Throughout my pregnancy, the number one comment I ALWAYS get is, “You’re not gonna need that.” And this goes for so many things — whether it’s baby registry items or things I’ve bought for the nursery.
While “experienced” mamas might say that I’m overpreparing and not going to use half of it, I like to think of it like this:
You can book a flight, see that they serve food, and bring nothing; you can also assume they’ll provide a thin blanket and pillow. Then when you arrive, you may be greeted with cardboard-passed-off-as-food and no blanket/pillow on a 10-hour flight.
How disappointing is that?
I choose to fly prepared. I pack healthy snacks, salty snacks, sweet snacks, and I bring my own meal. I’ve got travel-sized toiletries, a face mask, facial mist, my own silk pillowcase, cozy layers, and all the things I need to make the journey the most comfortable it can be.
Even if it’s “extra,” I like being in control of my own comfort and having peace of mind—even if I don’t actually use everything.
And that’s how I’m planning for labor!
I’m not the type of person who lives life solely off of baseline needs; I’m a planner — and I like gadgets and comforts. So, I start off by saying this so that you can decide where you fall on the spectrum.
You absolutely do not NEED all of this, however, there are some things you might want, that could make the overall experience that much better. Consider these hospital bag essentials (with a few extras to make you more comfortable!).
Here’s what to pack in your hospital bag for labor!
Things to Prepare Ahead of Time
Things to Prepare Ahead of Time:
- Install the baby’s car seat
- Do a dry run of the drive to the hospital! You’ll want to know where to go.
Things to Have on Hand:
- Birth Plan
- Insurance Card
- ID
- Cash (In case the hospital uses vending machines for snacks and drinks)
My Hospital Bags
What do you pack in a hospital bag?
Because I’m coming well-stocked and as prepared as possible, I have multiple hospital bags packed so I’ve broken it down by bag and what’s inside.
Wondering when to pack a hospital bag?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s good to have your hospital bag ready to go between 32 and 35 weeks — as your baby may arrive a bit earlier than planned. I’d suggest starting the packing process around the start of your 3rd trimester (or at about 28 weeks).
While you may want to wait, I mentioned above that I am a planner and wanted to check “hospital bag for mom” off my list so I didn’t have to worry about it.
Here’s a breakdown of the hospital bags I’m bringing:
- Personal Hospital Bag (personal items plus postpartum items)
- Labor and Delivery Bag
- Diaper Bag (for baby and breastfeeding)
- Linen Bag
- Partner’s Bag
- Cooler Bag (for snacks and placenta if you are encapsulating it)
- Gift Baskets for Nursing Staff
Personal Hospital Bag
I have all of this packed in my Beis carry-on suitcase. I packed my personal items in one half and all the other postpartum items in the other half.
Carry-On Suitcase
Beis
This smooth-rolling bag with a trolley handle that’s cushioned (YES! A beautiful feature, in my opinion), ensures that your hands won’t ever feel the stress of towing luggage.
Shop NowPersonal Items
- Hospital Gown
- Cozy Slippers
- Light Compression Socks
- Grippy Cozy Socks (in case it’s cold)
- Grippy Sporty Socks (in case it’s hot; pilates socks work great if you already have them!)
- Organic Lounge Set from Under the Canopy
- Organic Comfy Robe from Under the Canopy
- Nursing Tank Top
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, Face products, Hairbrush, Deodorant, etc.
- Dry Shampoo
- Hair Ties & Headband
- Makeup
- Curling Iron
- Going Home Outfit
- Sunglasses
- Shoes (likely the pair you wore to the hospital)
Organic Lounge Set
Under the Canopy
This is the coziest loungewear set and it’s all certified organic cotton. It’s breathable and so comfy!
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Organic Comfy Robe
Under the Canopy
I love that Under the Canopy has a matching robe — this set is perfect for fluctuating temps as you can layer it with the robe.
Shop NowPostpartum Items
The hospital will provide most of these items, however, I wanted to have my own organic products. I’m still planning on using a lot of their provided items (which I’m sharing in the next section).
