Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery? This post has you covered! Read this post for the ultimate hospital bag checklist!
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I majorly procrastinated packing my hospital bag.
I was banking on being a typical first-time mom who goes over her estimated due date.
I think I was also a little superstitious, and had it in my head that if I had my hospital bag packed and I was “overly” ready-to-go, that this would only result in my baby taking longer to come.
Well in hindsight, although I didn’t need to have it packed at 36 weeks, I probably could have had my hospital bag packed by at least 38 or even 39 weeks because I ended up packing my hospital bag while I was in early labor.
Packing my hospital bag while in labor = 0/5 stars. Do not recommend…
When I was 39 weeks, I went in to see my midwife for a routine non-stress test.
I was so convinced that everything would be fine, that even after I didn’t pass the 15 minute test and needed to do a 2 hour one, that I sent my husband home from the hospital so he could back to his work day.
“Ummm well it turns out that I’m getting induced in the next hour…”
This is what I said to him on the phone after definitely not passing my 2 hour non-stress test and discussing what the next best steps were with my midwife and doula (and my gut!).
I opted for a foley bulb catheter induction which meant that I could go home to see if labor would kickstart on its own for 24 hours and to pack my hospital bag.
Part of my plan for early labor was to ignore it as long as possible and carry on with my day.
And I did end up doing that! While I was home for 24 hours and my labor was in its’ early stages, I did laundry, made a quiche, tidied up our home, and I actually reflect very fondly on this part of my labor!
The foley bulb did in fact work, and my labor began. But packing my hospital bag in early labor was not a nice distraction for me.
In my experience this required so much more thinking and planning and organizing than I felt like I could do in that moment (go figure)!
I remember feeling overwhelmed and like I was definitely going to forget (which I did end up doing) something or totally overpack. Both of which are not the vibes I’m going for when I’m about to have a baby!
Lesson learned!
Tips for deciding what to put on your hospital bag checklist
- At the end of the day, you really don’t need all that much! In fact, most of these items are nice-to-haves, not must haves.
- Remember, you absolutely need an installed carseat to leave the hospital.
- You will be filling out paperwork for the birth certificate and social security number, so remember your ID.
- Consider how long you’re likely to stay at the hospital to help decide how much to pack. Of course in addition to giving birth, you’ll most likely stay an extra 24-36 hours and for a vaginal birth, and you can expect to stay an additional 48-60 hours after a Cesarean. With that said, with my daughter, I went in on a Wednesday (after an induction + 24 hours of laboring at home), gave birth on a Friday and went home on Sunday. So we stayed at the hopsital for 5 days.
- Believe it or not, you actually do not need to pack underwear! Which feels like the strangest item to exclude! You’ll be wearing the iconic mesh underwear after you give birth. The hospital does provide these, but a few of my girlfriends said these ones are so comfy.
Here’s my hospital bag checklist for baby #2 (that I will pack at 38 weeks for baby girl #2)
LL Bean tote bag with zipper top
Diaper bag (this one is beautiful) I preferred to back baby’s stuff in this. Of course, any travel bag will do!
Packing cubes – These are such a game-changer when I stay anywhere!
Toiletry bag – Just in case, here’s a list of the essentials so you don’t forget anything (I ended up forgetting my toothbrush!):
hair brush // ponytail holders and scrunchies // hair clip // tooth brush // tooth paste // travel shampoo and conditioner // face wash // body wash // lotion // deodorant // chapstick
“I just gave birth pads“ – The hospital will provide you with these, but just in case want to bring your own.
“I just gave birth underwear“ – Again, the hospital will provide these, but my friends have raved about these ones.
Hatch Sound Machine – I read somewhere on Pinterest to pack this and use the light for night feedings, that way you don’t need to turn on the harsh overhead lights. Also, the postpartum unit can be noisy, and the sound machine can help with drowning out the noise! I used it after having my daughter, and I plan on packing it again.
Nursing bra
- This one is my favorite (especially if you’re busty!)
- Here’s one super cozy option (another great one if you’re busty!)
- Another option for maximum comfort
Comfy lounge wear
- Obsessed with these joggers (I’m actually wearing them as I write this blog post at 32 weeks pregnant!)
- Planning on ordering this set this time around
- My go-to sweatshirt that comes in so many pretty colors
- This cute and super soft pajama set (this one too)
- The best leggings (and if you give birth when it’s warmer temperatures…)
- I lived in these t-shirts after having in my daughter
- Comfy, loose-fitting t-shirt (I ordered the tall fit while pregnant (I’m 5’1”), and they provide nice coverage!)
Cozy socks (ankle socks are nice to have too!)
Compression socks – Some women can swell and retain fluid after giving birth, and compression socks can help with comfort.
Slippers – Another item I forgot and wish I had! Even though you are spending the majority of time in bed, it would have been nice to slide into a pair of cozy slippers when I needed to use the restroom.
Flip flops to wear in the shower – I forgot these the first time around, and I really wished I had them to shower in!
Haakaa – This handy silicone breast pump catches any colostrum/milk on the side your not feeding on. It’s a definite hospital bag must have!
Take Care Down There Spray + peri bottle – The hospital provided one worked just fine for me but I have girlfriends who weren’t fans and brought this one.
Electrolytes + Protein Powder (and shaker)- Both of these were soooo nice to have in labor along with postpartum! Also, did you know that your nutrient needs actually increase in postpartum?!
Throw Blanket + my own pillow (you could even pack an additional set of these for your husband to use!)
- I remember feeling slightly embarrassed when my husband brought these in, like I was being a tad on the extra side. But! I read somewhere to pack these items and I. Am. So. Happy. I. Did. I can’t tell you how many times I thought to myself, “I”m so relieved to have my own pillow and blanket!”. Totally worth it, IMO.
Blanket for baby – The hospital has blankets for swaddling, but my husband and I liked to have one of ours to snuggle our daughter with.
Headphones – During my last birth, I sat at 5 cm for 24 hours (yes, you read that right). I vividly remember hearing the woman on the other side of the wall we shared push her baby out while I was stuck at that pesky 5 cm. This is when I had to give myself a serious pep talk, telling myself that I needed to surrender and trust the process. Listening to this app was instrumental in facilitating this. About 6 more hours of labor, I was holding my daughter in my arms.
Carseat – You can’t leave the hospital without it!
2-3 outfits for baby (another option here and here)- I know there are the most darling going home outfits, but in my state of packing while I was in early labor, I ended up just throwing zipper pajamas in my bag and they worked just fine. I’m probably going to do the same for this baby.
What are your hospital bag must haves? Did I forget anything? I’d love to know in the comments!
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