Packing Your Bag for the Hospital? What You Need to Bring

If chronic overpacking was a real condition, we’d be the poster children. Without fail, every vacation starts with us pulling hair dryers and shoes out of our checked bags at the airport and shoving them into our purses, carry-ones and laptop bags to meet the weight maximums.

So as you can imagine, packing for the hospital presented some challenges for us. Preparing for the unknown is hard! Let us spare you some of the aggravation by sharing what we learned after experiencing labor and delivery… and a hospital stay.

Here is the ultimate hospital bag checklist for first time moms:

1. A Robe

While it’s true you’ll spend a lot of time in a hospital gown, once you take that first post-delivery shower, you’ll be able to change out of it. And change out of it, you’ll want to. Having a lightweight robe on hand that you can toss over a nursing tank or nightgown will help you accommodate your ever-changing body temperature—it can be thrown on or taken off.

2. Nursing Tanks, Nightgowns or Bras

Because you’ll want something under that robe, it’s smart to bring comfy clothes like a nightgown or shorts/sweatpants and a tank top. If you plan to nurse, you will be asked to start trying almost immediately after delivery. So make sure whatever you bring will accommodate that. If you opt for the nursing tank, make sure to bring a comfy pair of loose sweatpants, too. Trust me, the easier you make midnight feedings on yourself, the better.

3. Toiletries

Although that first shower after you’ve been pushing a human out of you for (possibly) hours can be a little daunting, you’re sweaty and covered in all kinds of gunk (many hospitals do “skin to skin,” which means your baby will get plunked down on your chest immediately after delivery without so much as a quick wipe down), so a shower can be a bit of a comfort. So bring travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc., to make that first rinse off as glorious as possible. And don’t forget to bring toothpaste and a toothbrush and some deoderant while you’re at it. Your mouth (and your visitors) will thank you!

4. Two (Old) Towels

You’ll want one for your post-shower dry off, and you may even want a second one you can use to pat dry yourself immediately after labor, when you’re super sweaty and have finished skin to skin time.

5. Slippers or Socks and Flip Flops

When you’re finally up and able to walk around, you’re going to want something on your feet. Whichever your preference, you’ll be glad you brought something along to keep your feet warm and clean. As for the flip flops? Remember that nice shower you’re going to take once you’ve pushed your little one out? Yeah… you’re going to want to wear flip flops during it. Think of every gym locker you’ve ever wished you didn’t shower in…

6. Extra Long Phone Charger

Aside from the fact that you’re going to want your phone on hand to keep friends and family in the loop, there is going to be downtime while you’re waiting for the main event to start. You’ll be glad that you have your phone to play with… and that you have a phone charger that stretches as far as possible in case the nearest outlet isn’t that near.

7. Distractions

In addition to your phone, consider bringing along some other sources of distraction, like playing cards, a book, an iPad with preloaded games… whatever will keep you sane and satisfied as you play the waiting game. Give your husband the task of creating a playlist full of your favorite tunes to keep your mind at ease.

8. Snacks

Although some doctors will advise you not to eat once contractions start, others are totally fine with you fueling up for the big show. If your doctor has cleared you for noshing, you’ll want to avoid anything that might cause digestive distress (think anything super high in fiber or sodium). If you won’t be able to eat (ask your doctor!) once you’re admitted, make sure to eat something hearty before leaving for the hospital.

9. Pillows & Blankets

Definitely bring these for your husband, who , if he’s lucky, will be spending the night on a not-so-comfortable pullout bed. Consider bringing these for yourself as well since hospital “comforts” can be less than comfortable. And, it might be nice to have a taste of home on hand.

10. Nursing Pillow & Breast Pump

Breastfeeding isn’t exactly a walk in the park for every mom. Which means if you plan to breastfeed, and you can bring along anything to help the process run more smoothly, you should. Nursing pillows, which wrap around your middle and leave baby at perfect height to nurse, can help make breastfeeding less cumbersome, and will relieve some of the strain on your back as you try to assume the best position. It’s also a good idea to start practicing the routine you intend to follow while at home. So if that routine might involve a nippy or a breast pump, it’s best to bring them along. Most hospitals have lactation consultants on hand who will show you a variety of breastfeeding positions, and teach you how your breast pump works.

11. A Going Home Outfit… for You and for Baby

The general rule of thumb is that when you walk out of the hospital, you’ll still look about six months pregnant. Think about this as you pack your going home outfit. Other things to think about? Loose is probably better. In the event that you have a C-secton, you’re going to want to avoid anything that could interfere with the scar site. As for baby, consider bringing two options—one in the newborn size and another in the zero to three size. This will ensure that if your baby is bigger than expected, he or she won’t have to leave the hospital naked. Consider bringing something cute for your little one to wear during discharge, since you’ll likely be snapping some pics before driving off into the sunset.

12. C-Section Friendly Undies and Clothing

I preferred wearing fitted clothes during my pregnancy, since I felt like I looked pregnant and not just huge on them. So when I was packing for the hospital, I packed primarily fitted tees and leggings. However, after an unplanned C-section left me with a very sore incision exactly on my underwear line, I quickly realized nothing I brought was going to work. Make sure you pack some loose dresses that won’t rub against your incision, and steal all the hospital undies you can.