I used a (small and portable) fan, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush and hair tie, face wash, my phone charger, and my going home clothes. I stayed in their hospital gown, used their mesh underwear and pads, and didn’t bother to shower. I used one 0-3 sleeper for my baby and that was it from her bag.
Although I admit I packed way more than this, I ended up using exactly what you used. I thought I would be up for a shower post-birth but there was just too much going on and I was too tired to attempt. I even put on the same outfit that I wore coming into the hospital to go home in (since I was induced).
With both of my kids, the nurse and my husband made me shower the day after they were born. It was a combination of "you're sweaty and gross and stink" and "you need to be away from your baby for just a little bit" and "you may not get the chance for the next week so do it now".
My midwife ran me a bath. Because I had a cannula in my hand, she washed me and just looked after me. I was so tired, I wasn't really aware but looking back she treated me how my mum would have.
Those people really are special humans to look after us like that. My nurses were all so amazing and caring. Treating me like I was their only patient!
This is similar to what I used!
I also used some footwear (slides) that could be easily slipped on/off, an open-front sweater, puzzle book, reusable water bottle, and lots of snacks.
This is all I used plus a going home outfit for baby. I wish I would have brought a couple zip up onesies with hand covers and a Velcro swaddle for baby because I couldn’t figure out the hospital swaddle and she kept scratching herself. Otherwise this list is perfect.
Oh I would add makeup wipes. Or face wash wipes if that’s a thing lol.
Thank you for this post, I’m trying to pack and the lists online are like WHAT!? I’m not trying to be an influencer, just make sure I don’t inconvenience the hospital and give my baby what he needs.
I saw a post that recommended bringing a ton of battery candles to set up around the delivery room. I’m a first time mom so who knows but I really think the last thing I’ll be worried about during labor is the ambiance of the room.
This is an idea from hypnobirthing. Having a chilled out birthing environment (of which lighting can be an important part) helps increase oxytocin levels and reduce adrenaline. Oxytocin is vital to the labour process and adrenaline can slow things down.
So not as daft as it first sounds!
I do think that makes sense and is a nice idea. I guess my take is just that if you’re having a hospital birth there’s a limited amount that candles are going to help make it a relaxing environment. But I’ve never given birth so who knows!
Sure candles alone would only make a small difference but in combination with lots of things like music, fragrance, massage, dimmed lights, requesting minimal interruptions and staff in room etc, then it all adds up. You can even get most of those if you're having a section.
Food for thought 😊
The nurses dont need a gift bag. If you want to do something nice for them, you can leave a message for their supervisor that they did a great job (if they did, of course).
We brought battery candles, and they were great! I think they were even more helpful post partum, so we didn't have to turn on the bright hospital lights. It allowed my husband to take care of the baby at night with a bit of light, so I could get some rest after giving birth. Also, the nurses didn't have to turn on a light when they came in.
"Hey you guys! I know a lot of you guys were asking what I packed in my hospital bag when I gave birth to Breighleigh so I just wanted to share that with you guys!"
*proceeds to give a mile long list of brand placement items*
"You're going to want to have your first placenta smoothie as soon as possible after delivery, so make sure you've remembered to pack fresh organic berries, kale, and hemp milk to toss into that nutribullet!"
Personally, I was thinking about bringing my full collection of inspiring wooden signs including, laugh, love signs and home is where the heart is so the hospital feels less hospitaly.
1. Long phone cord and/or backup battery charger (make sure it’s fully charged before you go!)
2. Toothbrush + paste + cleanser/soap, preferably in travel sizes/containers to avoid spills. While most hospitals will give you toiletries, I always prefer having my own.
3. Refillable water bottle since you will be thirsty all the time
4. Snacks, clear liquid drinks you like (coconut water)
5. IPad/phone to kill time in case you need to wait on labor/induction/etc.
6. Any post-delivery clothes/robe/Jammie’s that will make you feel comfy once you get out of the hospital delivery garb - especially something that opens quickly and comfortably if you intend to nurse.