- Frida Disposable Boyshorts
- Rael Organic pads (XL Overnight)
- Rael Organic Period Underwear
- Frida Icicle Pads
- Organic Sitz Herbs (will use the actual bath provided by the hospital)
- Organic Perineal Spray
Hospital-Provided Items for Postpartum Recovery
These are things to consider not packing, but I wanted to outline them so you had an idea of what most hospitals provide postpartum.
- Peri Bottle
- Breast Pump
- Postpartum Pads
- Postpartum Mesh Underwear
- Skin Numbing Spray (for tearing and recovery)
- Witch Hazel Pads
- Pain Meds
- “Puppy Pads” for Leaks
- Sitz Bath
Labor & Delivery Bag
Continuing on the hospital bag checklist for mom are all the essentials for labor and delivery…including entertainment in case the wait is long!
While hospital rooms aren’t known for being especially cozy, there are a few things I’m bringing to make it room comfortable. You may want to add these to your pregnancy hospital bag checklist.
Electronics & Entertainment
Labor Goodies
These are all things that I’m bringing to assist me in labor and for pain management.
- Water Bottle — Hydro Flask (You want a bottle with a straw so you can drink even in active labor and different birthing positions)
- Hypervolt Massager
- TENS unit
- Acupressure Balls
- Rebozo Shawl
- Organic Essential Oils (I am bringing a lot)
- Lavender — Calming
- Ylang Ylang — Reduce Stress
- Clary Sage — Uterine Contractor
- Citrus Oils — Relieves Nausea
- Peppermint — added to the toilet to help urination postpartum
- Organic Massage Oil (this is the same bottle I have for postpartum perennial oil)
- Gum/Mints/Dry Mouth Drops
- Organic Nausea Lozenges
- Facial Mist
Helpful Tip
Check with your provider to see if the hospital has other birthing tools that you can use without having to bring yourself (ex. birth ball, peanut ball, etc.)
Room Comforts
- Flameless Candles
- Diffuser
- Portable Fan (this is the fan we got for the baby’s stroller)
- Organic Lip Balm (I love this variety pack!)
- Earplugs (NRR 33 is one of the highest noise reductions—a favorite brand I have been using them for years)
- Silk Sleep Mask (I love this one because it doesn’t touch your eyes and provides full blackout)
Linens Bag
I have all of this packed in a large tote. You’ll want to pack one of each of these items for both partners!
- Organic Blanket from Under the Canopy x2
- Organic Quick-Dry Towels from Under the Canopy x2
- Pillows x2 (Use Code “CE-KIKI” for 40% off of Cozy Earth!)
- Cozy Earth Silk Pillows
- Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcase in Sand
- Shower Sandals x2
- Bonus: Gauze Baby Blanket
Organic Blanket
Under the Canopy
This 100% organic cotton blanket is free from any harmful toxins or chemicals and is lightweight with a lovely texture.
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Organic Towels
Under the Canopy
First of all, how pretty is that lichen color? We’re bringing these 100% organic cotton bath towels that are Green certified and have been tested for harmful substances.
Shop NowHelpful Tip
Bring everything in non-white colors so they don’t blend in with hospital linens. You don’t want to leave anything behind! Some people also opt to bring their own hospital bed sheets as the ones provided can be scratchy and uncomfortable.
Diaper Bag for Baby and Breastfeeding
I have my Fawn Square Diaper Bag packed with all of the items below!
The Fawn
Diaper Bag
The Fawn is designed with the modern mom in mind and I love the minimal look…yet it has ALL the functionality a busy mom needs. It has several exterior and interior organization pockets, multiple wearing options (as a backpack or messenger style), and is spill-resistant.
Shop NowBaby Items
When it comes to what to pack in a baby’s hospital bag, you just need a few items.
- Birth Announcement Sign – “Hello My Name Is”
- Wooden Monthly Milestone Discs (includes a Hello World disc)
- Outfit for First Photos
- Footie Pajamas
- Knot Gown
- Socks/Mittens
- Organic Cotton Swaddles x2
- Organic Cotton Burp Cloths x2
- Pacifiers x2-3 (bringing a mix of rubber & silicone and different styles)
Extras
These are things the hospital provides but I’m bringing my own preferred items (just in case).
