or socks and hat.
Hats: 1 for going home. Didn’t need in hospital.
Mitts: 2
Burp Cloths: 2
Swaddles: 2-3, I use Aden and Anais. (I hated the hospital swaddles, too small and stiff!)
Blanket: 1, to use in hospital and to put over car seat or in pram when going home.
Special swaddle/props/outfit: If using in-hospital Newborn Photographer.
All baby clothes and new mama clothes were pre-washed in unscented, organic detergent. I packed everything in separate cleaned cotton shoe bags.
Outfits for Mama-
Replacement Wedding Ring: If you desire. I purchased a Hematite band which is good for blood flow since it’s advised to not bring valuables to the hospital.
Nursing Nightgowns: 2, dark colors.
Going Home Outfit: Comfy Pants-make sure elastic is low and loose, Loose Top and Nursing Bra. Flip flops, Sneakers/socks, Uggs (depending on the season—roomy and easy!)Sweatsuit-make sure elastic is low and loose, 1 Loose Nursing Bra. Flip flops, Sneakers/socks, Uggs (depending on the season—roomy and easy!) Dark colors!
Nonslip socks-3, preferred my own!
Slip-on Crocs: Perfect in shower and getting around!
Sunglasses: For going home.
Robe: Black, or another dark color.
Belly Bandit: If you want to start using right away
Toiletries-
Shampoo
Conditioner
Shower gel
Almond Oil
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Hair ties/clips
Head Band: For during labor and after delivery
Makeup wipes-non-medicated, no residue1
Makeup: You will want something to feel put back together, but don’t go crazy. I used a tinted moisturizer, lip balm, and a little mascara.
Face lotion
Calming Lavender Oil/Essential Oils for during labor
Qtips/Cotton Balls
Contacts/Solution/Glasses: If applicable.
Extras-
Identification
Credit Card
Phone
Preregistration Documents
Vaccination Records for Young Children That May Want to Visit
Spray drinking bottle: MY FAVORITE for during labor.
Nipple Shields: Never needed, but you never know.
Playing Cards/Couples Game: Something fun to pass the time!
iPhone Charger
Snacks/Energy Bars: For after delivery. US does not want you to eat during.
Gum
Mints
Candies to suck on
Bottles of water
Book
Magazines
Plastic Bag for Dirty Clothing
Diapers: I preferred my own. (Naty brand)
Wipes: Water Wipes as backup, but we use cotton balls the first month.
Cotton Balls
iPad or Computer
Headphones
Emergency Formula: I prefer my own backup (HIPP Organic)
2 Pens
Notebook
Car Seat or Stroller for Drive/Walk Home
Gifts for older child(ren) from new baby!
Cord Blood Collection Kit: If applicable.
Daddy’s Bag-
Jeans
2 Undies
2 Tshirts
Bathing suit: If using birth center pool.
Socks
Sneakers
Hoodie
Book
Contacts/solution: If applicable
Glasses: If applicable
iPhone Charger
House Keys
Wallet
Phone
Toothbrush
HOSPITAL BAG-United Kingdom
Baby Needs-
Small Booties: 2
Socks: 2 Pairs
Onesies: 4 Short-sleeve Newborn, 2 Short-Sleeve Size 0-3
Sleepsuits: 3 Newborn Size, 1 0-3 Size
Going Home Outfit: For example, 1 NB Pants + 1 0-3 Cardigan to go over onesie with booties or socks, and hat.
Hats: 3, necessary in hospital and going home.
Mitts: 2
Burp Cloths: 2
Swaddles: 2-3
Blanket: 1, to use in hospital and to put over car seat on drive home.
All baby clothes and new mama clothes were pre-washed in unscented, organic detergent. I packed everything in separate cleaned cotton shoe bags.
Outfits for Mama-
Replacement Wedding Ring: If you desire. I purchased a Hematite band which is good for blood flow since it’s advised to not bring valuables to the hospital.
Nursing Nightgown: 2, dark colors.
Going Home Outfit: Comfy Pants-make sure elastic is low and loose, Loose Top and Nursing Bra. Flip flops, Sneakers/socks, Uggs (depending on the season—roomy and easy!) Dark colors!
Nonslip socks-3
Slip-on Crocs: Perfect in shower and getting around!
Sunglasses: For going home.
Robe: Black or other dark color.
Maternity Undies-3
Disposable Undies-6
Belly Bandit: If you want to start using right away
Toiletries-
Shampoo
Conditioner
Shower gel
Almond Oil: As moisturizer and for under Belly Bandit
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Hair ties/clips
Head Band: For during labor and after delivery
Makeup wipes-non-medicated, no residue
Makeup: You will want something to feel put back together, but don’t go crazy. I used a tinted moisturizer, lip balm, and a little mascara.
Face lotion
Calming Lavender Oil/Essential Oils for during labor
Qtips/Cotton Balls
Peri bottle: The US provides, the U.K. does not!
Contacts/Solution/Glasses: If applicable.
Extras-
Hospital Folder
Identification
Contactless Credit Card
Change for vending machines
Spray drinking bottle: MY FAVORITE for during labor.
Heavy Flow Pads
Nipple Shields: Never needed, but you never know
Playing Cards/Couples Game: Something fun to pass the time!
iPhone Charger
Snacks/energy bars: During or after delivery. I never had food restrictions/bans in the U.K.
Gum
Mints
Candies to suck on
Bottles of water
Book
Magazines
Plastic Bag for Dirty Clothing
Diapers
Wipes: Water Wipes as backup, but we use cotton balls the first month.
Bath Towel
Cotton Balls
Pillow with Black Pillowcase
iPad: No TVs in general recovery areas, may not have WiFi, so cellular iPads preferred over computer.
Headphones
Emergency Formula: I prefer the HIPP Organic starter formula bottles (6) as backup. Could not locate these pre-made bottles in the US.
2 Pens
Notebook
Car Seat or Stroller for Drive/Walk Home
Gifts for older child(ren) from new baby!
Cord Blood Collection Kit: If applicable.
Daddy’s Bag-
Jeans
2 Undies
2 Tshirts
Bathing suit: If using birth centre pool.
Socks
Sneakers
Hoodie
Book
Contacts/solution: If applicable.
Glasses: If applicable.
iPhone Charger
House Keys
Wallet
Phone
Toothbrush
Well, there you have it! Hopefully my lists help. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out. Congratulations!
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