I was a total slacker when it came to packing my hospital bag. I think I was maybe 38 weeks before I had everything together and felt like I was ready to go. But that is just how I roll. This was my first time giving birth in America, and I had no idea what I was actually supposed to bring to the hospital.
When I would look up lists, they were either SUPER minimal, with barely anything listed, or looked like a packing list for a five-day international vacation. What was I actually going to need?? What would be helpful during labor and recovery? It had been so long since the last time I gave birth, I felt like I had totally forgotten.
I knew I wanted to be prepared, but I also didn’t want to look like a fool rolling into the hospital with a million bags. In NYC, you are usually placed in a shared room for recovery, so I also had to keep space in mind when packing. My hope was that I wouldn’t be in the hospital for more than 24 hours post-delivery!
When I gave birth in London, you literally had to bring everything yourself. Pads, diapers, wipes, literally everything. Outside of a gown for laboring, you were pretty much responsible for bringing anything you might need for labor and recovery. After chatting with my OB, she told me to really only worry about bringing “comfort” items. All of the necessities would be taken care of. So, here is what I packed!
I found it easier to think of packing in terms of “for labor” and “for recover” instead of for mom and baby.
HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST
FOR LABOR
- SNACKS SNACKS SNACKS – This is number one on the list for a reason. So many of you guys told me to pack snacks for the hospital. And I packed a few granola bars… This was a MISTAKE. Pack your entire pantry. Bring some precut fruit to stick in the mini-fridge. The labor process was so slow. I was there for 18 hours before I ended up getting an epidural, and I would have been allowed to eat during that time.
- TOILETRIES BAG – This one is obvious, but don’t forget it! Here are some things that I used more than anything else.
- BODY WIPES – I brought the XL Water Wipes and loved being able to clean things up when I used the bathroom. There is just so much bodily fluid everywhere.
- CHAPSTICK – Both Mr. G and I were reapplying constantly. I don’t know what it is about hospital air.
- FACE WASH AND MOISTURIZER – You don’t need a full skincare routine, but it felt so good to wash my face after a long night laboring. It refreshed my attitude and gave me new life.
- HAIR TIES
- TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE
- HAND CREAM – It was nice to get a foot massage in the middle of labor when things were getting rough mentally! Highly recommend.
- YOUR OWN PILLOW – This was crucial for me. I am really attached to my fancy, memory foam pillow and it was so nice to have that with me. It was those little comforts that made things more enjoyable.
- HEADPHONES – I know a lot of people like to bring a speaker, but I loved popping my AirPods in and just zoning out. It was a clear sign to my husband that I needed to focus on contractions and I could listen to whatever hype music I wanted at whatever volume.
- LONG CHARGER AND PORTABLE CHARGER – Bring both!
- INSULATED CUP WITH A STRAW AND LID – They will give you a cup, but it was flimsy and didn’t hold nearly enough water and ice for me. I brought my trusty cup, and it was my BFF the entire time.
- FLIP FLOPS/RUBBER BIRKS – Bring shoes that are washable. Or that you don’t mind throwing away. Like I said before… All the bodily fluid.
- SOCKS – I was hot and cold on and off, especially once I got an epidural. Bring socks that are super comfy, but be ready to toss them post-delivery.
Some things that I packed for labor that I thought I would use and never once even thought about… My Kindle, a deck of cards, and my Nintendo Switch. I was way too preoccupied to even consider focusing on anything other than the task at hand. Makeup. I only brought a few bits, but totally wasn’t concerned with this! I brought my own diapers and pads because I wasn’t sure what the hospital would provide would fit. But the mesh undies they gave were fine! Snug, but fine.
FOR RECOVERY
- EVERYTHING IN THE LIST ABOVE – And snacks. Don’t forget the snacks!
- PORTABLE HANDHELD FAN – I bought this to use during labor, but the labor rooms are kept quite cold. Thank goodness! But the recovery ward is kept warm because it is filled with tiny babies. I was legit sweating my ass off the entire time I was in recovery.
- DIAPERS. FOR YOU! – Whatever genius normalized women wearing diapers postpartum needs a Nobel Prize. There was no worry about leaking or making a mess on the sheets. Everything was contained and as clean as possible. Did I mention all the bodily fluid? I used Depends XXL. Again, snug, but fine!
- ROBE AND COMFY BRA – Whether you are nursing your baby or bottle feeding, get all that skin-to-skin contact! I brought two True & Co bras with me and they were perfect. Here is the robe I wore.
- NIPPLE CREAM – This wasn’t something that the hospital provided. I may have gotten some Lanolin if I had asked, but it wasn’t in the bag of “goodies.” The first 72 hours of nursing are THE HARDEST on your nips, so be prepared with whatever cream you want to use.
- SILICONE NIPPLE PADS – These were truly lifesaving! As soon as my youngest would stop eating, I would apply a little nipple cream and then pop a silicone pad on my nipple. They were so soothing and gave amazing relief!
- CLOTHES FOR BABY – I packed two outfits for the baby, just in case he decided to make a giant mess right before we left. But I knew I wouldn’t actually put him in clothes till we were ready to leave. Take advantage of all the newborn snuggles and skin-to-skin time.
- CUTE PHOTO OUTFIT – I brought a swaddle that matched my robe to take a pic in. We didn’t make a huge deal out of it, but I knew I wanted a cute hospital snap.
- COMFY CLOTHES TO GO HOME IN – I honestly could have just worn the dress I arrived at the hospital in, but I brought my favorite cozy joggers that were a size too big, and a tank top. The last thing you need to worry about is looking stylish when you leave!
- FEEDING PILLOW – It was so nice to have the Boppy at the hospital. Newborns are really so tiny, and I was using two pillows from the hospital PLUS the Boppy to get good positioning. Making things as easy on you as possible in recovery is essential to succeeding!
- CAR SEAT – Obvi.
The reality is, you will never be so exhausted, so happy, so scared, and so excited as you are during that hospital stay. You really don’t need much, but having this stuff made everything all the more enjoyable. I felt like I was able to relax, focus, and recover well. You’ve got this, mama!
Hi Maddie, did you do a blog post or LTK with baby clothes/gift ideas? Looking for the magnetic closure baby clothes I think you shared a while back.