Hospital Bag – What You Actually Need!

There are so many packing lists out there and so many new products that people recommend to bring to the hospital that it can be hard to figure out what you will actually need/use while you are there. I wanted to wait until after I had Haven, my third baby, to write this so I could remember what I really needed. I tried to pack as minimally as possible and even still, didn’t use a lot of the things I brought! Here is a list of what I used this time, with some links, and what the hospital provides. I’ve also included some tips for when you are there so you can take advantage of all the hospital has to offer!

Hospital Bag Packing List

• Nursing Bra – This is my favorite nursing bra for sleeping/lounging and nursing. I didn’t wear it at the hospital because I just wore nursing tanks under my PJs/clothes, but it’s a good idea to throw one in your bag!
• Nursing Tank Tops (2) – These nursing tanks are great and you can remove the cups.
• Black Underwear (2) – Something like these are great for postpartum. I left the hospital in them, but the last two babies I left in the mesh underwear the hospital provides. Up to you! But you will want a good supply of bigger black underwear to wear with the pads for the first few weeks.
• Pajamas with buttons down the front for nursing – These Nordstrom pajamas are my favorite. They are pricier, but fit great, don’t shrink, and are super soft. I also like to get both the long sleeve/pant combo and the short sleeve/short combo in the same color so I can mix and match. I’ve always stayed in the hospital gown until I shower and then change into PJs. You most likely are wearing the gown (you can ask for a fresh one) the first day/night.
• A long cardigan or robe – I decided not to pack a robe this time because I don’t really wear robes at home and I have so many, I definitely didn’t need to buy a new one. Instead I spent my money on a nice, super soft sweater that I would wear all fall/winter long! This Barefoot Dreams one is what I bought and it’s amazing.
• Socks/Slippers – I always bring my lucky socks that Brian bought me before we had our first baby haha! Obviously this is not a necessity, as the hospital gives you socks with grips on them. I do recommend slippers to walk around in though. These slippers are great ones from Amazon that are similar to my old UGGs and I love them.
• Mom coming home outfit – I always bring maternity black leggings, a maternity black tank top, and some sort of open sweater.
• Baby coming home outfit – I usually have my babies wear the shirts the hospital has under the swaddle blankets the hospital provides for the majority of the time we are there because if they spit up on them, you just get new ones from the nurse! No need to create a bunch of dirty clothes to come home with.
• Swaddles – Bring a couple swaddles if you want to try/use your own or want them to take pictures. These are my favorite for sleeping and I brought one cute one for pictures!
• Hats and/or Bows – This will depend on what you’re having! I got this hat for Haven for the hospital!
• Nursing ointment – This nursing cream is my go-to this time around. You’ll want to bring this so you can start using something after each time you nurse. Your nipples will be sore. You can also bring the cooling pads too if you think you’ll use them.
• Nursing pillow – Some people don’t bring this, but I always like having it. You can always use pillows at the hospital instead to prop the baby up while nursing.
• Essential Oils and Diffuser – If you are into essential oils, I highly recommend bringing a diffuser and oils with you. Makes the vibe much more zen and everyone at the hospital will enjoy it! Click here for my post on essential oils for labor and delivery.
• Peri-Spray – I make my own (recipe here), but you can buy one too! I start using this right away to help with soothing/healing.
• Toiletries/Make-Up – Whatever you normally use. I bring sample sizes of shampoo/conditioner because I never end up washing my hair. I just shower my body and use dry shampoo/fix my hair. I bring this hair dryer/styling tool to use which is my favorite!
• Pacifier – Bring one if you prefer a certain kind. The hospital has them, but we love wubbanubs in our house!
• Nail file or nail clippers (if you are not a new mom) – I don’t recommend attempting to clip your newborn’s nails at the hospital if you are a new mom, just use a nail file. A lot of babies are born with long nails and you don’t want them to scratch themselves. I bought this set when I had my first baby and still use most of the stuff!
• Electronics and chargers – Bring whatever you think you’ll use. I brought my Kindle, headphones, and Bluetooth speaker and we only used the speaker.
• Pillows (2) – One for you and one for your partner.
• Soft Throw Blanket (1) – We just brought one for my husband. The hospital provides blankets, but since your partner has to sleep on a crappy couch or pull-out chair, having a blanket from home makes it more comfortable for them. My husband appreciated it this time around. I use what they have for me because I feel gross/don’t care and would rather not dirty more things.
• Snacks – Granola bars, trail mix, fruit, etc.
• Drinks – Vitamin Waters, Gatorade, etc.

For your partner, they should pack the normal stuff. Comfortable clothes to wear/sleep in, toiletries, chargers/electronics. Everything else is covered above in my opinion, at least for my husband!

Tips/Tricks while at the Hospital:

• If where they put your IV in hurts or swells a little, ask for an ice pack to use on the area.
• Ask for a birthing ball to sit on. I found it more comfortable during contractions and liked being out of bed before being stuck there post-epidural.
• Ask for a peanut ball to use in between your legs while laying down, if you got an epidural. I believe most doctors use these now, but they help your labor progress and facilitate descent of your baby’s head.
• Ask for a room with a couch instead of a chair in your postpartum room (if this is an option at your hospital). I always ask the labor and delivery nurse to put in the request before we transfer rooms. They are typically bigger rooms too.
• Ask for a heat pad for your postpartum contractions. Postpartum contractions are typically the worst in the hospital so take advantage of the heat pads while you are there because they help with the pain. The heat pads are disposable ones, like the ice packs.
• If your butt starts hurting from sitting/laying so long which is inevitable after you give birth, ask if they have the donut seats. I mentioned my butt hurting and the nurse gave me a new donut seat that I took home with me.
• Here is a trick for the perineal ice packs – once you break them, put a little bit of water on them before using. It makes them much colder and only some of our nurses seemed to know that trick!
• You can request to have the baby’s first bath in your room if you want to see it. I always do, even though the baby rarely enjoys it haha!
• Have the nurse swaddle the baby in the hospital swaddle blankets when they come in so the baby is good to go for sleeping. I can never get them as tight as they can and I don’t use my own swaddles besides for pictures while we are at the hospital.
• Have the lactation consultant come in regardless of how many kids you’ve had! She will check the baby’s latch and check their sucking. You can ask for a basic exam of the mouth for lip and tongue ties too to see if there is anything obvious you should be aware of. You can also request them to come in multiple times before you leave if you want extra help!

With all that being said, of course you should pack whatever will make you feel most prepared! Comment below with your hospital bag must-have’s! I’d love to know if I’m missing out on something for any future deliveries!