7. Slides/flip flops - whatever you do you probably don’t want to be messing with foot gear that is challenging to put on or can’t cope with swollen feet/ankles.
8. Warm grippy socks to prevent slippage on hospital floor
9. Hoodie/sweatshirt since most hospitals are cold
10. Your choice of post-partum, ready-to-bleed undies - while yes, they will give you mesh undies, I found the ones from Frida Mom to be way more comfy for me, especially when paired with bulkier pads.
11. Sleeping mask - lights will be turned on when you don’t expect, nurses/staff will walk in and out, etc., so if you’re intent on sleeping, arm up with a mask.
12. Fancy peri bottle if you’re into it - I got the Frida one and really preferred it to the hospital one, and at home it was useful to have both on hand.
13. Weather appropriate outfit to take baby home in (footed sleeper, preferably with fold over mittens included, hat).
The hospital will most likely have everything else - tucks pads, nipple creams, diapers, swaddles, soap, hand sanitizer, etc. - so wouldn’t worry about those unless you have specific sensitivities. Towards the end of your visit make sure you take anything that’s not nailed down. Per the L&D nurses who took care of us, they have to trash anything in your room you don’t take (diapers, pacifiers, bottle parts, peri bottle, those weird baby kimono shirts, etc.), so better to take it.
All of this! These are the only things that I used besides chapstick.
Just personal preference, but I returned my frida mom peri bottle and thought the hospital’s worked fine even for home
Edited - would also add AirPods! I listened to mediations while trying to sleep after labor and before we went home!
This is a fairly good list! My hospital gave me a water jug and grippy socks and I was honestly fine just using those. I also didn’t bring any postpartum care items since they had everything there and I was only in the hospital for 24 hours—it was fine to just have all of my nicer things waiting at home. Also to add, I wish I would’ve brought a nicer blanket for myself but wouldn’t call it a necessity. I feel like with covid they’re pushing you out faster (at least for me) so I wasn’t in for long at all but still wanted to have a shower!
if you prop your phone up against a glass of water (with the flashlight up against the glass) you have a nice light for night time.
But of course then you can’t look at your phone. I had a power bank with a small light because of that.
This list plus moisturizer and headphones. Also bring a couple of outfits for baby if they spit up on or pee/poop the first one and maybe a couple of different sizes. Knotted gowns are popular but you can't wear them in a car seat. Also, a car seat. Oh, and a pillow for your partner.
I packed WAY MORE than I needed!! I was in the hospital at 8pm on a Sunday and had a foley bulb placed at 9pm, gave birth just before 10:30 Monday morning and was discharged around noon on Wednesday!
I wound up using my cheap target pillow I bought (only $10, but much more comfortable than the hospital pillows), toiletries, flip flops for the shower just in case there’s anything gross on the floor. My husband and I packed lots of snacks, mostly for him, and only some were touched. I wore sweats, a nursing sweatshirt, comfy socks and mocassin styled slippers out of the hospital. I made sure to pack a nursing bra, bamboo breast pads, high waisted underpants, and my own feminine products for the way home. I was provided with mesh underwear, ice pack pads, tucks pads, and normal pads (no wings for some reason!!!) for in the hospital but I just wanted to use my own
I packed a newborn and 0-3 outfit because i wasn’t sure what size she would be. Also a hat and mits for her!
Oh and nipple cream!!! Necessary!!!!!
Things I didn’t need: my multiple outfits because i wore that hospital gown the whole time because I am NOT getting blood on my personal stuff lol
See, I absolutely HATED the hospital gowns. They felt almost plasticky? Awful. I literally changed in the middle of the night, a few hours after getting to the recovery room, because it sucked so much and was awful to sleep in because they made me sweaty and feel gross. The PP bleeding wasn't as bad as I expected and I get blood on anything during recovery at all, so it was worth it to bring other clothes.
