I’ve seen so many lists, videos and gotten a ton of advice about what to pack in my hospital bag for labor + delivery. Use this detailed blog for what to pack in your hospital bag!
I packed what seems like EVERYONE recommends. Of course, everyone has different needs but I wanted to show you what I am personally packing for myself, my husband and our baby! Leave your hospital bag must-haves in the comment section!
Better to be prepared than not at all. Even if you overpack a little (which is bound to happen), it’s so much more comforting to feel as though you have exactly what you need + more. Of course, the hospital offers a lot of items to you but they are the bare basics. If you’re like me and you enjoy the comforts of home and your own personal things when you go places, this is for you!
When is the best time to pack a hospital bag for baby’s arrival?
It seems like 34 weeks is a great consensus on when to have the bag packed and ready to go. It might take a while for some items to come in so start to order around 32 weeks pregnant. If you’re at risk for early labor, you might want to pack further in advance, for example, around 30 weeks.
Furthermore, tell your partner to pack their bag too or pack it for them if you know it will never happen on their end. I think the most organized way to do it is to have three bags, one for the person giving birth, one for the partner and one for baby. If you want to keep your items more contained, pack a bag with your partner.
Lastly, the best time though is whenever YOU feel is right and what will give you peace of mind. Are you a planner? Do it earlier! Totally overwhelmed and need help? Ask an organized friend or your mom to help you sort it out!
For Mom:
Cute hospital bag: I love this one from Childhome. It’s so chic and HUGE and can fit so much!
Clear toiletry bags: so that you can see clearly what items are in what bag.
Going home outfit: I wanted something cozy + comfy. I decided to go with the Hatch Hospital Departure Bundle. It’s pricy but it’s so soft, comfortable and will be perfect for postpartum as well. I love this for a more affordable option!
Gown for labor and birth: This Frida Mom hospital gown is PERFECT. It opens in the back for epidural access, it opens in front for easy skin-to-skin or nursing, and it is so soft and luxurious feeling. It’s a one size fits all so don’t even worry about sizing! It’s big, spacious and comfy for any size mama or bump! So much better than the gown you’d be given at the hospital and it’s only $29.
Grippy socks: for that slippery hospital floor!
Flip flops for shower: Because hospital shower floors should never touch your bare feet (lol). These are cushy, waterproof and the best shower or walking around the hospital shoe.
Slippers: so that your feet can stay warm if you are walking around. These smiley slippers are beyond cute and cozy. Only $19 too!
Nursing bras: I can’t get over how comfortable these nursing bras are!
Postpartum underwear: this is an option if you don’t want to use disposable ones. I wanted to have the option of both. The material is so soft.
Silverettes nipple protectors: apparently, these are every Italian woman’s secret to saving their nipples while breastfeeding. This in addition to the nipple care set below should help a lot with the breastfeeding journey
Nipple care: This set seems great. Breastfeeding can really take a toll on your nipples. This comes with two steps. Step 1: Soothe with Cracked Nipple Saline Spray . Sterile saltwater in a convenient spritz Step 2: Hydrate with No-Mess Nipple Balm. Lanolin-free oil that’s easy to apply for mess-free relief.
Eye masks: the hospital lighting can be bright and overwhelming, use these!
Lip balm: to combat the dry hospital air! The last thing you want is dry lips during your stay at the hospital. This one is natural and vegan.
Bath towels: one for you and one for your partner. Hospital towels are thin and small. Bring your own if you are a little extra like me.
Car seat: We got the Nuna PIPA lite RX! Heard amazing things about it. It is so well-made. What I love is that this one comes with a base for your car BUT you don’t need the base necessarily. The car seat can be buckled in without the base too (great for grandparents and easy transferring!)
Electrolyte packets: giving birth is a lot of work, mama. Stay hydrated with these packets – they are sugar-free, vegan and non-GMO and they taste like yummy pink lemonade.
Nursing pillow: if you plan to breastfeed, check out this nursing pillow for easier nursing.
Waffle Robe: if you don’t want to get dressed fully at the hospital but want to have something on, a robe is perfect.
Peri bottle: this one comes highly recommended. Pee more comfortably postpartum with this.
Instant ice pads: for soothing your V after birth! A more comfortable, pain-free recovery will be much needed. Instant cold therapy for instant relief. Life-saver!
For Partner:
Phone chargers: it is important to get extra long chargers that are 10+ feet so that you can easily reach.
Snacks: bring snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated in case they don’t give you a mini fridge in your room.
- granola bars
- cereal
- dried fruit
- apples
- clementines
- bananas
- crackers/chips/pretzels
- peanut butter packets
- popcorn
Toiletries to share: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mini shampoo + conditioner, body wash (add this to a travel size bottle), deodorant for mom, deodorant for dad, hair gel
(we are sharing everything except deodorant!)
Our own pillows
Outfit to sleep in, going home outfit
Sweatshirt
Extra Blankets: the room might be cold and the hospital blankets are thin, bring an extra or 2!
For Baby:
Diaper bag: I packed all of the items for baby in my diaper bag from caraa sport. It’s so chic and it’s vegan! It has so many compartments, pockets and its super well-made.
2 outfits for baby (1 smaller 1 bigger): ya never know what size your baby will be so bring a few different sized outfits for them. I love the clothes from Monica + Andy! This set is so cute (shirt, pants, hat).
Sleeper: bring something soft, warm and cozy, for your baby to sleep in.
Onesies: bring a few onesies, they could come in handy. This organic cotton 8-pack is $15.99. What a steal!
Going home outfit: I am bringing a couple options from Monica + Andy and Colored Organics.
Socks: don’t let baby’s feet get cold.
Formula: Also, planning on formula feeding? Bring an option with you if you don’t want to use what the hospital offers.
Burp cloth: bring a few burp cloths, these are the softest, nicest burp cloths. I love muslin material.
Swaddle: these gorgeous, breathable, bamboo swaddles are softer than any swaddle I have felt – they are luxurious and perfect for wrapping up your new baby.
Baby blanket: OMG. Best baby blanket ever. It’s not too heavy or too thin and it’s buttery soft (and affordable!) $22 for this amazing blanket, and the colors are so earthy and neutral. Double love.
Nail file: baby might be born with long nails, we don’t want them scratching themselves!
Hope this is helpful for what to pack in your hospital bag, from a first time (vegan) mama!
Are you a vegan mom too? Make sure to check out this blog on whether breastmilk is vegan!
xoxo,
Danielle
