What to Pack (& What to Leave Out) for Your Hospital Bag
Before we get started on the list of items I’d suggest packing (and what you can skip), let’s talk about WHEN to pack your hospital bag. I learned this lesson the hard way with my first labor experience…contractions came on very quickly a few days before my “due date” and we did not have our bags packed. Cue lots of drama..and me yelling at my husband to come squeeze my hips every few minutes, while he frantically ran around trying to pack. So, I’d suggest packing it as early as you’d like. But definitely don’t make the mistake we made by putting it off :)
Pack two separate bags for yourself. The first is the bag that you’ll want during labor, and the second is the bag that you’ll want after the baby is born- postpartum. Your birth partner should pack their own separate bag for themselves. So, likely 3 bags total. This is a smart way to keep things organized, and avoid digging through a big bag of things while wanting to focus on laboring.
You should have in your labor bag…
Your birth plan. Ideally, your provider should have one already scanned in your chart, but it isn’t a bad idea to bring an extra copy or two for the nursing staff, for your birth partner, and for your doula, if applicable.
A big water bottle. The hospital will provide one generally, but they often have a “bendy straw” which tends to splash you in the face when you take a drink. Theirs also won’t be insulated, so your water will eventually go warm. Invest in a good, insulated water bottle with a (non-bendy) straw to stay hydrated during labor.
Snacks. Keep them light & easy to digest. Little boosts of energy. You likely won’t have a giant appetite, but some fuel for your body may be helpful. Snacks specific for your birth partner are important as well. Make sure they don’t have a strong smell or are loud when eaten (ie chips), as this will likely annoy you while you’re laboring.
Hair ties. Imagine working out with your hair flopping in your face. Now imagine doing that for hours, while also getting in and out of a tub, being on hands and knees, potentially attached to monitors & IVs…you get the picture. These are a must. Bring extras in the scenario that you lose one, or it breaks.
Chapstick & a very moisturizing lotion. Hospital air is d r y. Not only that, but you’ll likely be exhaling through your mouth quite a bit. You’ll want to keep your lips moisturized to avoid getting chapped lips. This dry air can also take a toll on your skin. I’d suggest going big and bringing something like Aquafor or Vaseline.
Bluetooth speaker. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but it is nice to listen to your labor playlist or affirmations on something louder & better sound quality than a cell phone. If you do forget a speaker or decide not to bring one, another idea is to put your phone in the bowl of a sink, which can amplify the sound.
A robe/labor gown. The hospital gown is generally not the most comfortable (a bit starchy/scratchy), and it isn’t something you’re familiar with wearing. Bringing your own clothes to labor in can bring a sense of peace and familiarity. Not to mention, whatever you’d bring would likely be much more comfortable. I really like this gown from Kindred Bravely. It’s super soft, and the snaps on the shoulders make it very easy to get your baby on your chest right away for that skin to skin post-birth.
You should have in your postpartum bag…
Your own pillow. This one is first because it's a big one. Hospital pillows are tiny, and sometimes they’re hard to find- so don’t bet on doubling up. Definitely bring your own. You may also want to bring a pillow case you don’t care about ruining - postpartum healing can be messy, as well as spit up, breastfeeding, etc.
Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner, etc. Don’t just go with the basic, cheap options though. If you can swing it, this is a fun place to splurge. Your first bath or shower after giving birth is truly rejuvenating. Having a high-quality shampoo, soap, etc waiting for you can feel luxurious. You deserve it!
Phone charger. Just like any other trip or vacation you take, this one should be top of the list.
Extra snacks. Not all hospitals have a kitchen that’s open 24/7. Ask your provider for the details of the kitchen. If they do have limited hours, it may even be worth it to bring a small cooler with some of your favorites.
A going-home outfit for your baby. Make sure it’s appropriate for the season they’re being born in. If it’ll be cold outside, also pack a blanket for their trip home.
You birth partner should pack…
All of the above from your postpartum bag. They’ll also need all of these items. I’d suggest following all of the same advice listed too, including something nice in the toiletry category. Birth partners won’t be laboring, but they’ll likely be awake for a long time, sleeping somewhere uncomfortable, etc. They deserve self-care as well!
Don’t worry about packing…
A nursing pillow. Your own pillow/folded up blankets will do the trick just fine if your arms needing some extra support. Nursing pillows are big and bulky, and frankly a pain to tote around in a hospital bag.
Diapers. There will be so many diapers in your recovery room. By the way– take them all home ;)
Diaper cream. Your precious little newborn will not be born with a diaper rash, promise.
Baby lotion. The stuff their born with already on their skin (vernix) is the queen of all baby lotions. Rub that stuff in, and while you’re at it maybe skip their bath at the hospital.
Basically anything for the baby besides an outfit, and maybe something sentimental for photos like a stuffed animal, baby blanket, etc.
Breast pump. There’s almost never a need to pump within the first few weeks of your baby's life, and can actually create challenges with breastfeeding (like an oversupply). If you do end up needing a pump while you’re at the hospital, they have plenty for you to use.
Have your birth partner pack everything with you so they know where everything is. It’s so much easier to simply say “Can you go get my labor robe?” vs “Can you get my labor robe - uh, nope other bag- nope, not that zipper- no, that’s my pants”. You get the idea. Birth partners also love feeling valued, and putting this list together with them and packing together is a great way to let them know they are a valued part of the birth team.
Having everything ready to go can help put your mind at ease for the big day. Put some thought into your hospital bag. It’ll feel like a big hug when you’re arriving at the hospital, and you’ve prepared well.
