What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

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It's time to answer one of the most asked questions “What should I Pack?!?!?!”

Hospital bags are a must if you are giving birth in a hospital, but you don't need to bring your entire wardrobe to the hospital. Keep it simple and comfy – you'll thank yourself later.

Let's start off with stuff for labor as labor things and postpartum things are addressing wildly different needs. So it's okay to pack two separate bags and bring them in when appropriate. 

No time to make a list? No worries! Read to the end for a Free Printable PDF Packing List!

In labor, you want a comfy outfit or gown to wear. Ideally, you wear your labor outfit to the hospital so you don't need to change. Outfit can range from a labor gown for full coverage but easy access for medical needs. To a bikini top and shorts. 

The hospital has gowns, but those are for sick people and you're not sick you're in labor! The mindset of being in a hospital gown puts you as the patient and that can derail your courage to advocate for your choices. 

You are more than a patient you are the one in charge so dress the part!

For your partner bring a change of clothes including a sweater. Hospitals are cold so have something to put on. On top of that bring your swim trunks. 
I know you think I'm crazy but hear me out. 

Showers are a huge way to manage contractions and you may need to support mom in there. While naked moms are expected, naked dads are not, so bring your suit. 

Next, bring any lighting you want, battery candles are great for setting a cozy mood. They are also hospital-safe with no flame. 

Twinkle lights or fairy lights are also great but remember to think about hanging them and mounting them, use the hospital tour to take photos to plan that. 

Another lighting option is something you can also put on your registry. A ceiling light/ projector can be a great vibe. With cool colors patterns and choices, you can give birth under the stars or under the sea!

You may wish to bring your defuser if you are doing aromatherapy. Along with scents you know you like and have tried! Labor is not the time to try this so if it's something you think you will like try it during pregnancy!

Sounds are powerful in labor! Speakers and headphones are great for tuning out the world and being in your zone! Keep it familiar so you're not always tapping that skip! you will also want to pack any other labor tools you plan on using that your hospital doesn't have, like a labor comb, tens machine, or massage tools. Most hospitals have birth balls or peanut balls but you can always ask to be sure.

You will also want a water bottle with a straw! Snacks, chapstick, gum, and an eye mask. I also recommend a robe you don't mind getting fluids on and a breastfeeding-friendly bra for after you deliver. This will be what you wear on your way up to postpartum to again avoid the hospital's awful gown.

For postpartum there are other items you are going to want to have and tons of stuff you can leave at home. 

Starting with the most important person in Postpartum YOU!

Pack all your hygiene items for showers and dental care. I recommended having low to no-scent soaps to help prevent bonding issues with your baby and promote your healing. I personally do not bother with makeup on a normal day let alone after pushing out a baby, but if it is something that makes you feel good then by all means bring a small makeup kit. If you can’t sleep with wet hair a blow dryer may be helpful. Other hair styling items are rather unnecessary unless again you would feel better with your hair a specific way. 

Pack 1 outfit for going home, depending on the weather/ season will be a factor but typically baggy shorts or pants with a stretchy waist along with a cozy top. Button-ups or nursing tops are great for those choosing to breastfeed as if it takes a while for discharge you can unbutton to feed baby. 

You may want 1 additional outfit if you are thinking about doing hospital photos, but you don’t need more then 2 outfits.

For most vaginal birth with low to no complications, you can expect to leave the hospital in 1 to 2 days after birth. There are some tests (in the US) that are done after 24 hours so that typically is the minimum stay. Once those tests are done and both you and baby have been cleared you can go home.  For those with complications or if you had a cesarean you can expect to stay 2 to 3 days. 

I know you're thinking why would I only bring 1-2 outfits if I'm staying at the hospital for a few days? 

Well, a big thing with babies is to do as much skin-to-skin as you can in the first few days to weeks. The best thing you can do is to wear a bra and a robe and that's it. Well, your fancy mesh underpants also but that's it! Don’t even bother with pants. This also helps with breastfeeding as you just open the robe pop open your nursing bra and bam milk on tap and skin to skin in just a moment. (I continue this at home for a bit, maybe with pants on but also maybe not) 

So you really only need 1 outfit to leave in or be bold and just go in your robe!

Speaking of breastfeeding you will want to bring a nursing bra or two, nipple balm, and possibly your pump if you plan on using one. Often times the hospital has a lactation consultant who comes to see you and you can ask how it works and if your flanges are the right size. (I do say this with a gain of salt and some hospital LC are not that great and do not have proper information) 

Postpartum is when you will want your own pillows and blankets for both you are your partner. Make sure to keep your water bottle topped off and drink it often. And another snack you want to have. Slippers and cozy socks are also great but so are bear feet so it is your call. 

Next, let's talk about down-there care. Your valva is in need of some serious TLC. First off do not take a mirror done there just don’t do it. 

When carrying for your vulva I recommend a curved peri bottle like the Frida, witch hazel pads like Tucks, and an adult diaper or two (for the ride home) 

Things like pads and icepacks are typically supplied by the hospital so use those while you are there, don’t waste your home supplies while at the hospital use what they give you and supplement as needed. It’s also important to know that if it enters your room it’s yours! So take any extras and maybe a few make their way into your bag before so they bring you more. Wink wink.

When you go home that's when you want to pop on that adult diaper for a more secure feeling. I say to bring two as discharge can take time and you may need to change before you are able to get out the door. 

Other basic things are chargers and devices like phones, cameras, and tablets. Some also bring a Roku or Firestick for better TV options while there. 

Your Partner should also bring 2 or 3 changes of clothes, button dows are better for easy skin-to-skin with baby. As well as their hygiene items. (low to no scents preferred for better bonding) 

Now for baby talk! If this is your first it is tempting to bring a ton of stuff, but let's remember less is more. 

To start don't stress about basic baby supplies – hospitals often provide diapers and wipes. Be sure to clear out any extras in the room before you leave. If it enters your room in pp it is yours to take home. ( some hospitals do not provide everything so use the hospital tour to ask these questions)

For dressing your baby you only need again 1 or 2 outfits. If you have a specific outfit baby has to wear make sure to pack both newborn and 0/3 months sizes for the perfect fit.

For the most part, you will have your baby stripped down to the diaper to have as much skin-to-skin as possible so only a take-home outfit is needed at most a second one for photos. When your baby isn’t getting that awesome skin-to-skin time, they will be good in just a swaddle and their diaper. An easy swaddle is a great way to quickly get the baby wrapped up without wrestling with the blanket swaddles the nurse makes look easy. 

Fun fact: Did you know your baby starts growing fingernails at 12 weeks gestation? Baby clippers or files are a lifesaver to avoid those tiny baby daggers and keep their face safe. Nails are soft the first day but quickly firm up to cause damage. 

Around 37 weeks you will want to make sure your car seat is also ready to go. If you can install the base and leave the carrier at your home until you are ready to go to the hospital.  You also may want to bring a small empty bag to bring home all your hospital freebies. ( not really free as you are billed so take them all!)

Does this feel like a lot or maybe you're thinking how am I ever going to remember all this? Well, I got you covered!

Click Here to get your PDF packing list to help make life easy!

Packing your hospital bag doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Focus on comfort, practicality, and making the space your own. Remember, less is more, and what matters most is that you feel supported and prepared for your birthing experience. Take what you need, leave what you don’t, and don’t forget to make the most of those hospital freebies. You've got this!