Hospital bag packing list
Hello! As a FTM, was confused initially as to what to pack in my hospital bag. Pinning them down so I remember if I ever have a next! Honestly there isn’t much to pack since the hospital had everything.
Essentials:
1. Comb, hair tie/clips - hair will be in a mess you’ll want to make sure hair doesn’t get in the way when you’re latching in the hospital
2. Change of clothes for discharge for mummy
3. Phone charger - you’ll start having baby fever and take a lot of photos of your bb so charge up!
4. Toiletries (face wash/toothbrush/paste)- I had a natural birth so I didn’t take a shower since it was not many days in the hospital, I just washed up and wiped myself with the wet wipes provided by the hospital.
5. Water bottle - keep yourself hydrated!
6. Infant car seat/stroller - believe most will be travelling home by car/taxi hence do remember to have an infant car seat!
7. Documents - not everyone would have this but I chose to donate bb’s cord blood, hence there was an envelope with a document prepared by the Singapore cord blood bank that we needed to pass to the nurse during admission.
Optional:
1. Adult diapers - I brought this along and did not regret adding them to my bag. KKH provided disposable panties but they are not the most comfortable.
2. Perineal pads - KKH provided them I could not quite remember how many pieces, but they ran out before I was discharged probably because I change often as well. I used an extra 2 pcs that I brought to the hospital. I think i could have done without these as well since the pain subsided but I just used them since I had them with me.
3. Baby change of clothes for discharge - I had a set with me and ended up not using. We discharged using the KKH set of clothes and swaddle that were already on her (and bb likes this set of clothes!)
4. Breast pumps - if you are a FTM I would say this is an essential to pack, the LC will teach you how to use.
5. Socks - if you’re afraid of the cold definitely bring socks! I brought them along just in case but I didn’t wear them.
Not needed:
1. Milk formula - will be worried that our milk supply will not be in yet but the hospital will provide ready to drink milk for your baby if that happens.
2. Baby Diapers - unless you are super particular about the diaper brand, the hospital will provide a bag of diapers to use.
I have heard friends advising that we could bring all supplies (eg diapers, pads) on our own and not use the hospital’s to reduce the consumables charged to us, but I feel that they honestly won’t be a huge cost and it’s difficult to let the nurses know to not open them and we will use our own at the point where the supplies are needed. It’s also more convenient to use the hospital’s since the nurses will line the pads for you. Not sure if I missed out anything!
Packing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming as a first-time mom, but focusing on a few essentials can ease the experience greatly. Besides the items already mentioned like toiletries, chargers, and documents, I found it very helpful to include some comfort items like a cozy robe or slippers, which made walking around the hospital much more comfortable. Remember that hospitals typically provide many baby necessities such as diapers and clothes, so there is no need to overpack. Many moms also recommend including a few snacks and light foods, especially if labor is long or if hospital meal times don’t align with your hunger. One thing that helped me personally was preparing a small camera or ensuring my phone was fully charged with plenty of storage—capturing those first moments with your baby is priceless! Don’t forget to include anything that helps you relax or pass the time, such as a book or music player. Regarding infant car seats, it’s crucial to have one installed before discharge since hospitals often require it for safe travel home. Also, consider packing nursing bras or comfortable bras if you plan to breastfeed, as these make nursing easier. Lastly, even though some items like milk formula and additional diapers are usually provided by the hospital, bringing a small personal supply can offer peace of mind, especially if you have brand preferences or special needs. Preparing your hospital bag well in advance, ideally a few weeks before your due date, allows you to avoid last-minute stress. Keeping a checklist handy to double-check your pack list is a great practice to ensure nothing important is left behind.