Whether you’re a first-time mom or you’ve done this before, packing for the hospital can often feel daunting. I remember when I was preparing for the birth of my daughter, I didn’t even know where to begin! I didn’t want to be that mom who came strolling into the hospital with a full-size suitcase, entire bedding set, and half of my baby’s room in hand (and I’ll make sure you aren’t that mom either). While every hospital is different in what they supply, many hospitals provide your baby with necessities (diapers, wipes, blankets, etc) and postpartum essentials. If you’re like me and thrive on comfort, you may opt to bring your own postpartum supplies. I remember having just endured almost 18 hours of intense labor and turning to my suitcase to put on my fuzzy slippers. Something so small that brought me some comfort of home.
As a nurse, I know hospitals and your nurses truly do their best to make you happy and comfortable, especially after having a baby, but sometimes, just using and smelling your own body wash during that first postpartum shower will make you feel a little more alive again. (Oh boy, is that shower heavenly…but please, don’t forget your shower shoes. If you know, you know).
Now let’s get into it. I will divide this list into what to pack for you (mom), baby, and your spouse/partner. While I had a vaginal delivery and plan on having another vaginal delivery, labor can go so many ways, and I want to make sure you are prepared no matter what. Please see my other post about postpartum recover! I will include some separate links for c-section recovery.
(this post contains affiliate links)
- Overnight Bag or Carry-On Suitcase (https://amzn.to/3GFQDQS )
- 2 pairs loose loose-fitting pajamas (https://amzn.to/3REE6DJ ) -these are great and breast-feeding friendly. I recommend getting your size during pregnancy or one size below (not pre-pregnancy size)
- Comfortable going-home outfit-will depend on weather and season. (winter/fall https://amzn.to/47RXenj ) (spring/summer https://amzn.to/47Q1dR7 )
- Soft and loose fitting set ( https://amzn.to/3NrhTGG ) great to pair with a nursing tank
- Non-Slip Socks-the hospital will provide these, but these are very soft and warm if you want something cozier (https://amzn.to/3RfIWpr )
- Cozy Slippers (https://amzn.to/3GFQLzQ )
- Shower Shoes– trust me on this one! No bare feet in the hospital showers ladies (https://amzn.to/47X062m )
- Labor gown-totally optional in my opinion. Labor is very messy, and I would recommend this for after the baby is born, but this is breastfeeding and epidural-friendly. I wore this with my daughter, and it is extremely soft (https://amzn.to/3NpOXP7 )
- Robe ( https://amzn.to/3TtLB1g )
- Disposable underwear ( https://amzn.to/47OIndc ) The hospital will provide some mesh underwear, which some women do prefer while in the hospital.
- NURSING ITEMS
- Nursing Bras X2 (https://amzn.to/3Nqzu1c ) These are great for sleep (https://amzn.to/3tgONTs )
- Nursing Tank (https://amzn.to/3GDpVs2 )
- If you want to bring your breast pump to the hospital, you can, but many hospitals will also provide a hospital-grade pump for you to use. Many moms choose to bring theirs if they are unfamiliar with how to use it; you can then meet with a lactation consultant who will show you the proper use.
- Nipple Cream (https://amzn.to/3RmdwgX ) This was my favorite!
- Nursing Pillow (https://amzn.to/3OyAGR1) The best! Boppy is great for tummy time
- TOILETRIES/PERINEAL CARE (I recommend travel-size)
- Peri-Bottle ( https://amzn.to/3NqM7cR )- optional-the hospital will provide one, but the upward angle is very helpful on the Frida-Mom one.
- Travel Shampoo & Conditioner or Dry Shampoo
- Travel Body Wash
- Travel Body Lotion
- Razor & Shaving Cream
- Face Wash
- Face Moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Dry Shampoo
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- CHAPSTICK or Aquaphor! Labor is exhausting and will dry those lips out! https://amzn.to/48eDF8l )
- A hairbrush, hair ties, hair clips
- Makeup -some women love to refresh the day after to feel a little more human again!
