Complete List of What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag in 2021

/

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products that I recommend. Please note that I may receive a commission from any purchases made through these links. Thank you for supporting this small blog :)

Have you been wondering what you should pack in your hospital bag in 2021 during a pandemic? I’ve gotten this question a few times from moms who are about to give birth during the COVID pandemic, so I thought I’d make a list as a mom who had a quarantine baby herself. Hope this helps you!

IMPORTANT: Please check with your hospital prior to packing! Find out the regulations: are birthing partners allowed (rules may change daily based on the rate of infection in your area), are visitors allowed, is anyone allowed to leave the room and come back, what will they supply you with, etc. Every hospital is different, and I am going by what my hospital in New Jersey supplied me with back in May of 2020.

 

Basics

  1. Large luggage bag(s) - I strongly believe that one cannot overpack during a pandemic. As soon as my husband and I entered our room in the labor & delivery unit, we were not allowed to leave. Even if my husband had to leave to go to the car, he would not have been allowed back in. Please check with your hospital prior to packing!

  2. Travel organizers - I was so glad that I pre-organized all of my toiletries and divided up my clothes vs my husband’s vs my baby’s. It helped tremendously, especially when asking my husband to grab something since I couldn’t get up from the bed!

  3. LOTS OF SNACKS AND DRINKS - After 12 hours of labor and pushing for 1.5 hours, I was FAMISHED. As was my husband! One thing I wish I packed were drinks because I was constantly going through the pitchers that our nurse brought us. (You will be VERY thirsty!) Remember, during the pandemic the nurses will come in contact with you less frequently, which means fewer chances to ask for items you need.

  4. Extra-large water bottle - Again, I want to stress that you will be very thirsty after giving birth. If you’re not bringing bottles of water, bring an extra-large water bottle for the nurses to refill (rather than having them bring a small hospital pitcher). I was so glad to have brought mine!

  5. Important documents (preferably in a folder) - Copies of your ID and insurance cards, birth plan if you have one, names and phone numbers of your OBGYN and pediatrician, and anything else you may need (such as admission paperwork).

  6. Phone charger - This goes without saying. I would also add that if possible, you should bring one for your birth partner as well! And make sure to get an extra-long cable! We were constantly facetiming family members who were not able to join us, therefore draining our batteries.

  7. Camera and charger - This is something I regret not bringing so I wanted to add it. We were using our phones for so many things (such as calling friends and family, googling things, etc) so it would’ve been nice to have an actual camera to take photos with.

  8. Pillow(s) and blanket(s) - I truly underestimated how uncomfortable the hospital beds would be. I thought it’d be overkill to bring TOO much stuff, but I ended up bringing too little! Remember, you will be spending 2-3 nights in the hospital. The hospital pillows are flat and the blankets are thin! When I asked for extra, we were told that they did not have any. Remember to pack them for your birthing partner as well!

  9. Disinfecting wipes - We made sure to wipe down our tables, railings, and chairs frequently. You can never be too safe!


  10. Extra masks - This is something we forgot to bring, and we kept having to ask the nurses for extra.


  11. Something to keep you occupied - Whether it be books or an iPad loaded with movies, make sure to bring something that will keep you entertained during the long process of labor (especially if you are a new mom, as labor typically takes longer).


Toiletries

  1. Makeup & remover if applicable

  2. Face wash

  3. Skincare

  4. Deodorant

  5. Travel-sized body wash

  6. Travel-sized shampoo/conditioner

  7. Toothbrush/toothpaste

  8. Dry shampoo

  9. Hair ties


For Mom

  1. Hospital gown - This is something that I wish I had bought! I didn’t think it would be a big deal, but one of the depressing parts of my labor was feeling like a patient at the hospital. For my next birth, I’m going to make sure that I’m wearing my own gown.

  2. Flip flops - For the shower

  3. Slippers and socks - For walking around

  4. Nursing shirts/dresses if applicable - I wish I had brought more nursing shirts because after I gave birth, I spent much of my time trying to breastfeed or latch with my baby. My boob was constantly out because I didn’t bring enough shirts that were easily accessible!

  5. Pajama pants - The looser the better, and preferably dark colors. Remember, you will most likely still feel as though you are still 6 months pregnant. Also, the last thing you will want to do is to strain your body in any way while putting on pants! Make sure there is lots of room so you won’t have to bend down.

  6. Nursing bras

  7. Robe

  8. Going home outfit - Something comfortable and weather appropriate.

  9. Optional: Belly wrap/band - This is definitely not a must. I only wore mine on the third day because I wanted to try it, but I do wish I had worn it earlier. It provided support for my aching back and recovering abdominal muscles and made it much easier for me to get up from the bed!


For Baby

  1. Infant Car seat - Remember to set it up at least a month before your due date!

  2. Side-snap or zip-up bodysuits

  3. Going home outfit(s)

  4. Swaddles

  5. Mittens - Important to prevent scratching! Our hospital did not provide this so I’m glad I brought ours.

  6. Hats

  7. Socks
    - Other items are usually provided by the hospital such as diapers, infant formula, dry/wet wipes, and A&D (if needed).

    - One thing I wish I knew was to bring more baby clothes and swaddles than necessary! Luke was going through multiple outfits a day due to diaper leaks and milk stains. Many of our first photos are Luke in hospital outfits instead of the cute clothes we brought for him because he had soiled them before we had a chance to photograph him.
    - When packing clothes for your baby, remember to pack newborn and 3 month sized clothes. Newborn clothes are actually quite tiny and some babies go straight to wearing bigger sizes!


For Dad/Birthing Partner

  1. Blankets/pillow

  2. Clothes

  3. Slippers/flip flops

  4. Wallet/ID

Is there anything I forgot or you felt could’ve been omitted? What was your most used item during labor/delivery? Comment below to let me know!

 
hospitalbag2021.jpg