When you're expecting, packing a hospital bag can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You want to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible at the hospital without going overboard. You also want to bring certain necessities for baby's first few hours/days. And, of course, you can't forget to pack some essentials for your partner/support person. Here are some items you shouldn't forget when packing your hospital bag:
For Mom:
Paperwork
The first thing you should put in your hospital is all the administrative paperwork you'll need, like your birth plan, insurance card, ID, pediatrician contact information, and any hospital paperwork you might have.
Phone & Tablet Chargers
$60
from
multitasky
When you head to the hospital to deliver your baby, you never really know how long you'll be there — so you'll want to make sure you bring all the chargers you'll need for your phones and tablets. This On-the-Go Charging Kit includes a retractable 3-port USB keychain, a traveler power bank/hand warmer, and a travel cord organizer pouch.
A Sleep Mask
Getting sleep in the hospital can be a tough task — no matter how tired you are. That's why it's important to do everything you can to make it easier to sleep. The Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask is a comfortable, oversized blackout mask with an adjustable head strap and sound-muffling design.
A Sound Machine
Hospitals can be noisy, especially when all you want is sleep. Drown out some of the noise with the LectroFan EVO: Sound & Noise Machine. The machine creates realistic fan sounds, ocean sounds, and a variety of white noises to help you relax and fall asleep easier.
Cozy Socks
Hospital rooms can be kind of chilly, so make sure you bring cozy socks to keep your feet warm. We'd recommend non-slip socks so you don't slide on the slick hospital floors! These grippy socks are comfortable and practical, which makes them perfect to put in your hospital bag.
Slip-On Shoes
If you don't want to just wear socks around your hospital room, it's a good idea to bring lightweight slip-on shoes. These SNJ Women's Lightweight Comfort Soft Slides are easy to throw on, comfortable to wear, and even work as shower shoes.
A Multipurpose Maternity Nightgown
$44.99
from
Kindred Bravely
When it comes to packing clothing for the hospital, you want items that can do double- or triple-duty. The Ruffle Strap Labor & Delivery Gown from Kindred Bravely is made of super-soft material that you can comfortably labor in. It has openings that extend the full length down the front and back, which means it's extremely functional and allows for ultrasounds, fetal monitoring, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and epidural access. It also has large pockets that can store your phone, lip balm, and other essentials.
A Going Home Outfit
$34.97
from
Nordstrom Rack
Giving birth takes a massive toll on your body and mind, but when you leave the hospital you may still want to look nice (but if you just want to wear pajamas, that's perfectly fine, too!). This Tiered Midi Dress from Bobeau is loose and flowy (so it'll be comfortable to wear) and it features a bold pattern.
Toiletries
Although the hospital may have basic toiletries for you to use, you'll be a lot more comfortable if you bring products you like. Put together your own toiletry kit at home or pick up a pre-made kit like this one. Make sure to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, lip balm, face wipes, and hair ties. Don't forget to bring contacts/contact solution, glasses, and any daily medications you might need.
Nipple Balm
If you're planning on breastfeeding, it's a good idea to pack some nipple balm/cream in your hospital bag. The ANYA Nipple Balm is clean, vegan, lanolin-free, fragrance-free, and not too sticky. It's made with ingredients that are totally safe for mom and baby, and it's great for protecting and healing cracked nipples.
A Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Many people in labor like to listen to music — it can be calming, uplifting, or motivating. Make yourself a playlist (or multiple!) and bring a portable bluetooth speaker so you're able to listen to that music throughout your hospital stay. You can also use the speaker to keep your mind occupied with podcasts or play lullabies for your new baby.
A Water Bottle
If you (or your partner) want to drink cold water from an insulated bottle while you're in the hospital, this Welly bottle is perfect. Not only is it adorable, it's also very high quality. The bottle is triple-walled, vacuum-insulated, and comes with a removable infuser for tea or fresh fruit.
Postpartum Care Products
At the hospital, you'll be provided with some postpartum care products, like pads and mesh underwear. You may want a few additional items, though. This Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit comes with a number of products you'll be able to use at the hospital and at home, like Instant Ice Maxi Pads, Perineal Cooling Pad Liners, Perineal Healing Foam, and Disposable Postpartum Underwear.
Snacks
You never know how long you'll be in labor for, so it's a good idea to bring snacks (even if you can't eat during labor, your partner can). Plus, you'll probably be starving after delivery, so make sure you have a variety of snacks on hand. Of course, the hospital will provide meals, but it's good to bring some of your favorite tasty treats from home.
A Shoulder Heating Pad
$59.99
from
Pure Enrichment
Labor is hard and arduous, and it really takes a toll on your body. For a moment of relief, use a shoulder heating pad to relax your muscles. The PureRelief™ Cordless Neck and Shoulder Heating Pad has four therapeutic heat settings, weighted pressure to promote relaxation, and a two-hour battery for cordless use.
For Baby:
Newborn Clothes
$41.6
from
Janie and Jack
When it comes time to go home, make sure you have an adorable outfit for your new bundle of joy. This precious Baby Toile Wrap Footed One-Piece is supre soft and cozy — perfect for a newborn.
0-3M Clothes
Let's be honest, you never really know what size clothing your baby will need — so in addition to bringing newborn sizes, you should also bring some 0-3M clothes. These Kyte Baby zippered footies are cut from silky bamboo rayon, which makes them soft and snuggly.
Swaddle Blankets/Wraps
Keeping a newborn baby swaddled will help them stay calm, soothed, and relaxed — but the hospital swaddle blankets aren't the cutest. For all those adorable newborn photos, bring your own swaddles or wraps. This 3-Pack of Soothe Swaddle Wraps from KeaBabies makes swaddling easier than ever, and the organic cotton fabric comes in a variety of patterns/styles.
Baby Shoes
Okay, you probably don't need to bring baby shoes to the hospital — it's not like your newborn baby is going to be standing or walking — but it's fun to bring shoes for cute pictures! These two-tone Woolybubs baby shoes are both adorable and comfortable, plus they're the world’s first 100% biodegradable baby shoe.
Burp Cloths
Burp cloths are incredibly versatile, and no parent can truly have too many. Burp cloths are great for feeding, burping, changing, and even cleaning your baby. They can also be used as washcloths or even lightweight blankets. These muslin burp cloths from Comfy Cubs are super soft, breathable, and durable, and made from 100% cotton.
A Baby Sling
Chances are you won't need to use a baby sling while in the hospital, but it can be a great place to test it out and learn how to use it properly (since the nurses can help you out). This LoveHeld Waffle Wave Carrier is incredibly cozy, soft, and breathable, making it comfortable for both parents and baby.
Hats
$10
from
Bamboo Little
Babies can get cold easily, so it's important to keep their heads warm with comfortable, lightweight hats. These knotted hats from Bamboo Little are made from ultra-soft, eco-friendly bamboo jersey and they have enough stretch to fit a variety of head sizes.
Bottles
If you're planning to bottle feed your baby, it's a good idea to bring some bottles to the hospital so you can introduce them to the bottles you're using right away. These Élhée Baby Bottles mimic breastfeeding and have anti-colic technology.
Matching Mommy/Baby Outfit
How cute is it to take matching photos with your newborn while you're still in the hospital? This set comes with a Cocoon Swaddle Bag 1.0 TOG in Sage – 0-3 Months, a Layers Long Sleeve 0.2 TOG in Sage – 0-3 Months, and a Matchy Matchy Robe in Sage. All of the pieces are incredibly soft and perfect for mom and baby.
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