- Glasses/Contact Lens, case, and solution
- OPTIONAL-THE HOSPITAL SHOULD PROVIDE
- Dermoplast Spray (https://amzn.to/4aa3cBo )
- Tucks Pads ( https://amzn.to/3v0q1HS )
- Pads ( https://amzn.to/3NnI3tP )- extra heavy overnight is best for first week minimum postpartum
- Perineal Ice Packs ( https://amzn.to/3NqBjey )
- Pillow and blanket
- MISCELLANEOUS
- Extra Long Charging Cable– at least 10 ft (https://amzn.to/3v4DnCD ) or charging bank ( https://amzn.to/46VcZsc )
- Sound machine with night light! (+ Bluetooth Speaker if wanted) I highly recommend this for middle of the night, the hospital is loud and this helps create a more soothing environment- and the night light is great for middle of the night wakes! ( https://amzn.to/3GEoR7d )
- Portable Fan– So helpful while laboring (https://amzn.to/41hvPsp )
- Power Snacks and Gum! I recommend healthy and nutritious foods that will give you energy but also throw some of your favorites in there! (trail mix, protein bars, beef jerky, Nutri-grain bars, dried fruits, oatmeal cups, etc)
- Tylenol and prenatal vitamin (hospital will provide these but if you don’t want the extra charge you can bring your own
- 2-3 Comfortable Tops
- 2-3 Comfortable bottoms (shorts & pants)
- 2 pairs of underwear/boxers
- 2 pairs of socks
- Sweatshirt (hospitals are cold!)
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Extra Long Charging Cable– at least 10 ft (https://amzn.to/3v4DnCD ) or charging bank ( https://amzn.to/46VcZsc )
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, deodorant)
- Contact lens, solution, glasses
- Snacks (beef jerky, crackers, trail mix, etc)
- Water bottle (https://amzn.to/3RJpMK3)
- Cash and change (some hospitals don’t supply moms partner with meals)
- Slippers (https://amzn.to/3Tta6f2)
- CARSEAT! This is your biggest priority when packing for the hospital. I always recommend you install the car seat base at about 36 weeks. Don’t leave the car seat in the car until you are ready to go to the hospital. This way, if you were to damage the car in an accident prior to delivery, you wouldn’t have to replace the entire seat. After days and weeks of research, this is the car seat we chose! (https://amzn.to/3TuwW6a ) *If you are unsure of how to install your car seat properly, even after watching the manufacturer’s installation guide, all fire departments are trained on proper car seat installation and you can stop by your closest fire station for them to install your seat.
- 1 newborn outfit/sleeper (if your child is anything like mine way, they’ll never fit in a newborn size!) That’s why I recommend bringing the larger size below! ( http://(https://amzn.to/3Tur2lw)
- 1 (0-3 month) outfit/sleeper (https://amzn.to/41vn2mH)
- 1 sleep gown– I am a huge sleeper gown advocate. I promise they make the middle of the night diaper changes SO much easier, no buttons, snaps, or zippers to fiddle with (https://amzn.to/474s8HU)
- 1 swaddle- these are awesome if you don’t want to hassle with actually having to learn how to swaddle properly while sleep deprived- those postpartum nurses have magical swaddling powers, I swear (https://amzn.to/3NuNhUC) or receiving blanket (https://amzn.to/3GSVJZX)
- OPTIONAL
- Going home outfit (optional)– some moms choose a cute outfit for pictures but any comfortable outfit works!
- Pacifier (optional)- the hospital typically provides one- but you may have a specific one you want to use.(https://amzn.to/3Tplk4r )
- Bottles (https://amzn.to/48jekdu )
- DO NOT BRING– diapers and wipes (your hospital will provide these)
While in most cases, you will be preregistered at your hospital or birthing center, it is always a good idea to bring your ID, insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you may have to complete ahead of time. All hospitals are different depending on your region, but you can always contact or tour your hospital ahead of time to ensure what they do and do not supply.
Labor and delivery can be a time of high anxiety and chaos for Mom and Dad. Do yourself a favor and eliminate some of that stress by packing your bag around 36 weeks!
Use this handy downloadable packing list check list to help when packing your bag!
