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A hospital bag, also known as a go-bag, for your pregnancy delivery, is essential when you know you’re going to birth anywhere away from home. Whether you plan on giving birth at a birthing center or the hospital your maternity hospital bag will make it easy for you to go go go when the time comes.
Your hospital bag should have essentials for mom, dad, and baby along with a few things that will make the stay comfortable.
Whether you are a first-time mom or you’ve been through this many times, these are the must-haves for your birth hospital bag in 2023.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Before getting into what you should pack in your maternity hospital bag we’re going to look at when you should have it packed.
You should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go by your 39th week since that is considered full term.
At the small chance that you go into preterm labor, you can have your bag packed and ready to go by 34 weeks. Only about 3% of births occur before 34 weeks, but for those overly anxious you can have those bags packed at any time.
If you have the means to pack away these essentials for weeks at a time, then the earlier you pack your bag the better. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about it once it’s prepared.
What size bag should I use for my hospital go-bag?
The size of your hospital bag depends on how much you want to bring. No matter what you end up packing, you should always bring a spare bag or have room in your current one for the goodies the hospital will give you to take home and any gifts visitors might bring.
My hospital bag is going to be a small carry-on suitcase or a medium size duffel bag.
What’s in my hospital bag for 2023?
Packing your hospital bag can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation and guidance, you can make sure you have everything you need to make your hospital stay comfortable and stress-free. In this section, we’ll cover all the essentials you’ll want to pack in your hospital bag for a smooth delivery and recovery. So, let’s get started!
Hospital bag essentials for mom
- Adult diapers
- Extra bag (for take-home goodies)
- Glasses or contacts & solution
- Going home clothes
- Labor accessories (e.g. birthing ball)
- Nipple pads
- Nipple cream
- Non-slip socks
- Nursing bra
- Peri bottle
- Prescription medication
- Postpartum care
- Postpartum undies
- Robe
- Sleepwear
- Slippers or flip flops
Hospital bag items for dad/birthing partner
- Bluetooth speaker or headphones
- Cash (for vending machines)
- Entertainment
- Pillow/blanket
- Water bottles
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone
- Phone chargers
What to pack in a pregnancy hospital bag for the baby
- Baby Blankets
- Bottles
- Burp cloths
- Diapers
- 1 set of clothes
- Going home outfit
- Hat
- Formula
- Car seat (installed)
- Mittens
- Pacifier
- Wipes
Toiletries to add to your hospital bag
- Body wash
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- Hair clips or hair ties
- Lip balm
- Lotion
- Makeup
- Makeup wipes
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
Documents to bring during your delivery
- Baby/Pregnancy Journal
- Birth plan and copies
- ID
- Insurance card
- Pediatrician information
- Wallet
Pregnancy Hospital Go-bag Checklist
For a convenient way to remember all of your packing essentials, make sure you have a pregnancy hospital back checklist. This lists out everything you need to make your hospital trip easy and comfortable.
Check out this checklist that you can conveniently print and it comes in 2 styles.
Conclusion
Well, mama-to-be, you’ve reached the end of our guide to packing your hospital bag for pregnancy.
As you prepare for one of the biggest moments of your life, remember that every birth story is unique and unpredictable.
But by packing the essentials and a few extras, you can feel more confident and comfortable during your hospital stay.
Don’t forget to start packing early, double-check your checklist, and enlist the help of your partner or support team if you need it. And remember, the most important thing is to focus on your health and the health of your little one.
So take a deep breath, trust your body, and get ready to welcome your new bundle of joy into the world. You got this, mama!What’s in my 2023 pregnancy hospital bag?