Labor and Delivery Hospital Bag Packing Essentials

Updated May 2023

Hey, friends! We are about a month (or less) out from delivering our sweet baby boy, and I’ve finally packed up everything we will be taking to the hospital. With this being our third baby, and with the current hospital regulations in response to COVID-19, I am trying to take as little as possible. I know what tried and true things I’ve needed before, and I am hoping to really keep the extras minimal. I basically want to save myself the trouble of sanitizing extras when we get back home.

I have packed all of the essentials, with high hopes that we will have a strong recovery, and speedy discharge. You can read more about that, and our pandemic plan in my 32 Week BUMPdate post. My hospital bag is a weekender bag that I’ve had since packing the first time for Raegan’s delivery.

If you want to learn more, or add something to your own baby prep list, just click on the highlighted item.

Mommy’s Essentials:

1. Target Weekender Bag – This is the weekender I have and love! The perfect size and soft, so lots can fit!
2. Walmart Weekender Bag – I wanted to add another great bag option!
3. Mama Pouch – This may be the cutest thing in my bag! Perfect for organizing little things like sanitizer, chapstick and travel sized bottles.
4. Baby Pouch – Don’t forget baby has little essentials too!
5. Hospital Gown – I am bringing my own hospital gown this time. It’s softer, and nicer than the one’s provided, but not too nice that I’ll be sad if/when it gets ruined by labor/postpartum staining. I love that it unbuttons in front for easy nursing, and in the back like a typical patient gown.
6. Comfy Robe – My sweet mother-in-love purchased this comfort item for me. It is part of a matching set with baby boy, and I am honestly so thankful, and excited about it. It’ll be nice to have something upscale to wear for those self-timer hospital photos. The best part is that it is SO well made, and I know I’ll continue to use it once we are home. It’s the little things. Amazon also has a super cozy option HERE.
7. Sock + Slipper Combo – You may end up doing lots and lots of walking before ending up in labor. You’ll want to have your feet covered in the cold and dirty hospital. I have been absolutely obsessed with this cute combo for a bit and can’t wait to throw them in for the hospital too!

Postpartum Recovery/Breastfeeding:

1. Nursing Bras – I LOVE this set of nursing bras. I have a large bust, and have tried so many of them. I have been wearing these since by second trimester, and they are a must-have. I’ll pack 2, so I know I’ll have a clean one to wear home.
2. POSTnatal Vitamins
3. Nipple Butter – Those first days can be ROUGH. Literally. This is a must.
4. Nipple Hydrogels – You just need them, trust me!
5. Snack Mix – Mama gets hungry when she is nursing, there is always a snack close by! This is one of my favorite mixes to munch on while nursing baby.
6. Water Bottle – I remember being in the hospital with Raegan and constantly feeling so thirsty! The tiny disposable cup they give you in the hospital wasn’t doing the trick, so my husband went and bought me a big cup from the gift shop downstairs. I swear I went through SO many refills. Hydration is huge after a big event like labor, and while breastfeeding.
7. Flip Flops – For the shower. Just like those days in college, folks. Nuff said.
8. Ice Pads – The hospital provides pads, but I’ve heard amazing things about these 2-in-1 ice pads. I’ll pack a few, and stash the rest in the master bathroom stall.
9. Mesh Underwear – Apparently these are the BEST. I am all here for better support and comfort in such a sensitive area.
10. Frida Mom Essentials Kit – They have truly thought of everything! Most essentials, you can buy in this big pack, but I have linked some of my favorite single items below, as well.
11. C-Section Recovery Kit – I have not had a C-Section, but Frida Mom has you mamas covered too!
12. Perineal Bottle – Again, the hospital provides a version of this, but I’m looking forward to the already angled cleansing action of this one.
13. Cooling Pad Covers
14. Travel Sized Toiletries – I know I will want my own body and face wash for that first postpartum shower. You’ll want CHAPSTICK. This little kit has bottles you can fill from home, and a case to keep it all in.
15. Extra-Long Phone Charger – This may not seem like an essential, but you’ll thank me later.
16. Going Home Outfit – DO NOT PACK JEANS. Trust me. I’ll likely wear a pair of dark maternity leggings, and a loose fitting top. FAVORITE LEGGINGS

Other things to consider packing: your nursing pillow, your breast pump (especially if you plan to use a haakaa), nursing pads, your own pillow and/or blanket.

Baby’s Essentials:

Don’t pack diapers and wipes. The hospital will provide PLENTY! Save your diaper dollars for home.

1. Swaddle Blankets – I love wrapping my little ones up extra tight in their own blankets. These are my tried-and-true favorites. I don’t use any other brand.
2. Car Seat – You literally can’t get home without it haha. I’ve already had my husband install our infant seat.
3. Infant Car Seat Cover – This is totally preference, but I love them to keep weather and germs away from the new baby!
4. Outfit/Onesies/Gowns – I am packing two gowns (they’re the best for easy diaper change access), and a going home outfit. Plus a little cap, socks, and mittens to keep him from accidentally scratching his face.
5. Baby Book – You might want to considering bringing along your baby book so that you can capture tiny footprints, and your own first emotions during this time.
6. Portable Sound Machine – Babies love it, I get it.
7. Baby Mittens

Other things to consider packing: your own pacifier, baby hair brush/comb, toiletries for a bath, a first doll or stuffed animal for baby’s bassinet. I’m considering packing baby boy’s Cuddle and Kind lamb (HERE).

Daddy Essentials:

Mark’s hospital bag literally only consists of SNACKS, headphones, clothes, toiletries, our camera, and his water bottle.

I hope sharing my packing list is helpful to another expectant mama out there. I LOVE to get your ideas, so if there is something you think we would really benefit from having, or that I should share, leave a comment, or shoot me a message on Insta!

xoxo
Shakira