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How do you prepare for one of the biggest days of your life? If you’re like me, you read all the blogs, binge YouTube vlogs, and scroll Pinterest for every tip that might make you feel just a little more prepared.
Packing your hospital bag is exciting—but also nerve-wracking. I remember wondering if I had everything I needed, second-guessing every item. After two pregnancies, I’ve learned what’s actually helpful for me—and what I could have skipped.
So, from one mom to another, here’s what I actually used and what made a difference for me!
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What I Learned from Packing My Hospital Bag
When I had my first son, I packed everything I thought might help with labor and recovery. But my labor was so quick, I didn’t even grab my bag from the car until after delivery!
With my second son, I adjusted my list. Since I was induced, I spent more time at the hospital and was grateful for extra comfort items.
What I realized: The hospital provides all the essentials you need. Your bag should include what makes you feel comfortable—and what you need to get home!
Checklist & Recommendations
For Mom
What to Wear
Labor & Delivery: I wore the hospital gown for both deliveries, but I’ve heard more moms love bringing their own. If you stop and think about what happens in hospital gowns, it makes sense! Plus, there are some super cute options like this one.
After Delivery: Once I was in recovery and felt well enough to get up, I changed into a nursing camisole and shorts. At night, when I knew there wouldn’t be visitors, I wore my robe, which made breastfeeding and skin-to-skin time so much easier.
Going Home Outfit: You’ll still feel pregnant when you leave the hospital, and you’ll also be sore. I packed a loose-fitting, dark maternity outfit to hide any accidents.
Footwear
Flip-flops: These were a lifesaver for getting in and out of bed and for the shower. I recommend bringing a waterproof pair for showering.
Socks: Some moms swear by non-skid socks for walking the halls. I packed some but ended up not wearing them because I was too hot.
Breastfeeding Essentials
Nipple Cream: I was not prepared for how painful breastfeeding could be! The hospital gave me a sample, but after we got home, I immediately sent my husband to buy more. The second time around, I packed Earth Mama Nipple Cream, but thankfully, I wasn’t sore at all. Still, I highly recommend having some on hand, just in case.
Breast Pads: You never know when you’ll start leaking. With my first son, I used disposable pads. With my second, I switched to washable pads—and they were so much softer and more comfortable. These are my favorites.
Nursing Pillow: I didn’t take a nursing pillow either time, but honestly, it would have helped a lot with my first son while learning to nurse.
Toiletries & Comfort Items
Chapstick & Hair Ties: I kept these right next to me during labor. The deep breathing and hospital air made my lips so dry.
Basic Shower Items & Dry Shampoo: Taking a shower and putting on a little makeup after delivery made me feel so refreshed and just a little more like myself.
Postpartum Underwear & Pads: The hospital provides mesh underwear, but I personally found Depends way more comfortable and less likely to leak everywhere.
Witch Hazel Pads & Peri Bottle: My hospital provided these, but having extras at home was a game-changer. This peri bottle is way easier to use than the standard one.
Pain Relief Spray (like Dermoplast): The hospital gave me some, but I was so glad I had extra when I got home. It made such a difference for postpartum healing.
Compression Socks: If you’re at the hospital for a while, especially with a c-section, these help with swelling.
Snacks: Labor is exhausting, and hospital food isn’t always great. I packed granola bars and trail mix, and I was so glad I had them when I got hungry between meals.
For Baby
Coming Home Outfit: I packed two outfits just in case of a spit-up explosion or diaper leak. Soft, loose-fitting outfits like a Sleep & Play are perfect.
Blanket: The hospital provides blankets, but I packed a special one for pictures and to use in the car seat on the way home.
Diapers & Wipes: The hospital provides these, but I packed a few newborn and size 1 diapers just in case newborn ones didn’t fit.
Pacifiers: Some hospitals don’t provide them, but my first son needed one right away, so I was glad I packed extras.
Hat & Mittens: The hospital gave us a hat, but mittens helped prevent those tiny newborn scratches.
Burp Cloths: If you plan to breastfeed, a couple of extra burp cloths can be really helpful.
For Dad/Partner
Clothes & Toiletries: He packed for one night but could have used an extra shirt.
Soft Shirt: I asked my husband to wear a soft shirt that felt comfy for me to rest my head on during contractions. It was the little things that helped.
Pillow & Blanket: Hospital "guest beds" are not comfy—bringing his own pillow would have been nice.
Portable Charger: Hospital outlets aren’t always in the best spots—this kept his phone charged for updates and pictures.
Snacks & Cash: Extra snacks for dad and/or cash for vending machines.
Cash for Parking: Some hospitals charge for parking, so small bills or change can be useful.
Extras for Comfort
Eye Mask & Earplugs: Nighttime in the hospital is full of interruptions—these helped me get some sleep between nurse check-ins.
Phone & Charger: For updates, pictures, and calls.
Laptop or Tablet: We watched The Great British Baking Show while waiting—it was such a good distraction.
For the Car
Just in case your water breaks on the way:
Waterproof Mat or Towels (I used disposable bed mats).
Extra Blanket & String: My doctor suggested these just in case of a roadside delivery. Thankfully, we didn’t need them.
Final Thoughts
Mama, I know this stage can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. You want to be as prepared as possible, but trust me—you’ve got this.
No matter how labor unfolds, the moment you hold your baby makes it all worth it.
Congratulations! Cherish every second—you’re going to do amazing.
What’s Next?
✔️ Download my complete checklist for an easy packing guide!
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