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For all you pregnant mamas heading to a hospital or a birthing center for labor and delivery, you’ll want to pack your hospital bag and have it ready to go when you are around 35 weeks pregnant. Getting this bag together is a rite of passage for new moms. It’s also a little nesting task that often reveals just how little you know about what you’re really getting into!
Every birthing plan is different, and no labor looks exactly the same, so of course, there is no one-stop hospital bag checklist that will fit your exact wants and needs. That being said, this magical experience has some commonalities, and we’ve done our best to compile the must-have (and the nice-to-have!) items you’ll want to consider throwing in your hospital bag.
The common denominator with all of our suggested items? Comfort. This special getaway is going to be a challenging one, and you’re going to appreciate the creature comforts like you never have before. We’ve broken it down in chronological order, from pre-labor all the way to going home with baby, and everything on our list is there to make your experience as comfortable and easy-breezy as possible (ha!). Remember to breathe!!
Start with the typical necessities.
Before it gets too close to your due date, you will want to start getting everything together for your hospital stay. As exciting as having a new baby is, you still need the boring essentials! You’ve packed your essentials before, so consider it the easy part:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste: This is obvious, but you may just forget to bring it along if not reminded.
- Shampoo & conditioner: Hospitals often provide dispensers on the shower wall, but you’ll appreciate the smell and feel of your own products when it’s all said and done.
- Body wash & face wash: That first shower can be difficult, but it feels SO good.
- Deodorant
- Lotion & lip balm: Hospitals are known for being dry places, so you’ll need both of these items. And there’s nothing more annoying than having dry lips or skin and no lotion or lip balm to help!
- A hairbrush, elastics, & hair accessories: Remember the goal of comfort—we’re thinking along the lines of comfy cotton headbands with this tip!
- Makeup: But only if you need it to feel like yourself after the baby comes. If you do bring makeup, make sure to pack makeup remover too.
- Hair straightener/curling iron: See above.
- Glasses: If you usually wear contacts, you may find yourself wishing you had your glasses with you.
- Pillow & blanket: These items are notoriously subpar at most hospitals. Bring your comfiest pillow and blanket, but leave them in the closet or the car until the task at hand is complete. This will help ensure that they are fresh and clean for when you need them most during recovery!
- Important documents: Don’t forget your wallet (with ID), insurance card, and other essential documents the hospital may ask for.
Pack smart for pre-gaming.
Did you know the average labor lasts about 8 hours, and many last much, much longer? That’s potentially a lot of time to be sitting around anticipating what’s about to happen! The excitement factor will be high and will no doubt make some of the time fly by, but there are a few things you should be sure to pack to get you through early labor:
- Birth plan: If you have one, use this time to share a copy of your birth plan with the nurses, midwives, or anyone else who will be playing a key role in your delivery. That way, there will be no surprises when things start picking up speed!
- Cell phone and charger with long charging cord: Use that phone to call your loved ones and tell them what’s going on, Google baby names with your partner, and maybe capture some pics before things start getting too intense for those special Kodak moments.
- Snacks! There’s a solid chance that the hospital cafeteria won’t be open 24 hours, and an even better chance that the menu will start to look less-than-appealing very quickly. There may be a vending machine, but that only offers so many snack options. To play it safe, be sure to grab some healthy treats to throw in your hospital bag. You may feel nauseous sometimes, so avoid spicy or overly fragrant foods. Your favorite crackers and some dried or fresh fruit are good ideas.
- Speaker & playlist: As the big day approaches, spend some time on Spotify and make a playlist that includes music and meditations that both you and your labor partner enjoy. A pair of headphones or earbuds could be convenient if you really want to zone in on the music.
- Fuzzy socks and/or slippers: Moving around can be super helpful during the early stages of labor. You might find yourself pacing up and down the same hallways for hours on end just to stretch your legs and get a change of scenery from your room. Be sure to pack a few pairs of warm, fuzzy socks to get you through this stage and beyond! Slippers are also great to have, but those socks will come in handy again later when you won’t be quite as eager to jump out of bed.
- Robe: The nurses will be asking you to put on a (super unattractive) hospital johnny at some point during this stage, and you’ll want a robe to throw over it while you’re roaming the hallways.
- Your own pillow/blanket: You may find the hospital pillows just aren’t as comfortable as your pillows at home. The same goes for hospital blankets. Bring along your own pillow and blanket if you want to feel at home while away. There is something comforting about having a little bit of home with you during a stay in the hospital.
Game on! These labor essentials belong in your hospital bag.
You’re done pacing the halls, and it’s time to get down to business. This is the part that is likely going to be the most uncomfortable, but there are some things you can pack to help you through it!
- Delivery gown: This isn’t a must-have item, but if that hospital johnny just isn’t going to help you shine like the birthing goddess you are, you can choose to wear your own. It might sound superficial, but the reality is that your body is about to go through some stuff, and wearing something pretty can feel good for the soul. Maybe not in the throes of labor, but certainly when everyone starts shoving their iPhone cameras at you and your precious new bundle of joy. Just remember it needs to be functional, meaning loose and comfy. It also should have buttons all down the front and back so that the nurses and other professionals can get to any part of you they need to.
