Hospital Bag Checklist
“What should I bring to the hospital?”
Here are some ideas for your hospital birth bag based on what we’ve seen be most helpful to the families we support as Tampa birth doulas. A few items on the list will also be provided by your hospital (blankets, pillow, shampoo, soap, etc) but if you prefer your own toiletries and want to feel more at home we suggest you bring these items with you.
Labor
- Paperwork (Birth Plan, Insurance Card, ID, Pediatrician details)
- Towels or waterproof pads for car (esp. if your water has broken already)
- Labor gown
- Light robe
- Socks
- Ipad or phone with music playlist
- Headphones or speakers
- Hair Ties
- Chapstick
- Slippers
- Comfy Sleep Bra
- Honeysticks
Postpartum
- 2-3 Nursing tank tops
- 2-3 Yoga or sweat pants
- 2-3 Nursing bras
- 2 sets of nursing pajamas (or something to sleep in that you can nurse in)
- Flip flops
- Comfortable going home outfit
- 2-3 Large Underwear
- Socks
- Laundry bag
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Brush & Hair Ties
- Make up & Make up remover
- Lotion
- Razor
- Breastfeeding book
Home Items
- Blanket
- Pillow
- Heating Pad
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Essential oils & diffuser
- Ipad & charger
- Phones & charger
- Camera & charger
- Laptop & charger
- Powerstrip
Baby Gear
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Going home outfit
- Sleepers X 2
- Hat
- Swaddle blanket
- Burp cloths
- Socks
- Car Seat
For Partner
- 2 T-shirts
- 2 Comfy pants
- 2 underwear
- 2 Pajamas
- Hoodie or jacket (for cold AC)
- Socks
- Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush/paste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
Learn more in our Labor and Birth Preparation Guide.
Christie Rinder is the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas, Tampa Bay's original and largest doula agency. Supporting families since 2009, she's passionate about ensuring every family has the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power.
Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and 17 years serving families as a doula and agency owner, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey. > learn more about Christie
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