21 Essentials to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Congratulations! You’ve carried your baby for nine months, and now you’re gearing up to meet your little one. With all the preparation you’re doing for the baby’s arrival, you may forget to prepare for your time in the labor room. What things do you need to make sure the baby’s arrival goes as smoothly as possible?

To make things easier for both you and your baby, below is a list of important items to remember to pack in your hospital bag.

 
First, you should remember that the hospital will provide several complimentary items. Diapers and wipes, a baby comb, nasal aspirator, pacifiers, onesies, hats and formula samples are all among the items given to you by the hospital. 

Since you should receive these items from the hospital, our list includes only the items you’ll need to bring to supplement what you'll have on hand after delivery. 
 

 
1. Your birthing plan 



What exactly is a birth plan? A birth plan is a list of preferences for your labor and delivery. It communicates your wants and needs with your partner and healthcare team. A birth plan is not necessary, but it can be extremely helpful when things don’t go exactly as planned. 
A birth plan includes details about where you plan to deliver, who will be present, which birthing positions you want to try, your preferences for pain management and more. 
 

2. Birth affirmations 


Labor is no walk in the park. You’ll need support in various ways and reading birth affirmations before and during your labor and delivery can be very helpful. 

We’ve found a great digital download of positive birth affirmations that you can add to your hospital bag. 

 
3. Robe and leggings 


Let’s face it – sometimes comfort beats style and this is one of those times. You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible in the hospital, and a robe and leggings provide comfort that’s next to none. 

 
Here are some of our favorite mom-approved maternity leggings. 
 

4. Fuzzy socks and slippers

On that comfortable note, socks and slippers are a necessity. You’ll want to get fuzzy socks with grips so that you don’t slip around the hospital floor. We recommend buying washable slippers so that you can refresh them upon your return home. 

 
5. Toiletries 


Be sure to pack what toiletries you commonly use. Don’t overpack, but don’t under pack either. Many packing lists will advise you to bring straighteners and makeup. Here’s our suggestion: if you want to freshen up with a little makeup, bring makeup. If you want to go all natural, don’t bring makeup. 

 
6. Lip Balm and Lotion 


Hospital air can be extremely dry. Having lip balm and lotion on hand helps! Plus, a foot massage while going through tough contractions would be nice. 
 
7. Nursing Bra 


The best nursing bra varies from person to person. When picking out a nursing bra, be sure to select one that’s comfortable since you will be spending hours wearing it. Extra hooks are also helpful since your breast size could change dramatically during postpartum. Padding is also something to consider. A light padding is helpful to absorb milk leakage. 

Check out this site for more information on selecting the perfect nursing bra for you. 
 
8. Nursing Pads 


We suggest bringing disposable nursing pads to the hospital for ease of use. Washable, reusable nursing pads are great at home. To get details on all types of nursing pads, visit this site. 
 
9. Nipple cream 


A good nipple cream can make all the difference when experiencing breastfeeding pain. During pregnancy, breastfeeding or pumping, your nipples may become dry, cracked, chapped or even bleed. A soothing nipple cream provides relief. 
 
10. Nipple Shields 


If you’re having trouble getting your baby to latch during breastfeeding, nipple shields can be helpful. A nipple shield is a flexible silicone nipple that is worn over a nipple. They are recommended to be used for the first few days after birth and are generally not to be used during the first week after that, unless there are obvious problems. 
 
11. Water bottle 


Of course, you’ll want to stay hydrated. We recommend bringing a large bottle of water with a straw so you can easily drink. 
 
12. Snacks and drinks 


Hospital food doesn’t always arrive at the most convenient times. For a more flexible option, pack a variety of snacks, such as granola bars, fruit and nuts. Also, if you want to drink something other than water, bring a sports drink that will replenish your electrolytes. 

Also, if you’re having trouble with your milk supply, you’ll want to consider snacks that boost milk production. Lactation cookies (recipe here) can be helpful, as are other snacks that stimulate milk production. 
 
13. A long cell phone charging cord 


The outlets in hospital rooms are typically situated in inconvenient locations. Bringing a long cell phone charging cord will ensure that your battery stays charged. You’ll want to take pictures of your little one when he or she arrives! 
 
14. Pillows and blankets from home 


It goes without saying that having a pillow and blanket from home can bring comfort when delivering. Be sure to pack an extra pillow and blanket for your partner or birthing assistant. They’ll want to be comfortable, too! 
 
15. Nursing pillow 


A nursing pillow can ease the strain on your back, neck and arms. It can also give your baby easier access to your breasts.  
 
16. Bath towels 


Like pillows from home, bath towels from home can make all the difference in ease and comfort. Hospital towels are often scratchy and small. Pack two of your favorite towels. 
 
17. Adult Diapers 


You may think of packing diapers for your newborn, but what about for yourself? Postpartum bleeding typically lasts four to six weeks after delivery, so you’ll want to be prepared. Luckily, many adult diapers fit like underwear so they’re hardly noticeable. 
 
18. Portable speaker and music playlist 


If you’re someone who’s soothed by music, consider packing a portable speaker and preparing a customized playlist. Many women report that this helped with their labor and delivery. 
 
19. Car seat 


Of course, you’ll need to bring a car seat to take your little one home. Hospitals will not let you leave without a car seat, so make sure you’re prepared beforehand. 
 
20. A going home outfit for your new baby 


Be sure to pack a few different sizes of outfits for your newborn. There’s no specific way to tell what size he or she will be when finally making his or her debut. 
 
21. Swaddling blankets 


Blankets help keep your baby safe, secure and calm. If you’re looking for a few ways to swaddle your baby, checkout this video that demonstrates five ways to swaddle a baby. 
 
There you have it – a compiled list of exactly what to pack in your hospital bag.  Again, don’t forget to take diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers and more from the hospital as these items are free! 
We at Colic Calm wish you all the best in your labor and delivery. You’ve got this, mama. Your little one will be here before you know it! 
 
 
Works Cited
https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/nursing-feeding/best-nursing-pillows/ 
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/is-postpartum-bleeding-normal#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1