What Should I Pack In My Hospital Bag?

There is a lot to think about when it comes time to pack your hospital bag. It can be both exciting and overwhelming. While there are no set rules on what you can bring, we have compiled a list of items that most of our clients find helpful!

Items for Mom:

When packing for yourself, packing items that make you feel cozy, safe and happy are essential:

  • Socks

  • Your favorite blanket and/or pillow

  • Robe

These items can remind you of home and make you feel comfortable and relaxed. In addition, these other items are handy:

woman packing suitcase

  • Lip balm

  • Hair ties

  • Toiletries

  • Hair Brush

  • Comfortable clothes to go home in, as well as larger sized underwear.

  • Nursing bra

  • Clothes for baby (pictures and coming home)

  • Baby book (if interested in getting hand/foot prints directly into the book)

  • Essential oils

  • String lights/ Battery operated candles

  • Phone charger

  • Camera

  • Drivers License and Insurance card

As a support person, packing a bag is necessary as well, but what could you possibly need? We know that first time moms tend to labor for longer periods of time and you wouldn’t want to be stuck in the hospital room without a few essentials of your own, such as:

  • Warm socks

  • Blanket and/or pillow

  • Your favorite snacks

  • Speakers for music

  • Bathing suit (to get into shower/tub with mom)

  • Toiletries

  • Button down shirt for skin to skin with baby

The hospital provides you with items needed for baby, recovering and feeding like:

  • Diapers

  • Wipes

  • Blankets

  • Pads

  • Breast pump

  • Nipple Cream

  • Formula

Depending on your provider, you may or may not be able to eat while in you are labor. If your provide allows you to eat, some snacks we recommend are:

  • Granola bars

  • Fruit

  • Fruit snacks

  • Chocolate

  • Water

  • Coconut water

If your provider does allow you to eat, you maybe are on a clear liquids diet. In that case, we recommend:

  • Broths (beef, chicken or vegetable)

  • Red Raspberry leaf tea

  • Coca Cola

  • Jello

While you don’t need to bring the car seat up to the room while you are in labor, you will need to have it before you are discharged from the hospital with baby.

What did you pack/plan to pack in your hospital bag that we missed?!

Jacquelin Knighton