What I Packed In My Hospital Bag 🤍

I tried to keep my hospital bag really simple and focused on comfort instead of overpacking things I realistically wouldn’t use. Looking back, these were the items I was happiest to have with me during labor, recovery, and bringing baby home.

This is also a very realistic hospital bag for mom and baby. I see so much online about bringing giant suitcases to the hospital packed like you’re leaving for vacation full of things you honestly do not really need while you’re there. For example baby diapers, wipes, postpartum diapers for yourself, and a lot of the basic recovery essentials are already provided by most hospitals.

I would absolutely recommend having those things stocked and ready for when you get home, but I personally wouldn’t stress about packing every single extra item for the hospital itself. It’s just more things to think about and more things to carry in and out when your main focus should really be on yourself, how you’re feeling, recovering, and soaking in time with your new family.
For Baby
    •    A soft swaddle blanket
    •    Going home outfit
    •    An extra outfit just in case
    •    A simple comfortable onesie

I personally loved having soft comfortable fabrics for baby instead of anything overly complicated or stiff. Hospitals already provide so much already, so keeping things minimal made everything feel less overwhelming.
For Mom

Comfortable Robe
This was probably one of my favorite things I packed. Having a cozy robe made me feel more comfortable and a little more like myself during recovery.

Pajamas
A soft pair of button up pajamas was perfect especially for skin to skin and easier nursing access.

Nursing Bras
Comfort over everything. Soft nursing bras made such a difference postpartum.

Fuzzy Socks
Hospital floors are freezing. Enough said honestly.

Electrolytes
I always tell people to pack electrolytes. Labor and postpartum are exhausting and staying hydrated made me feel so much better.

Stanley Cup
Having a large water cup nearby constantly was one of the best things during labor and recovery.

Lanolin Cream
This was something I kept nearby for both lips and nipples because hospital air can feel SO drying.

Toiletries
I packed:
    •    toothbrush
    •    toothpaste
    •    deodorant
    •    face wash
    •    simple skincare
    •    travel shampoo and conditioner

Even doing a tiny skincare routine postpartum helped me feel refreshed and human again after everything.

Headphones
One thing I’m really happy I packed was headphones. My go to calming noise during labor was soft bird sounds and nature noises. It ended up being the most soothing thing for me while practicing my breathing through contractions and helped create a calmer environment during labor.

Birthing Ball
This one is definitely more optional, but if you practiced labor positions and breathing exercises at home with a birthing ball and felt really comfortable using it, I’d honestly recommend bringing your own. Not every hospital has the right size available and having something familiar during labor can feel really grounding and comforting.

Stomach Wrap
One thing I’d also recommend having ready is a stomach wrap or belly band for postpartum recovery. After delivery there can be a lot of pressure and soreness in your core area, and having gentle support around your stomach can feel really comforting while moving around, walking, or recovering those first few days postpartum.

It also helps give your core and stomach extra support while your body is healing since everything can feel very loose and weak right after birth. I personally found the compression and support really comforting during recovery.

Going Home Outfit
I’d also recommend packing a comfortable going home outfit for yourself and honestly maybe even two options just in case. After delivery, comfort was the only thing I cared about so soft oversized clothes were perfect. Think cozy and loose fitting over anything overly styled or tight.

Hair Essentials
I also packed hair ties, a claw clip, and a hairbrush. During labor and postpartum I constantly wanted my hair up and out of my face, especially during contractions, resting, and skin to skin time with baby. Simple little comfort things like this honestly made such a difference.
At the end of the day, I really think comfort is the most important thing when packing a hospital bag. You truly do not need as much as the internet tells you that you do 🤍

Shop My Hospital Bag Essentials 🤍

• Soft swaddle blanket

• Baby going home outfit

• Comfortable robe

• Button up pajamas

• Nursing bras

• Fuzzy socks

• Electrolytes

• Stanley Cup

• Lanolin cream

• Toiletries bag

• Headphones