Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Dad, and Baby

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What exactly do you need for your trip to the hospital? I’ve seen a few hospital checklists for moms and I think there’s a few glaring omissions on some of the lists. Namely, stuff for dad and entertainment. Here’s my list of what the whole family needs for your hospital bag.

Mom-

Wallet- Don’t forget your ID and insurance card!
Going Home Outfit- This is your time to shine walking out the door!
Comfy Clothes- Having a change of comfy clothes for the new mom will be a welcome return to normal after a day or two of hospital gowns if you end up staying overnight or longer. Our daughter was born around 2PM but we weren’t discharged until 5PM the following day.
Phone and Charger- You’ll run the old phone down quickly with the constant “is it here yet?” texts, not to mention the large quantity of pictures you will be taking once baby is here. Even better if you have/get a cord long enough to stretch from the wall to your lap sitting in the hospital bed.
Tablet- Optional but my wife was glad I brought an iPad for her to watch movies. TV sucks in the hospital. All 5 channels of it.
Flip Flops- You may have some trouble putting on regular shoes for the first few days after delivery.
Toiletries- Bring your own because who knows what the hospital will provide. Toothbrush and toothpaste, contacts and solution, glasses, travel size soap/shampoo/conditioner.
Snacks- Mom probably won’t be able to eat much before the delivery, but she may be ravenous after.
Saltines- Our doctor let us sneak a little snack in while in labor. Her attitude was that we were there to have a baby, not be locked in a room and starved. Peanut butter and saltines were OK in her book to keep mom’s strength up.
Hair Ties/Clips- You will have enough on your plate while delivering. No need to fight with your hair on top of it.
Pillow- Leave one in the car for the ride home. Your bottom will thank you.
Breastfeeding Items- Pump, bra, bottles, pads, cream, etc.

Dad-

Wallet with ID
Going Home Outfit- Dad will also want to look halfway decent for pictures.
Comfy Clothes- Pack for a day or two of sitting around waiting for things to happen and another 24 hours of sitting around after.
Snacks- Dad gets to eat and the hospital meals are not overly generous.
Laptop/Tablet- The hospital will hopefully have WIFI available. Boredom is going to be problem here until things really get going. No need to sit around and stare at the wall.
Cell Phone- Just like mom, get ready for regular texts before delivery and pics after.
Camera- Optional for pictures

Baby-

Going Home Outfit- Time to dazzle them with mom and dad!
Clothes- Onesies are a great choice for first clothes along with something nicer for pictures if you choose.
Car Seat- If there’s one thing you need, this is it. Do not leave home without it or baby is not going home until you have it! It can stay in the car until after the delivery.
Car Seat Blanket- A must-have for winter babies, this blanket has holes for the car seat belts so baby can still be quasi-swaddled while belted in.