Hospital Bag Essentials: Must-Haves and Nice-To-Haves
Packing your hospital bag soon? This guide covers all the essentials for labor and delivery, plus a few unexpected extras to make your stay more comfortable!
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When I was preparing for my baby’s arrival, I was so nervous about how the birth would go. One thing I knew for sure: I wanted to give birth in the hospital. So, I packed my hospital bag weeks in advance.
I used my diaper bag as my hospital bag because it’s big and has lots of pockets. Plus, it was still empty and clean!
But honestly, I had no clue what to pack in that bag, so I turned to the trusty checklists I found online.
Those lists were lifesavers! But after my own experience, I decided to make a checklist that includes the usual essentials and some less obvious things that were SUPER helpful.
I’ll also share some packing tips to make everything easy to find—trust me, your partner’s brain will be fried when the time comes, and they’ll need all the help they can get to find anything in the bag.
So, here’s the ultimate showdown: the must-haves vs. the nice-to-haves for your hospital bag, plus a few packing tips.
By the way, I’ve also included a handy printable checklist at the end of this post. You can print it out and check off items as you go.
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Packing Tips
- Use a bag with lots of compartments. Seriously, this is a game-changer. Your partner will thank you because they’ll be able to find things without panicking.
- Roll baby clothes instead of folding them. It saves space and helps prevent wrinkles.
- Keep essential items in a smaller pouch inside the bag. This way, you can grab it quickly without rummaging around.
- Use Ziplock bags to keep baby clothes. They stay clean and neat this way, and it makes it easy to find the right outfit without digging through the whole bag.
Hospital Bag Essentials For Mom
ID, Insurance Info, and Birth Plan
You’d be surprised how many people forget the basics! Keep these in an easy-to-reach pocket.
Comfortable Clothes: Bring at least 2-3 sets of comfy clothes, like loose pants, nursing tops, and a cozy robe. Pack a “going home” outfit that’s comfy yet cute for those first photos.
Nursing Bra and Pads: Nursing bras are a lifesaver, especially when you’re learning the ropes of breastfeeding. Don’t forget the nursing pads to avoid any leaks. Love this one!
Must-Read: 6 Essential Tips To Prepare For Breastfeeding
Very Comfy Underwear
You can’t have too much comfort post-delivery. Pack some extra soft, stretchy underwear that you won’t mind getting messy. You can imagine that your regular underwear just won’t cut it after giving birth. Go for the extra charming “granny” panties in a size larger than usual!
Nipple Cream: Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Read my post on how to prepare for breastfeeding for more tips!
Hair Ties & Headband: Keep your hair out of your face. Labor can get hot and sweaty, and a headband might just become your new best friend.
Snacks: Bring healthy snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit. See my post about healthy postpartum snacks for more ideas.
Toiletries: Face wash, moisturizer, chapstick, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and some makeup wipes. Also, pack your shower essentials: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and shower shoes (flip-flops).
Phone Charger with an Extension Cord: Hospital outlets are often inconveniently placed. An extension cord ensures you’ll have your phone nearby for updates and photos.
Reusable Water Bottle
Hospitals usually provide cups, but having your own big, refillable water bottle is much more convenient.
Empty Bag: For all the freebies you might get from the hospital and any gifts that visitors bring.
Hospital Bag Essentials For Dad
Comfortable Clothes: A couple of changes of clothes, including something comfy to sleep in. He’ll need it if he plans on staying overnight.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other personal hygiene items he might need.
Entertainment: A book, a deck of cards, or even his laptop/iPad. Labor can be a waiting game, so something to pass the time is always helpful.
Snacks & Water Bottle: Keep him fueled with snacks, so he’s ready to help you when you need it.
Charger for His Phone: He’ll need his phone for taking photos, making announcements, and playing the role of a DJ if you have a labor playlist.
Hospital Bag Essentials For Baby
Car Seat: Installed and ready to go! You won’t be allowed to leave the hospital without it.
Going Home Outfit: Choose a cute and comfy outfit for your little one’s first journey.
Swaddles & Onesies: Pack at least 2-3 swaddles and 4-5 onesies. Check out this post about baby onesies to find the best options for your newborn.
Burp Cloths: Babies are messy, and these are a must-have for feedings.
Car Seat Cover: If it’s cold or rainy, a car seat cover can help keep your baby snug and protected.
Pacifiers: Some hospitals provide these, but it’s nice to have your preferred kind on hand.
Baby Mittens
Babies are born with surprisingly sharp nails. Those tiny mittens keep them from scratching their face.
Toiletries
Glasses, Contacts & Solution: If you wear contacts, pack everything you need, including a spare pair of glasses.
Medications: Bring any daily medications you’re taking.
Face & Body Care: Face wash, moisturizer, makeup (if you feel like freshening up for photos), body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.
Lotion & Chapstick: Hospital air can be very drying.
Hairbrush: You’ll want to freshen up after delivery.
Deodorant & Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Essential for feeling human again after labor.
Nice-to-Haves
White Noise Machine
Actually, I consider this essential. My daughter was a bit restless in the hospital, and we discovered that she loved white noise. My husband played it on his phone and stood by her crib for two hours. A small white noise machine can be hung up and is made just for this purpose.
Portable Fan
Labor can make you feel like you’re melting. A small fan can be a lifesaver. Fun story: During my labor, three nurses were trying to keep me cool with washcloths on my head. As well-intentioned as it was, I got so irritated because they kept fidgeting with me. It felt like I had a team of busy bees buzzing around! A fan would have been much easier—haha!
Music Playlist and Portable Speaker
Having calming music or your favorite songs can make the experience a bit more personal.
Journal & Pen: Jot down important moments, feelings, or even the timeline of events. It’s a special time, and some details fade with sleep deprivation!
Massage Oil or Lotion
A little back rub during labor can be a lifesaver. Plus, it helps Dad feel involved!
Massage Ball: Great for back labor or for sore muscles afterward.
Entertainment
A tablet or a good book. Believe it or not, there might be some downtime.
Dry Shampoo: Freshen up your hair without a full wash.
Cooling Eye Mask: If you have a chance to catch some sleep, a cooling eye mask can be incredibly soothing.
Thank-You Treats for Hospital Staff
A small box of chocolates or snacks for the nurses goes a long way to show your appreciation.
Bathrobe for Mom
Hospital gowns are functional but not the most comfortable. A cozy bathrobe can make you feel a bit more like yourself.
Special Photo Touches
A cute sign with the baby’s name or a special blanket for those first photos.
Headphones
If you need a moment to zone out and relax or if dad needs a little escape (we know, it’s stressful for them too).
Nursing Pillow
This can be a huge help, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. It provides extra support and comfort.
Coins for the Snack Machine
Sometimes, you just need that midnight snack! Having some coins handy can be a lifesaver for a quick snack run. Sometimes you can pay with a card, but you never know, and it would be quite a disappointment if you can’t get that midnight snack.
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Final Thoughts
I know packing for the hospital can feel overwhelming, but having these hospital bag essentials and a few extras—will help you feel more prepared! Remember, I’ve put together a printable checklist with everything listed here, plus checkboxes to keep you organized.
You can download and print it to make packing your hospital bag a breeze. Happy packing, and wishing you all the best for a smooth and safe delivery!
