How to Pack Your Hospital Bag: Essentials for You and Baby

As your due date approaches, packing your hospital bag can be an exciting—and slightly surreal—moment. Having everything ready to go can help you feel a little more prepared and give you a sense of comfort as you approach this major life event. Whether you’re headed to a hospital, birthing center, or preparing for a home birth, having a bag ready offers peace of mind for any last-minute transfers. But when it comes to what to pack, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the advice out there. I like to keep it simple and focus on what will truly support you and your baby, making those first few days as comfortable as possible.

Comfort and Essentials for You

First things first, think about what will bring you the most comfort and calm. For some, that might be cozy socks for those cold hospital floors or a soft robe from home. A favorite playlist or relaxing app can also be a great addition, having music or guided relaxation to help you stay grounded when you need it most.

Loose, comfortable clothing for after-delivery is a must. Choose something easy to put on and that feels good in the postpartum days. A pair of slippers or slip-on shoes can make walking around a bit easier, and an extra-long charging cable for your phone can be surprisingly useful since hospital outlets are often placed inconveniently.

Toiletries and Self-Care Items

Packing a few toiletries can help you feel refreshed, but there’s no need to bring everything. Focus on basics that make you feel like yourself: toothbrush, deodorant, hairbrush, face wash, and a little lip balm, as hospital air tends to be drying. If there’s a specific lotion, skincare item, or even a touch of makeup that makes you feel good, go ahead and pack it. These little comforts can make a big difference.

Essentials for Baby

The hospital will provide most of what your newborn needs, but bringing a few personal items can add a special touch. Many parents like to pack a couple of outfits, including one for those first photos and another for going home. Choose something soft and easy to dress baby in, like a onesie with snaps or zippers. If it’s cold out, a hat, socks, and mittens can keep them cozy. You’ll also want a soft blanket for the car seat to keep them snug on the way home.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, packing a nursing bra and breast pads might be helpful. Some parents find that having their nursing pillow is comforting for positioning, though hospitals often provide one as well. And if you’re opting to bottle-feed, you may wish to bring a specific bottle type.

Documents and Personal Essentials

Make sure you have your ID, insurance information, and any hospital forms. Keeping a small folder or envelope for the paperwork you’ll receive during your stay can be incredibly helpful in staying organized. If you’ve prepared a birth plan, bring a copy to discuss with your medical team.

For Your Partner or Support Person

Your support person is a key part of this experience, and they’ll want to feel comfortable, too. Encourage them to pack a change of clothes, snacks, and maybe even a light blanket or pillow. This can be a long journey, and keeping them comfortable helps them stay present for you.

For emotional support, a small notebook and pen can be a meaningful addition. It allows them to jot down memorable moments, questions for the medical team, or reminders that might come in handy during your stay. Having them record these details can create a shared memory, and they’ll have a way to capture those fleeting first moments together.

Packing your hospital bag thoughtfully can make those early days a little smoother, leaving more room to focus on bonding and savoring each moment with your new baby. With a few carefully chosen items, you’ll be able to create a more relaxed and personal experience. Remember, this is your journey, and everything you bring is meant to support you through it. Wishing you peace, joy, and all the comfort you deserve as you step into this next beautiful chapter.

What to pack in your bags

For Mom

Clothes:

• Cozy socks

• Soft robe

• Comfortable pajamas

• Flip flops for the shower

• Loose, comfortable clothing for the stay and going home (maternity or loose-fitting clothes are ideal)

• Nursing bras or a comfortable sports bra, depending on feeding plans

• Disposable or washable nursing pads

• Underwear (choose high-waisted or disposable for comfort)

• Comfy slippers or easy slip-on shoes for walking around

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss

• Lip balm (hospital air can be drying)

• Hairbrush, hair ties, and headbands

• Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner (travel-size to save space)

• Face wash, moisturizer, and deodorant

• Nursing pillow

• Nipple cream if breastfeeding

• Postpartum pads (hospital ones are often bulky)

• Perineal spray or balm

• Sitz bath herbs or sitz bath basin (if you plan to use one)

Electronics:

• Phone and charger (a long charging cable can be helpful if outlets are far from the bed)

• Portable charger or charging bank (in case there aren’t enough outlets near the bed)

• Camera, extra memory cards, and batteries  (to capture those first moments with your baby)

• Headphones (for music, relaxation, or connecting with loved ones)

• Laptop/Tablet and Chargers

• Books, magazines, or downloaded shows to pass the time (some labors can be long, and these provide mental breaks)

Important:

• ID and insurance card

• Birth plan (optional, but helpful for some)

• Any pre-registration or hospital forms

• A small folder or envelope to keep any paperwork you receive during the stay

Comfort & Relaxation:

• Eye mask and earplugs to block out hospital noises/light for rest

• Cozy blanket and pillow from home if it adds comfort

• Reusable water bottle (hydration is crucial postpartum)

• Light snacks for between meals (protein bars, trail mix)

• Playlist or app for meditation, relaxation, or background music

• Birth Affirmations

• Gentle touch items (small massage ball or lotion for relief during contractions)

• Small notebook and pen (for jotting down memorable moments, questions for medical staff, or notes)

For Partner/Support Person

Clothes:

• Comfortable clothes for staying a few days (consider layers, as hospital rooms can vary in temperature)

• A blanket and pillow (hospitals may have limited extras, and familiar comfort items can make a difference)

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss

• Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner (travel-size to save space)

• Deodorant

Electronics:

• Phone and charger (a long charging cable can be helpful if outlets are far from the bed)

• Portable charger or charging bank (in case there aren’t enough outlets near the bed)

• Headphones (for music, relaxation apps, or connecting with loved ones while respecting the room's quiet)

• Laptop/Tablet and Chargers

Important:

• Cash or card for parking, vending machines, or cafeteria trips (having these items on hand saves last-minute scrambling)

• Small backpack or bag to keep their essentials organized and portable

• ID and insurance card

• Birth plan (optional, but helpful for some)

• Any pre-registration or hospital forms

• A small folder or envelope to keep any paperwork you receive during the stay

For Baby

Clothes:

• Two or three outfits (onesies or footed pajamas)

• Newborn hat, socks, and mittens if it’s cool out

• A special going-home outfit (if desired)

Feeding Supplies:

• Formula if you plan on formula-feeding,

• If you plan on formula-feeding, bring a few bottles

• Burp cloths

Important:

• Soft blanket

• Car seat

• A fitted, rear-facing car seat installed before arrival (this is a requirement to bring your baby home)

• Swaddle blanket for warmth and comfort

• Pacifiers (if you plan to use one, some babies like them right away)