First off, I want to warn you: don’t be like me! I waited until I was in labor to pack my hospital bag. Go ahead and get your bag packed by 36 weeks so you’re not packing in between contractions like I was!
Secondly, I did a ton of research and made a huge hospital bag packing list, but it turns out that you actually don’t need that much stuff! I used this medium sized suitcase, my purse, and a backpack. I also highly recommend these packing cubes – I could ask Ryan to grab things from my suitcase and easily direct him to the appropriate cube. So, here’s a list of my must-haves for mom and baby and things I packed, but didn’t use.
Must-Haves For Mama
Hair ties: Trust me, you do not want hair in your face while you’re pushing. I’m a scrunchie gal and these scrunchies are my favorite because they don’t crease (or damage) your hair.
Chapstick: I can’t even go out to lunch without my chapstick… much less have a baby without it! Do yourself a favor and pack a chapstick in your purse, toiletry bag, AND suitcase.
Nipple cream: I used this nipple cream after every single feeding for the first 3 weeks and my nipples never hurt or cracked. I really think that using this in the hospital prevented any nipple pain and helped get breastfeeding off to a good start.
Nightlight: Such a game changer for late night feeds! I loved being able to keep the lights off and just use this nightlight (and Ryan loved it too haha). It dims too, so you choose how bright you want it. It was perfect for the hospital, and I still use it in the nursery for nighttime feeds.
Nursing pillow: This nursing pillow was so helpful while I was learning to breastfeed. I couldn’t nurse without it for the first 3 weeks. It provides just enough support without getting in the way (I also bought this one, but wasn’t a fan).
Nursing PJs: This pajama set is the only thing I wore in the hospital. I also ordered this nightgown, but it didn’t arrive before I went into labor (thanks, Christian!). They’re both ridiculously soft and I still wear them most nights at home! I’d pack at least 2 nursing pjs – breastfeeding can be a little messy.
Blankets: I cannot sleep when it’s cold, so I’m thankful I packed extra blankets (some for Ryan and some for me). Hospital blankets feel like thin scratchy sheets. This Barefoot Dreams blanket is THE softest and helped me get a *little* sleep.
Underwear: A few days before delivery, I realized that I only owned thongs, which will absolutely not work with the ginormous pads you’ll wear after delivery. I ordered this four-pack (size small) and this three-pack (size 5) and surprisingly loved them both. They have some squeeze to them, which helps keep your pad in place (gross, I know, but postpartum recovery is messy).
Laptop and charger: We watched The Office on the third day of our hospital stay. It’s not an essential item, but it was nice to have.
Sticky socks: I packed my Pure Barre socks and wore them most of the time (mainly because my feet were cold haha). Similar option here.
Snacks: Y’all, hospital food is terrible! I packed protein bars and peanut butter crackers, but I wish I had packed much more!
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash: I felt like a whole new woman after showering! I ordered travel size toiletries and it saved so much space in my bag.
Eye Mask: If you have a hard time napping with light, pack an eye mask! The shades in our hospital room hardly blocked any light so, my eye mask helped me get some rest while the baby was sleeping!
Face wash
Moisturizer
Makeup: I only wore mascara and powder to go home.
Makeup wipes
Deodorant: Postpartum night sweats are REAL. I woke up completely soaked in sweat and thought I peed myself (TMI… just don’t forget your deodorant). And I’m even more passionate about this all natural deodorant now that I’m breastfeeding.
Dry shampoo: I ordered this travel size one to save space in my bag.
Hairbrush
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Going Home Outfit: I wore this black Amazon dress. I chose a dress because I wanted to be cute, but comfortable and I wasn’t sure what I’d fit into after delivery. They say you still look 6 months pregnant when you leave the hospital, just FYI.
Mask: The hospital required us to wear our masks unless we were in our room. Even if it wasn’t required, I still would have worn it for peace of mind. It feels strange to put that on my list, but it’s the reality of having a baby during a pandemic!
Packed, but didn’t use:
Shower towel: I thought I’d love having my own shower towel, but I forgot to use it and didn’t even notice until I unpacked it at home! Save yourself some space and just deal with the small towels at the hospital.
Shower shoes: I ordered these shower shoes (only $5!) and then forgot to use them… gross!! I wish I had.
Blowdryer
Labor, delivery, and postpartum kit: Buy this, but use most of it at home. The hospital will give you all the recovery stuff you’ll need during your stay. I like the Fridamom padsicles better than the ones from the hospital (they’re stickier and more absorbent). And this peri bottle has a better angle than the one they’ll provide, but still be sure to bring home as many hospital goodies as you can! You’re paying for it!!
Long cord phone charger: I also packed this portable battery just in case the outlet was too far away from the bed. I’m glad I packed them both, but the new iPhones charge so quickly that I didn’t need to use them.
Robe
2 dark leggings: These leggings were my #2 pregnancy must-have! They’re so comfy and not restrictive at all. I sized up to a medium for the bump and they still fit even after delivery.
2 t-shirts
2 nursing bras: I was not interested in wearing a bra at the hospital, but I packed this hands-free pumping bra and this nursing bra.
Nursing pads: I packed these and should’ve used them because I leaked everywhere and soaked my pjs.
Cardigan: I ordered this one from Amazon.
Headphones
Tylenol: I honestly have no idea why I packed medicine… for a stay at the hospital… The nurses will give you all the pain medicines you’ll need.
For baby:
Coming home outfit: I obviously didn’t get to use my baby girl’s coming home outfit because I had a surprise boy! For my next baby, I’m bringing either a gender neutral outfit or one for each gender.
Name announcement wooden plaque: Again, I didn’t get to use mine since it had the name of our baby girl. Maybe one day haha! But, it would have been a super cute picture.
Nail clippers: I didn’t pack nail clippers, but I wish I had! Christian’s nails were razor sharp and he scratched my chest every time I fed him.
Newborn size knotted gown: These gowns are made of the softest material and so convenient for nighttime diaper changes.
Newborn size footie and bow/hat: I highly recommend outfits with mitten cuffs attached. Christian scratched me and his face since we didn’t pack nail clippers.
Size 0-3 footie and bow/hat
Pacifier: I didn’t give Christian a Paci until 4 weeks, but if you choose to offer one from the get-go, the hospital has them. Bring all of them home with you! Christian prefers this one and this one.
I hope this list was helpful! Good luck to all you expecting mamas, you are SO strong and you got this!! XO – G.
