Preparing for the birth of your baby can be an exciting time filled with anticipation, as well as some anxiety over how birth is going to unfold. Once labor starts, the only thing that you as the mama will want to focus on is birthing your baby. Preparing ahead of time with a birth bag can help eliminate unnecessary stress that you may be feeling as you await eviction day.
In my experience, it’s always best to pack your birth bag a few weeks before your due date. Doing so early ensures that you’ll have everything you need when your body spontaneously goes into labor.
For my hospital and birth center births, I would typically pack two bags: one for me with all of my essentials, and one for my new baby. However, as a notorious over-packer, I know first hand how annoying it is to bring more than you need.
This post was updated February 2024.
What You Should Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Don’t get caught up in the hype that you need to pack a ton of things for your stay. The hospital will provide you with many things in regard to recovery items. Often they’ll surprise you with what they have.
Last time I was there post baby, I used a heating pad – I had brought my own! However, I want to make sure I say that not all hospitals are the same. If you’re not certain that they have something, ask ahead of time.
As a side note, I find a hospital tour really helpful if you’re planning to deliver a baby. You can ask a lot of your questions during that time and see how the delivery room is set up, and what it includes.
Typically your hospital stay will be a few days at max. Since it’s unlikely that you won’t be leaving the hospital, or even your room, you only need a handful items to get you by. Basically shower stuff and a change or two of clothes would be the bare minimum.
But just because you don’t need much doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make a list. Before I pack my hospital bag I make a list and categorize my items. Usually it boils down to Clothing, Toiletries, Sleep Essentials, and Extras. Below you’ll find all of the things I make sure to have in my hospital bag.
–This post contains affiliate links. See my Disclosure page for more information.
Clothing
Robe – Robes are great for covering up your backside while you’re in your hospital gown. Since they open to the front they are nursing friendly as well. My robe was from Posh Peanut, a cute little company that makes swaddles, outfits, robes for mom, and more! It was given to me at my baby shower from my mom. She got the matching swaddle and bow for my daughter!
Button Up Pajamas – After you’ve given birth and are in the recovery room you’re able to put your pajamas back on. I like cotton pajamas because they’re breathable and they don’t make me feel as warm. Ones that button-up are easy to nurse in, and allow you some more discretion when you have visitors.
Nursing Tops – My nursing tanks were amazing! I have several from Amazon, but there are other brands like Kindred Bravely. I wore them underneath my pajamas and my robe. What I love about them is that they cover up my belly. It helps to make everything feel a little more “secure” after having a baby.
Maternity Leggings – I’ve used these and I’ve used stretchy yoga pants. Something that gives a little leeway and is comfortable. I like these leggings because they have a lot of stretch and again, keep everything in place.
Undies – The hospital or birth center will provide you with disposable underwear. You’re welcome to bring your own disposable undies, or you can bring your stretchiest, most comfortable “granny panties.” Kindred Bravely has a line of underwear specifically for postpartum.
Slippers & Comfy Socks – You’ll be staying in your recovery room so you more than likely won’t need to wear shoes. Sometimes the hospital provides socks but they’re usually large. I bring my own cozy socks, and slippers with a good tread to keep my feet nice and toasty.
Flip flops – You’ll want to protect your feet in the shower. So just like you did in college, I recommend bringing flip flops to wear. I just got a pair from Dollar Tree. The hospital staff is required to clean them before every stay, but I find it’s still better to be safe than sorry. As a bonus, I feel like they give me better traction in the shower!
Sleeping Essentials
Pillow – The hospital pillows aren’t comfortable to me. I always bring my own so that I know I’ll get a comfortable nights sleep.
Blanket – Hospital blankets tend to be a little thin. I usually get a little chilly so I like to bring my own blanket from home.
Toiletries & Shower Essentials
Deodorant – Your body changes a lot during and after pregnancy due to all of the hormones. I’ve always noticed that my body odor gets worse and my sweating increases in postpartum.
Shampoo & Conditioner – That first shower after having a baby is the most magical one of all. After all of that work, treat yourself to the luxury of washing and conditioning your hair (after getting a nice, long nap first).
Body Wash – Again, for when you shower and are ready to feel clean. It’s a Cinderella transformation.
Towel – Personally, I hated the towels at the hospital. They’re small, a little scratchy, and thin. 10/10 recommend bringing your own towel.
Hairbrush & Hair Ties – Have I mentioned you’ll be sweaty both during AND after labor? Bring a hair tie to pull your hair out of your face.
Make-up & Remover – This one’s not an essential in my opinion. During 2 out of my 3 hospital birth stays I haven’t worn make-up and didn’t arrive wearing any make-up. The only time I wore makeup that close to birth was for fresh 48 photos with my second born. But, if you think it’s likely that you’ll be wearing make-up before you go into labor, then make-up remover (or wipes) is not a bad idea.
Extras
Headphones – Labor involves being in the zone and remaining focused. Bring a pair of headphones in case you’d like to get lost in your labor playlist and tune out the rest of the world.
Snacks – Great to have for your husband, mother, or yourself after labor is finished. The hospital I go to allows me three meals/day post baby, but there are some hours they’re closed. With my second, I gave birth at 8:30 and the cafeteria closed at 9pm. I hadn’t even had my son yet and the nurse was encouraging me to order food so that I’d have something after. With my third, I had her at 5:30am and they didn’t open up until 7am. Don’t go hungry; bring snacks!
Nursing Pads – Now I don’t usually need these in recovery, but I bring them just in case. Usually your milk doesn’t come in for a couple days, but every mom is different. You get can reusable for disposable ones!
Phone & Extra Long Charger – The plugs aren’t always near the bed in the recovery room. If you want to have your phone close by while it’s charging you may want to bring one of these. Just in case.
Laptop or iPad – The televisions have usually been small and the movie selection isn’t always that great in the hospital. And the birth center where I had my fifth didn’t even have televisions (which I loved during labor). We bring our laptop just in case we want to watch something that isn’t programmed on the tv. Or if we want to do some web surfing.
Gifts – NOT AT ALL required to bring gifts, but it’s thoughtful to bring a little something to all of those hard working nurses or the midwives you served you. We have always had incredible teams of medical professionals, both in labor & delivery, and during recovery. They deserve more than praise so treat them with some baked goods, or little goodie bags.
Shop the Post