- Coterie Diapers
- Coterie Wipes
- Bottles (Sanitized) — Bringing three different brands of bottles in case we need to supplement
- Baby Formula — Bringing a tub of my preferred formula in case we need to supplement
Hospital-Provided Items for Baby
Here are a few items the hospital typically provides for the baby, so keep these in mind as you’re packing (and things you might not need to pack).
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Formula (if needed)
- Swaddle Blanket
- Hat
- Nasal Aspirator
- Lots of Free Samples
Partner’s Bag for the Hospital
Definitely account for one more tote or carry-on suitcase when packing!
This is definitely not your responsibility to pack. 😉
Just adding a note here as a reminder for your partner to pack a hospital bag for labor as well! It may be helpful for you to show them what’s on your list to give them a little inspiration.
Note: You might run hot during labor and want the AC turned up, so your partner should pack some warm layers!
And, if they want to do skin-to-skin, a zip-up hoodie works great if they don’t want to go completely shirtless.
For the cooler, I’m packing nonperishable items and we will wait to add ice until we get to the hospital.
Sometimes, you can’t eat during labor and they only recommend clear liquids, so I added chicken bone broth if I need satiation, coconut water for electrolytes, and champagne to celebrate with!
A few ideas for hospital snacks include fruit leather, salty snacks, savory snacks, and something sour. I was extremely nauseous in my first trimester, and have heard you can feel nauseous in labor, so I wanted to cover all of my bases.
NOTE: I am encapsulating my placenta so we’ll use the cooler to transport it after birth. If you’re planning to do encapsulation, be sure to check what they require but you’ll likely need to bring your own cooler.
Cooler & Snack Bag
This is totally optional! We’re bringing our RTIC soft-sided cooler bag — because everything is better with snacks.
- Organic Snacks — Salty, sweet, savory, etc.
- Organic Coconut Water
- Celebratory Bottle of Champagne — You can fill the cooler with ice to chill the bottle once you get there
- Champagne Glasses
- OPTIONAL: 3x Gallon-Sized Ziploc Bags (if you are encapsulating your placenta)
Gift Baskets for the Hospital Staff
Please note that this is entirely optional and you absolutely do not have to do this. Giving gifts is my “love language” and I wanted to do something nice for those taking care of me in such a vulnerable time.
This was also a great way to distract myself from thinking too much about labor.
I organized two baskets, so there’s one for the day shift and night shift teams.
After polling my audience, many folks noted that food or snacks of any kind are welcome, however, people tend to bring candy — so healthy snacks were requested…along with fresh bread and jam/nut butters and pizza lol.
Anything coffee-related is also super appreciated, as in a coffee basket with cold brew, creamer, and coffee beans. Other items that go a long way: a gift card to the hospital coffee shop, mini deodorants, hair ties, or compression socks.
Here are some ideas of things I’m putting in gift baskets:
These items I bought in bulk at Costo.
- Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs
- Country Archer Minis
- Organic Pure Layered Fruit Bar
- Organic No Sugar Coconut Water
- Celsius Sparkling Fitness Drink
More Snacks/Treats:
Goodies:
Thank You Cards
Also packing thank you cards for the people that are directly caring for me. There is the option to add gift cards (just be mindful of hospital policy—some hospitals don’t allow gifts of monetary value or have to have a low limit…like a $5 coffee card might be okay.)
That’s everything I’m packing for the hospital!
Do you have a baby hospital bag checklist? If so, what did you include in it?
Curious about the pillows and blankets for your partner. Is there an extra sleeping area for him? Always thought they were stuck in chairs, but would love to know if there are other options!
Hi Jane! I think he’ll be relegated to a chair (or chairs combined together) – but we figured we’d try to make it as comfortable as possible. Will report back if there’s an alternative!
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Glad to hear it! It’s definitely quite comprehensive