- Reusable water bottle with a straw: If there is one item on this list that every expectant mother should pay attention to, it’s this one. Treat yourself to a new water bottle (we love these) with a straw and leave it in the hospital bag, so you don’t risk forgetting it. The hospital or birthing center will probably provide one for you otherwise. The point is you get incredibly thirsty during labor, and sucking through a straw is remarkably easier than drinking out of a cup during this intense time. Your labor partner should have this in hand for the duration, and you might consider coming up with a short code word that means “put that straw in my mouth RIGHT NOW!” so you can avoid the small talk and make it easier on both of you.
- Yoga ball: Lots of women swear by this one, and some hospitals actually keep loaners on hand, so call ahead before you try stuffing one in your hospital bag. Stretching and bouncing on a ball through contractions can help you move your hips back and forth in ways that can help ease the pain. This is also a great opportunity for your labor partner to help rub your back to help alleviate pain.
- Something to pass the time: This may seem like an odd suggestion but hear me out. If you are not yet in active labor and are being induced or having to wait before your labor progresses (and pain intensifies), you might need something to help pass the time (or distract you). Easy games, books, magazines, or anything that is simple, pleasurable, and relaxing, should be considered.
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Recovery items for your hospital bag—remember the key word is comfort!
Pack a few special things for others in your hospital bag.
Your husband (or any labor partner) will need a few things, and so might older siblings if they visit you. And of course, you don’t want to forget to pack a couple of special things in that hospital bag to welcome your new addition!
- The basics: Anyone who has dedicated themselves to staying at the hospital with you—a husband, best friend, etc., will need all of the basics listed above just like you. Of course, it’s up to you whether you pack these things or ask them to pack their own bags so they pack exactly what they want).
- Snacks: This one is worth mentioning again because you’ll also want snacks for these loyal helpers. Most of the time, moms can order meals and snacks through the hospital as part of their stay, but that’s not usually the case for family members and friends. And you won’t want them eating all of your goodies!
- A present for big brother/sister: Some families like to wrap a little gift ‘from the baby’ to give to older siblings when they meet them for the first time. This can also be a nice way to keep little ones entertained in the hospital room while you visit with the adults. Bonus if the gift is something they will enjoy playing with (e.g., LEGO sets, kids’ cameras, puzzles, etc.) while other visitors are there swooning over the new baby.
- Baby outfits and props: Bring along anything that you want to include in those first pictures. Perhaps a beautiful blanket or the tiny hat that your grandma knit. You also should pack a few more sleepers for those unexpected diaper leaks or accidents. Try not to go overboard; you won’t want to poke and prod your new sleepy sweetie too much!
- Baby pacifier: This is completely up to each mom’s preference, but if you want to have the option to give your little one a pacifier, don’t forget to pack one. Granted, some hospitals will provide a pacifier or two for you.
A few things you’ll need for the journey home.
Here are a few things you may want, as well as a few things you’ll be required to have to be discharged.
- Pediatrician info: You’ll need to have a baby doctor lined up for the baby’s first appointment before you leave the hospital, so have the pertinent info on hand.
- Warm going-home outfit/blanket: This really depends on the weather and season your baby is born, but it is still important to bring it along just in case. Especially if the weather is cooler, you’ll want to have warm, comfy clothes for your little one to travel home in. If it’s hot or extra sunny, packing a light blanket or cover to throw over the car seat, so baby is protected from the sun is not a bad idea.
- Car seat: Many hospitals inspect your car to make sure you have a proper car seat setup before allowing you to drive off with your bundle of joy. They won’t let you leave without an infant car seat, so better make sure you bring one with you! It’s also important to make sure your infant car seat includes an infant car seat cushion. Babies are so tiny when they are first born, and the car seat cushion helps keep them comfortable and secure.
- Empty reusable bag: Things tend to accumulate during even the briefest of hospital stays, so bring an empty bag or two to accommodate gifts, uneaten snacks, gifted loot (see below), or anything else that you need to carry out that won’t fit in your hospital bag.
What you probably won’t need to pack in your hospital bag.
Every hospital is different, so definitely double-check before you take our word for it, but there are many items that you don’t need to worry about putting in that hospital bag because they will be provided to you. In fact, you might consider repacking your hospital bag with extras of these things if they’re just laying around and it’s okay to take them!
- Items for baby: Diapers, wipes, swaddle blankets, knit hats, and long sleeve cotton shirts are all commonly provided items. With that being said, I would still pack these baby necessities in case the hospital is low and cannot provide as much as you need.
- Medicine/Medications: Tylenol and Motrin are usually doled out by the nurses on a regular schedule, and anything else you want can probably be supplied by them as well.
- Items for mom’s lower half: Pads (BIG ones!), mesh underwear (again, BIG ones!), ice packs, peri-bottles, Dermoplast, Tuck’s Cooling Pads, and other similar items that help with vagin*l healing.
