What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding to your family, packing your hospital bag is an important step in preparing for labor and delivery. Having everything you need ready to go will help reduce stress and ensure you can focus on the most important thing—welcoming your new arrival. This comprehensive guide covers all the essentials you should pack in your hospital bag, including items for both mom and baby. Be sure to pack your bag well in advance so you’re not scrambling when the big day arrives!

For Mom: Essentials for Comfort and Recovery

When packing for yourself, you want to ensure you have everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Hospitals can be chilly and sometimes a little uncomfortable, so bringing along a few personal items can make a big difference.

Clothing and Comfort Items:

• Robe: A soft, comfortable robe will keep you cozy during your stay. It’s also helpful for nursing and skin-to-skin time with baby.
• Slippers and Flip-Flops: Hospital floors can be cold, so pack comfortable slippers or flip-flops for walking around. Don’t forget flip-flops for the shower.
• Socks: Warm socks can help keep your feet comfortable.
• Nursing Bras and Breast Pads: If you plan to breastfeed, bring a nursing bra for easy access. You may also need breast pads to manage leaking milk.
• Maternity Underwear: The hospital will provide you with disposable underwear, but you may prefer your own soft, high-waisted maternity underwear.
• Pajamas: A couple of loose, comfortable sets of pajamas (preferably ones that allow easy access for breastfeeding). Consider bringing one with buttons or a hospital gown if you plan on using it for ease during labor.
• Going-Home Outfit: Pack something loose and comfortable to wear home. Remember, you’ll still have a baby belly, so choose something stretchy and soft.
• Warm Blanket: A familiar blanket from home can provide extra comfort during your stay.

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other oral care products you use regularly.
• Shampoo and Conditioner: The hospital might provide basic shampoo, but your own will make you feel more comfortable.
• Body Wash and Loofah: A mild, gentle body wash and a loofah or sponge will help you feel fresh.
• Face Wash and Moisturizer: Hospitals can be dry, so keep your skin hydrated with your usual face wash and moisturizer.
• Hairbrush/Comb: A hairbrush or comb to keep your hair looking neat during your stay.
• Lip Balm: Hospitals are often dry, so bring lip balm to keep your lips moisturized.
• Makeup (Optional): If you want to feel refreshed after labor, pack a few essentials like mascara, concealer, and foundation.

Health and Wellness Items:

• Personal Medications: If you take any medications regularly, be sure to bring enough for your hospital stay.
• Towel: Some hospitals provide towels, but you may prefer bringing your own for extra comfort.
• Postpartum Pads: Hospitals will provide these, but if you prefer a certain brand, bring your own.
• Perineal Spray or Witch Hazel Pads: To soothe your perineum if you experience soreness after childbirth.
• TENS Unit or Heating Pad: If you find relief with heat or other pain relief methods, consider bringing a small heating pad or TENS unit (check with the hospital first).
• Birth Plan: If you have a birth plan, bring a few copies to share with your healthcare providers.

For Baby: Must-Have Items for the Newborn

When packing for your newborn, it’s important to have the basics covered for both their first hours and days in the world, as well as for the trip home.

Clothing for Baby:

• Newborn Onesies: Pack at least two or three soft onesies for your baby to wear during your stay.
• Socks and Mittens: Baby’s hands and feet get cold easily, so bring a few pairs of soft socks and mittens to prevent scratching.
• Hat: A soft hat will help keep your baby warm right after birth.
• Going-Home Outfit: Choose something cute and comfy for your baby’s first trip home. Keep in mind the season and weather when picking this outfit.
• Swaddle Blankets: Hospitals often provide swaddles, but having your own can be more comforting. A soft, breathable swaddle blanket can help keep your baby cozy.

Baby Essentials:

• Diapers and Wipes: The hospital will provide these, but you might want to bring a few of your preferred brand for the early days.
• Burp Cloths: Bring a couple of soft burp cloths to manage any spit-up or drool.
• Baby Blanket: A soft, cozy blanket for keeping your baby warm in the crib or in your arms.
• Car Seat: This is a must-have for your baby’s trip home. Make sure the car seat is installed correctly ahead of time and that it’s ready for use.

Conclusion

Packing your hospital bag can feel like an exciting step in the journey toward meeting your baby, but it’s also important to stay flexible. Hospitals can be unpredictable, and things may not always go according to plan. That said, being prepared with the essentials will help you feel more confident and ready for anything.