Packing for your hospital stay when you’re preparing to deliver a baby, especially for the first time, is a daunting task.
You may not be sure what will be provided, or what you’ll need! Packing pre-pregnancy clothes seems unreal, but surely those maternity pants will be too loose after your baby is born. And what about your baby? One outfit in every size? No way!
As the mother of seven children who has given birth in three different hospitals in two states, I’m intimately familiar with giving birth in various hospital settings. Based on my own experiences and those of other moms, I’ve compiled the following hospital bag list to help answer your questions, narrow down the essentials, and remind you of some items that can make your stay more comfortable.
The Car Seat
Okay, this won’t go in your bag, but the number one thing you must take to the hospital is an infant safety seat for your vehicle.
If you’re leaving in a car, the hospital will not release your baby without one. In fact, a nurse will likely walk you to your vehicle and check that the seat is installed correctly and that your baby is fastened correctly!
Select a car seat suitable for newborns. Your baby should be rear-facing until at least one year old, so choose either an infant-only seat (these are designed for rear-facing use only) or a convertible seat that can be rear-facing. Car seats will be labeled with upper and lower weight limits, so look at the lower weight limit. It typically starts at around 4lb.
Practice installing it in your car in advance!
Clothes For Baby
You don’t need to pack dozens of outfits in various sizes!
The hospital will likely put your baby in a onesie and wrap him in a receiving blanket, but you may want to bring a sleeper or two, in case of a more extended stay. The hospital also typically provides a basic little knit cap, but you may want to use your own, and a pair of socks.
You will need an outfit for going home. You may want to consider two options for this, in case one doesn’t work out.
The going-home outfit is typically picked for cuteness and photos, but you should also consider comfort. Your tiny little person who has barely had time to get used to the feeling of air, much less fabric, buttons, seams, and zippers, will be wearing this outfit while strapped into a car seat, for the length of your drive home plus any stops (pharmacy for instance), photos, etc, so choose something that won’t add extra irritation and frustration.
Also, as soon as you get him dressed, it’s almost inevitable that he will need a diaper change, so consider something easy to put on and take off.
Clothes To Wear After Giving Birth
What to wear in the hospital can be a bit confusing. Assuming you don’t want to stay in a hospital gown, you’ll need to bring some clothes in your hospital bag, and you might need a couple of changes, because there’s the risk of blood, breastmilk, or baby poop forcing a change.
That said, you won’t need a whole wardrobe. Choose something comfortable to wear in bed, and that you won’t mind wearing when receiving visitors.
Some people prefer to bring a heavy robe to pull over lighter pajamas, while others might prefer sweatpants and a nursing tank top. Just make sure it’s something that will be comfortable when you fall asleep in exhaustion after labor.
Outer Clothes To Wear Home
Just as bodies vary, postpartum bodies vary. What you wear after giving birth will vary slightly.
However, most people will not go home wearing either their pre-pregnancy jeans or the maternity pants they wore to the hospital. For most people postpartum, the most comfortable choice will be something that isn’t too tight on the abdominal area.
This can mean a loose dress (yes, even one of your maternity ones would be okay, although it won’t fit as snugly as it did before giving birth) or pants with a drawstring or a stretchy waist.
Other Clothing Items You Will Need
Hospitals typically provide stretchy, disposable mesh underwear and postpartum pads.
When you’re ready to wear your underwear, you’ll need some that are suitable for pads. You probably don’t want to wear your most comfortable pairs, but ones that you won’t be too sad about if they get ruined.
You’ll also want bras. If you plan to breastfeed, you’ll need one or more nursing bras. If you don’t, you’ll want something that fits well and is comfortable while your body adjusts to not producing milk.
A nursing tank top may also make things a bit more comfortable and easier as you adjust.
The hospital may provide non-slip socks, but you’ll probably want some of your own, and a pair of slippers or other slip-on shoes is a good idea for travel between the bed and the bathroom.
Nursing Pads & Menstrual Pads
Hospitals typically provide two types of pads: heavy-duty postpartum pads and slightly smaller (but still bigger than the average pad on the store shelf) maternity pads. Both types are bulky, and many people find them uncomfortable.
Bleeding can vary significantly postpartum, so while some patients may need to use the heaviest pads, others may be able to switch to their preferred regular ones a bit earlier. If you have a preferred pad brand or type, slip a pack in your bag so you’ll have the option.
You’ll also need nursing pads to absorb any leaking breast milk. Remember, dampness raises the risk of thrush and other uncomfortable or painful conditions. You can choose between reusable and disposable, whichever is right for you.
Baby Blankets
A nurse will wrap your little one in a hospital-owned receiving blanket, but you should still bring your own.
You’ll leave the hospital with your baby wrapped up in one of the blankets you bring, and completely unwrap him to fasten him into his car seat.
Important note about car seats and clothing: Never use coats, blankets, or any other material besides everyday clothing between the baby and the straps!
Then, depending on the car seat and your baby, you may use rolled receiving blankets, one on each side, to provide additional support. Again, these NEVER go under the straps! (The National Child Passenger Safety Board has more information.)
If it’s chilly outside or you’ll be in a cold car, you may want to cover your baby with a blanket. (On the outside of the car seat straps, and not covering his face.)
Pacifiers, Bottles, And Other Baby Needs
If you plan to use a pacifier and have a preferred one, bring it to the hospital.
If you plan to bottle-feed, most hospitals will provide bottles and formula during your stay. However, if you plan to use a specific type of bottle or have a particular formula in mind, it’s best to bring some along.
Even if you don’t have a preferred formula and bottle, it’s best to check with your hospital in advance, as policies do vary.
