(A realistic) guide to what to pack in your hospital bag
The Essentials:
Cell phone WITH charger - these go unsaid but make sure you don’t forget that charger! Ask me how I know!
Identification documents - ID, driver's license, insurance card. Also be sure to ask your hospital if pre-registration is required. Many hospitals also offer tours so you have a better idea of what to expect and things that the hospital provides for you so you don’t overpack.
Going home outfit for the baby - You’ll need to bring something to bring the baby home in. They have so many adorable outfits these day so be sure to plan this out in advance!
Clothing:
Comfy nursing-friendly PJs (if you plan on nursing) - Think about maybe bringing an extra set if you have a planned C-section or in case any emergency comes up and you need to stay longer. The hospital gowns are always an option if you don’t want to pack too much. This is one area that I splurged because I love the feeling of soft bamboo pajamas. There are so many options out there now that are targeted towards new moms so finding one you like shouldn’t be hard to find.
Slippers or fuzzy socks - The hospital gets cold and if you’re anything like me, my feet are the first to get chilly. It’s also nice having a pair of slippers to keep from walking on the cold hospital floor.
Robe (optional) - This is a good one if you plan on having visitors. During my first birth in 2018, we had a large number of visitors coming and going and the robe was a lifesaver to ensure none of my bits were hanging out. My second birth happened in 2021 and visitors were still not allowed in the hospital. I never took out my robe because all the doctors and nurses are used to seeing all the bits. And I was too tired to worry about being modest.
Toiletries:
Toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash - I’ve heard of some hospitals offering a toiletry kit so check with your facility. Mine didn’t provide anything but shampoo, conditioner and body wash so I brought these along.
Hair Brush - to brush those tired tangles out
Makeup (if you’re an over-achiever) - I was not. I brought it both times thinking I would take the time to put my face on. But I was just too tired to care both times. But I know MANY moms who found the energy, so by all means, go on with your bad self if you think you’ll feel up to it.
Deodorant - if you want to stay fresh!
Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash - These may be provided by your hospital but check beforehand. The body wash was definitely something I used as I just needed to feel a little human again while in the hospital. I honestly can’t even remember if I washed my hair or not as that part is a bit of a blur. I’m leaning towards no because I don’t wash my hair every time I shower…but maybe I was feeling ambitious.
Face wash or face wipes - I brought face wipes as they were easy and just made me feel clean enough.
Hand and face moisturizer - the hospital can dry out your skin as well as the constant hand washing that you will be doing once your baby is born.
The Maybe’s:
This will depend on your personality and what’s important to you
Mints, Gum or Mouthwash - this one is a maybe for most but an essential for me. I have a fear of having bad breath so I always try to have a gum or mint on me. After birth and before I felt up to going to the bathroom to brush my teeth, this was one of the first things I grabbed for. But I’m weird.
Chapstick - the dryness of the hospital really dried out my lips as well. May have also been that I was dehydrated.
Blanket and/or pillow - This one seems a little extra, but I’m kind of a blanket and pillow snob and I felt so much more comfortable with my own. Especially the blanket. I bought one that was incredibly soft and warm and it made me feel so cozy. And everytime I use it I think of the time with my babies in the hospital those first few days of their lives. It’s kind of special to me.
Tablet - I didn’t bring mine, but my husband brought his and we did end up watching some shows on it during my first labor. It was 24 hours long and I had an epidural so the first half of it was fairly non eventful. After the baby was born, we were too tired to even think about TV during downtime.
Earphones/buds - If you think you may want to listen to some music or watch something without bothering someone else with whatever you’re listening to, by all means bring these along.
Camera - Since I’m a photographer, you’d think this was an essential for me. I want to say yes, bring that birl girl camera if you own one and take beautiful, professional grade pics. With both girls I brought it. With my first one, I didn’t even take it out. With my second, I took it out because I forced myself. I took 3 pretty terrible pics of my baby girl sleeping and then put it down because I wanted a nap instead. So my vote is to leave it out. Our smart phones take some pretty good pics these days. Then just hire me to take your newborn photo session :)
Snacks - most hospitals will provide these, but if you want something special or just want something handy in case you are starving and it’s the middle of the night and the kitchen is closed, you may want to bring a few of your favorite snacks.
Special blanket or wrap for the baby - Not necessary but makes for a sweet moment. My mom had knitted a blanket before I was even pregnant. She passed away while pregnant with my first, and was sadly too sick through my whole pregnancy to make anything else, so it’s the only thing I had from her for the baby. I brought it along and wrapped her up in it on the way out to the car. It was something only I knew, but it made it special.
Nursing supplies - I didn’t end up needing any of this but some people have a plan to start pumping as soon as the baby arrives. Some people bring nipple cream but honestly, the pain didn’t really set in until a few days after my babies used me as a pacifier. The hospital will probably have something for your nipples if you do end up needing something. Same goes for nursing pads. Most hospitals are equipped with these items but check ahead to be sure.
You birth plan, if you have one - I never had one of these but I know it’s important for many people. Be sure you talk to your doctor in advance about your birth plan and also come prepared with a printed copy in case your doctor is not available during your delivery. I know some hospitals will keep them in your record, but it’s always safe to have a printed version to hang over if needed.
Pads and postpartum underwear - Most places will provide these, and the hospital ones are not cute, but I promise they work. I even wished I had brought more of the lovely mesh panties home with me because they just felt more comfortable than my own underwear in the first few days after recovery. If you’re giving birth at a birthing center or elsewhere, you may want to check with see what they provide. Be sure you have plenty of large pads on hand at home so you don’t have to send anyone out on an emergency run once you’re home. You’ll go through quite a bit in the first few weeks.
Hope this helps! At the end of the day, don’t stress too much. The hospital will provide the necessities. The rest is icing on the cake. And all else fails, call a friend and they can bring whatever you may forget.
