Before we begin this post, I want to start off by saying everything I’ve learned throughout my pregnancies so far has been from all of YOU, my doula, midwife and amazing resources like Evidence Based Birth. And of course, through my own experience.
I originally published this post before I had my first baby and I’ve updated it with everything I’m bringing this time around. I wanted to share what to pack in a hospital bag for moms, dads/wives/partners and babies; it’s truly the ultimate resource AND I’ve even included a FREE hospital bag printable checklist with everything you’ll likely want/need + a few extras!
Be sure to head to our shop page where I have all of my pregnancy go-to’s and favorite items for baby.
I hope you find it helpful! xo.
For Mom & Baby
- Baby blanket: love having this for bringing him home in or just laying him on.
- Nursing and Pumping bra: my favorite, most comfortable bra — great to use if you are pumping.
- Long phone cord charger: everyone told me to bring a long phone charger and it’s a game-changer. You’ll never go back to regular cords again, ha.
- Lip Balm: your lips will get pretty dry during delivery, so bring your fav chapstick.
- Wipes for body: I was sweating on and off during labor last time so I know these are going to come in handy again. Plus, they smell AMAZING.
- Diffuser: for diffusing those essential oils during your labor. I love peppermint and lavender. Lemon and tangerine are my other favs!
- Essential oils: these are great for your partner to mix with a carrier oil and massage your back during labor, or use them in your diffuser while laboring at home or in the hospital.
- Headphones: roll up to the hospital with noise-canceling headphones on and your favorite music playing. You can use these anytime you want to cut out the distractions and focus on preparing for birth, which will likely be the entire time.
- Car seat: don’t forget the car seat for going home. Make sure you have it properly installed too!
- Heating pad: heat on your back is amazing when you’re in pain.
- Swaddle blanket: I love the idea of putting our baby in his own cute swaddle so this was a must for me. Of course if you want to skip, know that the hospital will give you a blanket to take home. We loved these swaddles for all of our kids!
- Align leggings: comfy leggings for when you’re ready to head home. It’ll be the only thing you wanna wear over the next few months.
- Breast feeding pillow: I love this breastfeeding pillow. It makes breastfeeding soooo much easier. Truly used it EVERY DAY!
- Hospital bag: cutest bag on the block (or on the maternity ward?)
- Eye Mask: bring one of these if you want to get a little shut eye during your stay in the hospital. You won’t know if it’s going to be day or night or how long you’ll need to be there. This is a MUST!
- Binto prenatal vitamins: I packed a few prenatal vitamins to take after birth, as I know I’m going to be incredibly hormonal and need that good nutrition and energy for baby. Again, not necessary, but since I have them, they’re coming with! Use the link or my code ‘ambitiouskitchen’ to get 20% off your first purchase or subscription!
- Frida Mom Washer: way better than the one they’ll give you at the hospital. This will make it less difficult to go to the bathroom. A MUST.
- Hospital/Nursing Gown: you really don’t need anything fancy, but it’s nice to have your own gown!
- Bluetooth speaker: I’m bringing one to use with me during labor and birth. Definitely recommend if you love music.
- Hydroflask water bottle with straw: having a straw makes it that much easier to hydrate, and this water bottle will keep your water, electrolyte drinks, etc. cold for hours.
- Comfy undies: I got these off Amazon and love them. They’re super cozy and stretchy and will hold pads in postpartum.
- Toiletry bag: having all of your toiletries organized in one spot while you’re in the hospital is just one more “peace of mind” task!
- Toiletry bottles: we’re bringing our own soap, shampoo and conditioner so we can shower.
- Nipple cream: I love this nipple cream so much!! The hospital should also provide some if you need it, but this one is all natural and so soothing.
- Go home outfit for baby: You’ll need a cute going home outfit for baby because you know pictures are happening. I have also loved getting a few inexpensive things from Kate Quinn Organics.
- Breastfeeding friendly pajamas: all I can say is YES. This is basically my going home outfit. So cozy and soft. You’ll want a nice but comfy gown to relax in post-delivery.
- Fuzzy socks: keep your feet warm and cozy, plus they have grips so you won’t slip on the hospital floor.
- Baby file/nail clippers: babies have super sharp nails so you might want to consider bringing clippers!
- Perineal Essentials from Earth Mama: start the healing process early. This is a game-changer.
- Flip flops: a must for trips to the bathroom, to wash up, or just for quick little laps around the room.
For Partner
My husband will be my birth partner (again!) and he’s bringing a few things in a small backpack to have:
- Change of clothes
- Comfy lounging clothes
- Deodorant/Toiletries
- Phone charger
- Change for vending machine (in case you have a craving!)
Extras to consider
- Extra bag to take home supplies: the hospital will give you a lot of stuff to take home — take it ALL. Also take extra pads, ice packs and mesh undies!
- Extra pillow/blankets for comfort: bring your own pillow or blanket from home for comfort and security. We loved this!
- Makeup to freshen up for photos: if you’re going to take photos at the hospital, you may want to bring makeup.
- Your own towels: because hospital towels suck. Seriously, they are tiny and rough.
- Shower shoes/flip flops: if you don’t like your feet touching public surfaces, bring flip flops.
- Extra pads: this was recommended but the hospital will also provide you with pads.
- Adult diapers/depends: Okay I really did love using depends but waited until I was home to use them.
- Homemade rice sock for portable heat: we’re using this at home and may bring it to the hospital (they have a microwave we can use). Basically you put rice in a cotton sock and microwave it.
Snack ideas
Since you have no idea how long you’ll be at the hospital, or what type of food they’ll serve you (yuck, hospital food!), then it’s best to bring plenty of snacks. Here’s what we’re packing:
- Binto electrolyte mix (this link or the code ‘ambitiouskitchen’ will get you 20% off your first purchase or subscription!)
- Ultima packets
- Popcorn
- SunChips (my favorite comfort chip!)
- GoMacro bars
- Aloha bars
- Dried mango
- Dates
- Nut butter packets then add them to toast or crackers.
- Organic fruit leather/strips
- Energy bites
- Fig Newton bars (these are SERIOUSLY the best snack)
- Homemade healthy granola
- New Primal Meat Sticks
- Other ideas include: puffs, plantain chips, roasted chickpeas, mini peanut butter cups, etc.
Looking for more of my go-tos?
Head to the AK Shop where you’ll find all of my pregnancy go-to’s and favorite items for baby.
I hope you found this post helpful. Please let me know what you’re packing in your hospital bag in the comments below and of course, what snacks you’re bringing! xo.