You may want mittens to prevent your baby from scratching himself.
Hospitals typically provide several small containers of various baby products such as shampoo, lotion, wipes, a basic bulb syringe, and other sundries. However, if you have specific products you will want, you can pack those. You will probably not need a lot of anything; depending on delivery and hospital policy, a typical stay is between 24 hours after delivery and 4 days.
Nursing Pillow And Other Breastfeeding Items
A nursing pillow isn’t a necessity, but it may make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable. If you have a C-section, it can make a real difference in supporting your baby comfortably while keeping his weight off of your incision area.
You may want to bring nipple cream for your comfort. The first hours and days of breastfeeding can be rough on your skin.
You will likely not need a breast pump at the hospital, and if you do, they will likely provide one for your use during your stay. If you feel the need to take one with you, consult your doctor or labor and delivery staff to check if it’s necessary first.
A nursing cover is not a necessity in the hospital. However, if you feel more comfortable with one, you are welcome to bring it.
Toiletries For The Adults
The hospital may offer you a toothbrush and a tiny tube of toothpaste. However, you’ll probably prefer to have your own.
You’ll want to have your deodorant, a brush or comb, and any lotions or other daily-use products. If you want your makeup, you can pack that, too. The hospital shower will have bar soap, but you’re welcome to bring a small bottle of your favorite body wash, shampoo, and other personal care products if you prefer.
Hair ties are a good idea too (or a headband or other preferred implement) to help keep your hair out of your way during labor.
If your support person will be staying with you at the hospital and not returning home, they may also need toiletry items. You may prefer for them to pack a separate bag or combine items in one.
Comfort Items For Sleeping
Hospital beds are not designed for comfort. The blankets are notoriously thin, and the pillows aren’t often much thicker.
That’s okay; you’re there for medical treatment (or in this case, assistance giving birth safely), not for luxury sleep. However, if it’s going to impact your ability to rest comfortably between feedings, you might want to take a comfy blanket.
(It took until my third kid’s birth to figure it out. Then, I took a light fleece, small enough that it barely took up any extra space when rolled up for my bag, but still so much warmer for the hospital room!)
Some people even carry their own pillow, or at least their pillowcase. This all depends on how particular you are, but it’s something to consider in advance!
(Some) Medications
You will need to check in with your hospital or healthcare provider before packing your medications.
Some hospitals require their pharmacies to review any medications you bring with you, and they may prefer to issue medications from their pharmacy rather than have patients with individual bottles in their rooms. This applies especially to any controlled substances.
That said, some doctors may recommend bringing your prenatal vitamins, stool softeners, and even over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications.
If you do bring meds, bring them in the original prescription bottles, and check with hospital staff about safe storage. Policy may require these to be locked away to prevent theft or other mishaps.
Wallet, Insurance, And Other Documents
Most of us have left the house at some point and arrived at a destination only to realize that our wallet, purse, or bank card has not made the trip, and is still on the kitchen counter or the nightstand.
Active labor can be highly distracting, so it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure you don’t forget your wallet and that it contains the necessary documents you’ll need at the hospital.
These include your driver’s license or other ID document, and your insurance card!
If you’ve pre-registered, your hospital may already have this information on file, but it may still be necessary at some point in the process. Having your wallet will also be handy for accessing vending machines.
Pediatrician Contact And Other Information
This need has shifted somewhat since most of us now carry a small computer that connects us to all the information in the world in our pocket, but it remains essential, and you’ll need to be able to access it even if your phone dies.
You need the name of the pediatrician you plan to use for your baby and their contact information. It is a good idea to either tuck a business card or a piece of paper on which you’ve written this into your wallet or bag.
You may also want to write down emergency or important contact numbers in case you need to reach your partner or other support person using the hospital phone at any point, especially if your cell phone is dead or cannot get a signal.
Phone, Headphones, And Charger
Of course, you’ll want your phone and any relevant accessories.
You can bring your headphones or a small speaker to listen to music, meditations, podcasts, or ASMR videos during labor.
You may want to purchase an extra-long charger. Some hospital beds have a USB port, allowing you to plug in your device conveniently. However, if not, you’ll need a suitable length to charge where you can reach.
Don’t forget the charger for your headphones, as well as any cords needed for your speaker or other peripheral devices.
Book Or Other Entertainment
If labor is moving slowly or if you’re still wide awake on an adrenaline rush while the nurses step out to wash your baby and carry out some minor care tasks (eye drops, Vitamin K shot, etc), you may want something to entertain yourself with.
Maybe you’ll be plenty busy posting new baby photos on your social media or video chatting with loved ones, but if you think you’ll want something screenless and more solitary to take up a little time, you can pack a book or a pack of crossword puzzles.
Some moms like to bring the baby’s keepsake book to jot down thoughts or memories.
Will you have the time and energy to enjoy them? That’s a good question, and only time will provide the answer.
Snacks And Drinks
The hospital will happily supply you with a pitcher of ice water and some maternity wards have the awesome crunchy ice that you’ve been craving throughout your whole pregnancy. There may also be soda machines in the hallway. Sometimes, nurses will have extra fruit juice available to bring and may even have small food items, such as an ice cream or yogurt cup, a pack of crackers, or even a sandwich, available.
On the other hand, outside of meal times, there may be nothing but water available without a trip to the lobby or cafeteria, and options still may be limited and pricey.
So, if you know you’ll want to snack on a specific cereal or cookie, or that you’re going to need the current limited edition flavor of Coca-Cola, or a bottle of water, you should probably bring a few along.
Labor note: Eating and drinking during labor may be permitted, restricted, or prohibited according to hospital policy.