Minimalist Hospital Bag – The Only 9 Things You Need

I was overprepared for my first hospital visit and brought way too many bags of stuff I did not end up using. Truth is, the hospital gives you a lot of things for free, so you only really 9 essential items. Download the FREE minimalist hospital bag checklist here (no catches!)

Download the list to see the 9 essential items, and all of the ones you can do without!

If you are still working on your baby registry, get our free registry checklist here!

Documents/ID

1. Photo ID, insurance card, hospital forms
2. Birth plan (ACOG template)

Clothing

1. Comfortable robe or loose gown
2. Nursing bras or tank tops
3. 2-3 pairs of maternity underwear
4. Non-slip socks or slippers
5. Going-home outfit (loose, comfy)
6. Abdominal binder

Comfort Items

1. Toothbrush, toothpaste
2. Hairbrush and hair ties
3. Make up
4. Deodorant
5. Dry shampoo
6. Phone and extra long charger
7. Headphones or speaker
8. Essential oil diffuser
9. Reusable water bottle
10. Snacks (for partner, or post-birth)
11. Pillow support pillow

Postpartum Supplies

1. Heavy-duty pads or adult diapers
2. Nipple cream
3. Peri bottle & Postpartum products
4. Stool softener

Baby Essentials

1. First outfit, swaddle & hat
2. Car seat

Things you DON’T need

Before I realized I only needed a hospital bag, I had a maximalist bag and packed everything under the sun. Here are things I purchased and brought with me and never used:

• Robe
  • Used this once for 5 minutes. I’m not a robe person anyway so I regret buying this.
• Essential oil diffuser
  • When you are in labor, there’s no time to set this up.
• Portable speaker
  • This was more for my partner. When you are in labor, you won’t even notice if there is any music in the room
• Abdominal binder
  • Only started using this after getting home
• Dry shampoo, deodorant
  • Shower beforehand!
• Water bottle
  • Hospital gives out freebies
• My own pillow
  • There are unlimited pillows at the hospital. Not worth the hassle of bringing your own.
• Nipple cream
  • Didn’t ever find this useful in my entire life
• Sanitary products
  • Hospital provides these for free
• Maternity underwear
  • Hospital provides these for free, and they’re specially designed for postpartum
• Peri bottle
  • Again, Hospital provides these for free, and they are good enough!

Any questions about other “recommended” items? Let me know in the comments!