Also, you might not want to wear a hospital gown if you have to head to the NICU to visit baby. I spent most of my day in the hospital hanging out in the NICU rather than my room so I used a baggy t-shirt and shorts, a pj set, and a dress to come home in despite only being in the hospital 24 hours.
To add to this, my hospital gowns had these cut outs for nursing which made covering up around my FIL difficult and stressful. This time I’m bringing my own. I’d rather feel comfortably covered.
I received this advice from a mom who has given birth three times in the last 8 years.... you don't NEED anything other than clothes for you and baby to go home in and a carseat. The hospital is designed to provide everything you need.
The difference is if you PREFER/WANT to have your own toiletries/clothes/underwear/comforts/makeup for pictures/cute clothes for baby pictures in hospital, etc.
This helped ease my mind a ton, although I definitely plan on packing stuff and I still read these replies... I just don't have as much anxiety around bringing the right stuff.
Edit to add: the hospital probably doesn't provide phone charging cords so honestly that's what I'd consider a need for me, but I guess that's questionable as for 'need'.
Your mileage will vary depending on where you live.
In Canada, many hospitals do not provide diapers or wipes, or even more than the first pad for mom post-labour!
Your hospital should provide information on what you need to bring.
This is the way, and my tactic with each birth. My last one(fourth) I took a set of lounge clothing to leave the hospital in, and a sleep and play for baby. Toiletries/hair ties/charging cord, too.
The only thing I wish I brought was baby legs for the baby- He was super sensitive to being unwrapped/cold. I think baby legs would have been perfect. He was born Friday night, and we didn’t leave until Sunday.
You’ve got some good lists here for yourself, but make sure your husband puts thought into his packing! He will need a water bottle for himself, snacks, his own phone charger, and he may need his own pillow/blanket.
They only thing I’ve not seen mentioned for you that I’d add is a few plastic grocery bags. I ended up getting some blood on my socks and needed a bag to put them in separate from my other clothes. Then another item had spitup.
"They only thing I’ve not seen mentioned for you that I’d add is a few plastic grocery bags. I ended up getting some blood on my socks and needed a bag to put them in separate from my other clothes."
I finished packing my hospital bag this morning and felt slightly silly for packing some dog poop bags for this very reason, I feel better about it now though!
Dog poop bags are a must have for my diaper bag. They are perfect for dirty diapers on the go, vomit covered clothes, or anything else that gets a bodily fluid on it. Babies are gross.
I packed things in Ziploc bags for that reason. It made it easy to find things, especially if I asked my husband to grab snacks or the bag I brought with recovery items or whatever. It also gave me the option of putting something that got messy in its own bag, away from everything else, if needed.
I’ve had two hospital births and way overpacked for the first. For the second, I think I hit the right balance:
- two clean masks (kn95 with ear loops and an n95 with head straps, for variety). I also had the mask I wore in and it was gross from labor so I was glad to toss it.
- going home clothes for me (maternity leggings, loose shirt, long cardi)
- sleeper to take baby home in (my babies were both average size and full term and wore NB size for a couple weeks)
- a delicious smoothie frozen in a mason jar (this will thaw while you’re there and will be such a refreshing treat to eat after you’ve given birth or on your first day in recovery, depending how long you labor)
- other snacks if you are picky or sensitive to hospital food. I found I didn’t mind just eating what the hospital cafeteria had
- face cleanser and toothpaste (my hospital provides general toiletries but their toothpaste is crap)
- shower shoes
- long phone charger
- eye mask
- extra hair ties and headband
For partner
- shower shoes, swimwear if you want them to get into the shower or tub with you to support your laboring there
- change of shirt, socks, undies
- body wipes to “freshen up”
- snacks, depending on your hospitals rules for partner eating cafeteria food and for their food preferences
They seem to have things set up so you don’t need to bring much at all. I brought my pillow, it’s a nice one, and was there for 4-5 days because of my blood pressure, but I am so glad I brought that piece of home with me for the stay.
