Hospital Bag Essentials: What to Pack for You, Your Partner, and Baby

Photo Credit: Erin Heuser Photography

As your due date approaches, one of the best ways to ensure a smooth and stress-free birthing experience is by packing your hospital bag early. Ideally, having your bag ready by 36 weeks will give you peace of mind, so when labor starts, you’re ready to head to the hospital without worrying about missing anything.

Here’s a complete guide, broken down by essentials for mom, dad/partner, and baby.

For Mom

You’ll want to feel comfortable, clean, and well-rested during and after labor. The following items can make all the difference:

• Cozy Pajamas: Opt for soft, breathable pajamas to relax in after birth. Button-up tops are helpful for nursing.

• Fuzzy Socks and Slippers: Keep your feet warm and comfortable during your stay.

• Adult Diapers: A more comfortable and practical option postpartum to manage bleeding.

• Nursing Tanks and Bras: If you plan to breastfeed, these will make nursing easier.

• Stretchy Pants/Sweatpants: Comfortable pants are a must for after delivery.

• Cardigan or Robe: A cozy layer to wear in the hospital.

• Chapstick: Hospital air can dry your lips, so bring some chapstick to stay comfortable.

• Breath Mints or Cough Drops: Handy for keeping your mouth fresh or soothing a dry throat.

• Shower Shoes: Flip-flops or shower shoes for comfort and hygiene.

• Labor Outfit: If you’d like, bring your own gown or a comfortable outfit to wear during labor.

• Medications and Prenatal Vitamins: Don’t forget your regular medications and supplements.

• Contacts, Glasses, and Contact Solution: Ensure you pack your eyewear and related items if you wear contacts or glasses.

• Breast Pump and/or Haakaa: Useful if you plan to breastfeed, especially for early milk collection.

• Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential. A large water bottle or tumbler will keep you drinking throughout your stay.

• Shower Cap: For when you don’t feel like washing your hair.

• Comfortable Outfits: Bring a couple of cozy, loose-fitting outfits for your time in the hospital and your trip home.

• Socks and Slippers: Again, keeping your feet warm and comfy is key.

• Medications: Any other medications you may need postpartum.

• Phone Charger: Ensure your devices stay powered for calls, photos, and communication.

• Nursing Pillow/Boppy: For nursing support and comfort when breastfeeding.

• Sleeping Pillow: Hospitals provide pillows, but having your favorite one can bring extra comfort.

• Comfortable Blanket: A cozy blanket from home can make your hospital bed feel a little more familiar.

• Sound Machine/Speaker: A small sound machine or speaker with calming music can help you rest better.

• Favorite Healthy Snacks: Bring your favorite snacks to keep energy up between hospital meals.

• Personal Toiletries: Don’t forget your usual shampoo, conditioner, face wash, deodorant, etc.

• Hair Ties/Headbands/Hair Clips: Keep your hair out of your face during labor and postpartum.

For Partner

Your partner should also pack essentials to ensure they’re comfortable during the hospital stay:

• Comfortable Outfits: A few cozy outfits for the partner who will be staying with you.

• Socks and Slippers: Keep them warm and comfortable.

• Medications: Any personal medications they might need.

• Phone Charger: For keeping their phone charged and ready for updates, photos, and calls.

For Baby

Finally, you’ll want to have everything ready for your little one’s first moments outside the womb:

• Swaddles: Soft, cozy blankets for swaddling your newborn.

• Newborn (Preemie-3 Month) Outfits: Pack a few outfits in different sizes in case your baby is smaller or larger than expected.

• Onesies: Simple, easy-to-change outfits for your baby.

• Footie Pajamas: These cozy pajamas make it easy to keep your baby warm.

• Socks and Mittens: To keep your baby’s tiny feet and hands warm.

• Diapers/Wipes: While the hospital typically provides these, some parents prefer to bring their own.

• Formula (if planning to use): If you’re not breastfeeding, make sure to pack your preferred formula and bottles.

• Special Going Home Outfit: A cute outfit for those first pictures and your journey home.

Final Thoughts

Having a well-packed hospital bag ensures you’ll feel as comfortable and prepared as possible during your hospital stay. This comprehensive checklist covers all the essentials for you, your partner, and your baby. Consider packing the bag by 36 weeks, so you’re ready whenever your little one decides to arrive!

For more tips on preparing for your birth experience or support services, visit Beloved Birth & Beyond Collective. We’re here to assist you every step of the way!

P.S. Go to our instagram page to get a PDF version of this checklist!