The Only Hospital Bag Checklist You Need
Every checklist online is 80 items long. You'll be there two days. Here's the real list.
For baby
- Two coming-home outfits in newborn size — one for the photo, one for the inevitable blowout. Side-snap or magnetic, nothing over the head. Gerber side-snap shirts for cord-stump days, a Magnetic Me footie for the photo.
- A pacifier (one-piece silicone). Some hospitals provide them; many don't. The Avent Soothie is the one most wards hand out.
- Ready-to-feed formula nursettes if you're formula-feeding or want a backup. Pre-measured, sterile, no water needed. Similac 2 oz nursettes, 12-pack.
- Car seat — installed in the car before you leave for the hospital. They won't let you out without it. Our pick: the Chicco KeyFit, or the Graco SnugRide Lite on a budget.
- A swaddle blanket and a hat. That's it. The hospital has diapers and wipes.
Shortcut: the Hospital Bag Kit puts all of the above in your Amazon cart in one click.
For you
- Phone charger with a long cable (10 ft). The outlet is never near the bed.
- Comfy going-home clothes (think 6-months-pregnant sizing), slip-on shoes, flip-flops for the shower.
- Toiletries, lip balm, hair ties, your own pillow.
- Snacks. Real ones. Labor is long and the cafeteria closes.
- ID, insurance card, birth plan if you have one.
The thing everyone forgets: a nail file. Newborns come out with tiny razor-sharp nails and they will scratch their own face on day one. The NailFrida clipper has a spyhole so you can see what you're cutting.
Leave at home
Diapers, wipes, the baby book, your laptop, the fancy outfit with buttons down the back. You will not use them.
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