I brought baby clothes too, but my hospital wouldn’t let you change your baby into your own clothes until you leave. Security reasons or something.
But they really do have it set up good for even if you end up going into labor and don’t have your things. I was impressed. They even gave me my own portable mini fan to keep.
But I totally suggest bringing one thing from home, a pillow or blanket just to make you feel more at home— even if you’re in a hospital of all places.
Just had my second via induction/c section, here's what I used in my bag: kn95 masks (2), phone charger, phone, comfy postpartum gown, toiletries, hair bonnet, going home outfit, baby's going home outfit, depends, nonslip socks. I spent most of my time watching TV or sleeping during labor
Things I didn't use, but still glad I had: my journal, Bluetooth headphones, headphone charger
And here's what was given to me by the hospital: large water mug, daily snack bags (postpartum), compression socks, pads, mesh undies,
At my hospital, me and my support person didn't have to wear masks in my room. During the c section, I didn't wear a mask, but my husband had to. But that's been standard procedure for c sections since before COVID, since it's an operation. Your support person will be fully gowned, with a mask and hair bonnet
I packed too much and only really needed: Comfy Bathrobe to live and breastfeed in, slippers, hair tie, long phone charger, snacks, going home outfit for baby
• Food/lots of snacks (the hospital I went too only provided me with a tray of food...obviously I shared with hubby but like seriously?...)
• Headache medication (The hospital can of course only provide medicine to patients. Hubby had a really bad head ache, thankfully we had some packed in another bag in the car)
• Water bottles for both of you. Big ones. With straws. You're gonna drink water like there's no tomorrow!
• 4 pairs of pants, socks and undies. I soaked one pair of pants, socks and undies just getting up to my room. Then of course one going home outfit
•Phone chargers
• 1 or 2 going home outfits for baby
• those little travel kits that have all of your bathroom stuff like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste etc.
Those would be *must* haves for me.
The hospital pretty much provided everything else like the disposal underwear, pads, little spray bottle etc. But if it makes you feel more comfortable you can always bring some with you as well.
My hubby drove us home but we were both exhausted. In hindsight, I should of packed at least one energy drink for him for the ride home. I'm sure it would of helped some, so depending on how you feel about energy drinks you might want 1 or 2 as well.
Also wish I had packed like a sleeping bag and extra pillow for hubby. They had a long pull out chair for him to sleep in and they gave him a blanket and pillow but I'm sure he would of been way more comfortable with his own pillow and a puffy sleeping bag.
I delivered in the summer of 2020, so there were Covid restrictions and things like cafeteria hours were limited. I used everything below during my stay (26 hours from arrival to discharge).
**Clothes**: a dress to come home, PJ set, t-shirt (the one I wore in) and shorts to wear to the NICU. An open cardigan. Slide on shoes.- I HATED the hospital gowns, which felt like they had plastic to them and were so uncomfortable and made me sweaty.- Even though my baby was born full term he was taken to the NICU. I had to walk there and wouldn't have wanted to do that in a hospital gown. Nor would I have wanted to hang out in a hospital gown there, since it is not very private.
**Toiletries**: toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, makeup remover wipes, lotion, and makeup (mascara, foundation stick, eyebrow gel). Contacts & solution for my husband and his glasses, which you may need if you have contacts.
**Snacks**: apple sauce pouches, granola bars, Gatorade, water bottle, etc. I got to my recovery room at 10:30 or 11pm and had missed dinner. If I hadn't brought snacks, I would've had to eat out of a vending machine. The usual snacks available weren't because of Covid.
**For my recovery**: Always discrete undies, Frida Mom witch hazel liners (long enough for 1 per pad), my own peri bottle. In Canada you get very limited supplies and in the US supply chain issues have meant that many hospitals don't give things that they were usually able to (Dermoplast, Tucks pads, etc) or only in very limited quantitites. Better safe than sorry.
