My cousin just had a baby and as she was busy packing her hospital bag, she asked me for some advice. Having made three trip to labor and delivery myself, I had a pretty good idea of what items are essential and what items the hospital will provide. I put together this checklist so she could pack everything she needed for her hospital visit. I tried to keep the list as simple as possible while also including things that made me feel more comfortable.
For Comfort
For my third delivery, I pretty much knew what to expect. I remembered the basics of what would happen but more importantly, how wonderful the nurses were. To get myself in the right mindset, I tried to pretend like it was going to be a spa visit. Hear me out, you get to wear a comfy robe and slippers, get room service, and are waited on hand and foot.
Ok, well not exactly a spa visit but you can bring things that will make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Robe – I loved finding a cute robe to bring to the hospital. Mine was from Etsy. It made me feel comfortable and warm and was nursing-friendly.
Hospital Gown – You can always wear a gown provided by the hospital. I did for all my deliveries but once the “messy part” was over, it felt so nice to change into my own, much cuter hospital gown.
Lounge Wear – You will be in the hospital from 2-4 days and after giving birth, comfort is everything. Pack clothes that are soft, loose and warm. Throw in some fuzzy, nonslip socks, lightweight lounge pants, and my favorite slippers. Pack a t-shirt and sweatshirt to compliment your lounge wear.
Undergarments – The early days of breastfeeding can be a little awkward. To make things easier on myself, I brought a nursing tank top, sports bra and nursing bras. My favorites are from the Auden brand at Target. I loved this wire free nursing bra and this nursing bra with underwire which got me through 10 months of breastfeeding.
The hospital will give you some lovely mesh panties and I will admit that I used them every time. They are functional and after delivering a baby, these things are essential. I never left the hospital wearing them though. By the third day after delivery, I was ready for my own underwear. Find a comfortable pair of full coverage briefs.
Going Home Outfit – I always had visions of leaving the hospital in a cute going home outfit but the reality of it was that I was tired, still feeling sore from delivery and nursing so something comfortable trumped cute. Leggings, my favorite maternity jeans or a loose fitting dress worked best for me.
Toiletries
Plan to spend 2-4 days at the hospital. Think of what you would pack for a hotel stay or out-of-town trip. I tried to keep the list simple but include the items that were needed for hygiene.
For Baby
Baby won’t need much packed in your back. From delivery to going home, the hospital will provide almost everything he/she needs. I did however pack these Philips Avent Soothie Pacifiers because we found that not every hospital approves of pacifiers but from our experience, they can be a lifesaver and never interfered with my ability to breastfeed.
Going Home Outfit – You will need an outfit to take baby home in. I usually brought 3 choices (don’t worry, they won’t take up a lot of space in your bag). I brought a newborn onesie, footed sleeper and 0-3 month onesie so that I would be able to pick what fit best and suited the weather. We actually packed the same onesie for each of my boys to wear home, which became a fun tradition.
I usually packed some additional socks, mittens (newborns tend to have long, sharp nails and will scratch their faces). We never brought our own swaddle blanket because the hospital will provide those for you.
Other Items
Dad – Don’t forget to pack some snacks for dad (bars, trailmix, pretzels etc.) as well as an extra pillow and blanket for him. Dads tend to get forgotten at the hospital.
Nursing and Sleep – I always wanted my own Boppy Pillow, nursing cream (Lanolin was my go-to), and a blanket to help make nursing and sleep more comfortable.
Electronics – Don’t forget to bring a phone charger. An extra long one is really convenient because plugs might not always be near your bed. My husband always brought his laptop so we could watch some of our own shows. The TVs at the hospital don’t always have the best options.
Bathing – I always packed my own washcloth and bath towel. The ones provided at the hospital are usually pretty small and not as soft as my own. Some people like to bring their own shower flip flops as well.
You’re Welcome! – After the delivery of my first son, a very kind and experienced nurse told me to take 1-2 stool softeners (Colace) per day for at least two weeks to help with, well the dreaded first few bowel movements. Follow her advice and you will have nothing to fear!
Items The Hospital Will Provide
There are quite a few items that you do not need to pack in your hospital bag. The hospital will provide you with many essentials so don’t feel shy, just ask. I always asked for extra items to take home with me before being discharged and the nurses were happy to oblige.
For Baby
Swaddle Blankets
Newborn Shirts
Diapers and Wipes
Newborn Caps
Baby Shampoo (ie. Johnson and Johnson)
Vaseline and Gauze (for circumcised baby boys)
Formula or donated breast milk – Yes! My milk always took up to 5 days to come in so using formula in the hospital for my first was a lifesaver and never interfered with my ability to breastfeed successfully. For my 3rd, we were given the option to use donated breast milk, which felt right for us. Ask your nurse or lactation consultant for either of these options.
For Mom
Lanolin (nipple cream)
Bulb Syringe
Baby Hair Brush
Witch Hazel Pads (ie. Tucks pads for recovery)
Pain Relieving Spray (ie Dermaplast)
Peri Bottle
Breast Pump (I used one provided by the hospital rather than bringing my own. Ask your nurse of lactation consultant).
Pads (multiple sizes) Ask for extras to take home with you.
Mesh Underwear
Postpartum Wrap (I asked for one after after my C-section and it was a huge help).
Sitz Bath – If you are recovering from a tear or hemorrhoids, this can be a lifesaver and will help with comfort. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for one.
Happy Packing! With this checklist you will be sure to have everything you need to welcome your new little one at the hospital!
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My Favorite Bras
Favorite Seamless Comfort Nursing Bra
Favorite Wire Free Nursing Bra
Favorite Underwire Nursing Bra
Comfortable Full Coverage Underwear
Hospital Gown (similar) Snaps for nursing and open back for epidural
Travel Kit (all travel sized toiletries in 1 kit)
Lanolin (nipple cream)
Throw it all in this cute duffle bag
Pack your bag and get ready for a weekend get away, I mean, a trip to labor and delivery. With these items, you will sure to be in the hospital in style while also having all the items you need to feel comfortable.