- Baby book: It may seem like a good idea to bring along your baby book if you have been consistently filling it out over the months. In reality, there’s a small chance that you will actually pull that book out and enter any information while you are in the hospital. You will either be in labor, delivering the baby or in recovery, where you will simply want to enjoy your little one and rest.
Well, we’ve probably missed some things and included too much at the same time, because as we said at the beginning, no two birthing experiences are the same. The ultimate hospital bag is something only you can create. Just remember to focus on packing items that will bring you ease and comfort in a beautifully demanding time. The first days with a new baby are so unique and so special, and the last thing you’ll want to worry about is…well, anything besides snuggling that little bundle of pure joy!
Did we miss anything? If so, what do you think we should have added to our ultimate hospital bag checklist?
Lisa Holmes
Lisa Holmes lives in Wellfleet, MA with her husband, toddler and infant. She is a BabyQuip Quality Provider and loves welcoming travelers to Cape Cod. She works as an elementary school teacher, which gives her the opportunity to enjoy lots of time at the beach during her summer vacations!
Lisa Holmes2023-01-20T12:09:40-06:00September 3rd, 2020|
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20 Comments
MelaineOctober 21, 2020 at 1:30 am - Reply
good good good list. :)
JudiOctober 6, 2020 at 5:00 pm - Reply
Great article! I never would have thought to take my own pillow and blanket.
MarcoSeptember 23, 2020 at 12:52 am - Reply
Looks like I’m a minority as a man commenting here, but I really want to pack for my wife so she doesn’t have to. She’s on bedrest and is having a rough pregnancy. Thanks for all the suggestions.
MariannSeptember 11, 2020 at 3:58 pm - Reply
Thanks for putting such a comprehensive list.
RainaSeptember 11, 2020 at 2:08 pm - Reply
I was all about the soft button down pajamas. So comfortable and so easy to nurse in! A long phone cord is a must. Some great advice we received was to take all of the supplied baby items home (diapers, wipes, baby wash) – it’s already open and paid for!
JulianaSeptember 11, 2020 at 12:30 pm - Reply
An eye mask and ear plugs! Yes! I’m such a light sleeper and am very sensitive to any light. This and the nightgown of my own are a huge must.
AlisonSeptember 8, 2020 at 4:59 am - Reply
Wow!! This is amazing. So much stuff I would have never thought to bring.
Belinda T.September 8, 2020 at 2:26 am - Reply
For those of you thinking this might not be necessary, IT IS. I went into labor 6 weeks early and didn’t have a bag packed. And my labor was fast and furious. My husband was able to grab a few essentials, but had to go back home several times throughout my hospital stay to get things for me and the baby. I would have LOVED to have some fuzzy socks!!! Nice write up.
Carla WestSeptember 8, 2020 at 2:24 am - Reply
I know all hospitals are different, but I didn’t take chapstick and they charged me $9 for a tube of crappy chapstick.
tessaSeptember 7, 2020 at 10:35 pm - Reply
Thank you for this.
ShanaeSeptember 7, 2020 at 10:10 pm - Reply
My husband packing his own freaking bag for this event. Ladies, I want you to know that it don’t matter where we going, he can’t pack for s*#t. I bet he don’t have nuthin he needs lol.
AniasSeptember 4, 2020 at 3:00 pm - Reply
I was so pleased to see snacks on this list. My labor was 37 hours and I ate so many snacks!! Guess my baby boy was hungry before his entrance into the world.
AlexandraSeptember 4, 2020 at 3:00 pm - Reply
The hospital gives you diapers? I’ve been wondering how many I need to have with me. Does every hospital do this?
CathySeptember 4, 2020 at 2:24 pm - Reply
I feel like I’m more stressed out about packing my hospital bag than I am giving birth. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? I feel like I’m gonna look like I’m moving in when I get there.
MariahSeptember 4, 2020 at 1:01 pm - Reply
SPEAKER AND PLAYLIST LADIES. This is SO helpful. Gives you something to concentrate on besides the pain.
You can consider me a pro. I have SIX kids (all natural births).Pamela G.September 4, 2020 at 11:48 am - Reply
I forgot shampoo and conditioner and was a super hot mess the day I went home. The nurses literally told me they couldn’t give me any. WTF?
KateSeptember 4, 2020 at 6:05 am - Reply
Pretty great post.
FeliciaSeptember 4, 2020 at 2:48 am - Reply
Ginger candy helped me with nausea during labor. And don’t forget a donut pillow for after labor.
Megan CSeptember 3, 2020 at 7:49 pm - Reply
Yes to the pillows! Not just for momma but an extra one for a support partner staying in the recovery room with momma. We packed a few new “big” pillows that are packaged tightly rolled and vacuum sealed. We opened them once we were in the recovery room, one for me for breastfeeding and one for my husband since the one the hospital provided was pancake thin. They were hands down the best thing we packed!
KayleeSeptember 3, 2020 at 3:39 pm - Reply
A reusable water bottle was a MUST for me. With a straw or way for someone to give you water without you using hands. I also loved having closed that wrapped or zipped. A robe. Zip up hoodie. Wrap sweater. Easier to get the boobies out!