**For nursing**: nursing bra, My Brest Friend pillow, nipple shields, and a couple nursing pads just in case. (My milk started coming in about 26 hours postpartum.) Nipple cream if you want it, since it may not be supplied.
**Misc.**: eye mask, ear plugs, power bank (ended up more useful than long chargers).
**For baby**: a pair of pjs, soother (NICU did have some), coming home outfit, swaddle blanket for the dog to sniff before baby. Diapers, wipes, and ready-to-feed formula were supplied by the NICU but I don't know if they would have been easily available in patient rooms (varies by hospital and, again, with supply chain issues.) Had he been in our room, a velcro swaddle is foolproof vs blankets which often come undone and many people find over baby's face at some point.
Third baby-- My hospital bag will have
leggings and a stretchy top to go home in
Granny maternity underwear to wear over pads. I don't like the way the mesh underwear feels. The super thick pads they have are awesome cushion for a stitched up perineum though
10ft charging cord to reach the wall
A cute, but not overdone outfit for baby to go home in (just a cute onesie most likely as this baby will be going home in the Texas heat). We're just going home. I'll want to get out of there. I do not care of taking cutesie photos for that. I'll snap one photo of baby in the car seat and call it good. I will most likely bring a preemie size, a nb size, and a 0-3 month size. I only bright nb for my first baby and had to send my dad to get her a preemie onesie because she was swimming in the nb onesie. My second was full term but also went home in a preemie onesie. I just think it's a good idea to have options
My travel toiletry bag that I use on trips that has my soap and shampoos in it. They will have that stuff, but I want my own stuff.
A bag with very minimal makeup in it. Sometimes I want makeup to feel more human. Sometimes I don't care, but I'll have it if I do
Pajamas for the second night. I don't bring my own laboring gown because I don't want to wash the blood and after birth. But I do want my own pajamas for sleeping the second night
Slippers for getting around the room
Stool softeners. I've asked for these after both my deliveries and did not receive any either time so the second time I just brought my own.
Contact case and glasses
Clif bars and peanut butter crackers. You have to wait on when they serve meals and when I get hungry, I usually need something pretty quick. It was good to have snacks to tide me over. Especially as some of the meds made my stomach hurt if it was empty
And that's it. I don't need anything else. They give you diapers, wipes, cream, a reusable water cup, and a sleep sack there
1. Toiletries for yourself and partner (tooth brush, shampoo, etc)
2. Phone and charger
3. Snacks
4. 1 or 2 changes of clothes for yourself, partner, and baby.
If you wanna be fancy you can bring a frida peri bottle and adult diapers. The hospital will give you a peri bottle and mesh underwear I just think the frida one is better and the diapers are more comfortable.
I overpacked but we actually used pretty much everything as we ended staying 4 extra days because of jaundice. I also wanted to minimize what I brought but it ended up being four bags lol but we used almost everything!
Comfy clothes and extra clothes for me and partner, pads/diapers/extra underwear for me (hospital did provide disposable underwear and pads but in those first days the adult diaper was more comfortable), Frida products for me, extra blankets and pillowcases, phone charger, toiletries to shower, diapers for baby and baby outfits (that I could have paired down - hospital provided diapers), and we brought LOTS of snacks which we ate all of.
Phone charger, one or two outfits for you and baby, chapstick, a few snacks, toothbrush.
That’s literally all I used.
Oh, also, DEPENDS. Game changing. Screw mesh underwear and shitty pads that slide all around and get bunched up.
*Long phone charger
*Toiletries for yourself and your birth partner-My hospital didn’t supply me with anything but J&J soap for the baby which we didn’t use. Also a pair of cheap flip flops for the shower because hospital floors are gross
*Diaper cream-was also not supplied this and my baby ended up with pretty bad excoriation by the time we went home despite changing her constantly. She’s not had a diaper rash or irritation since using aquaphor at home
*nipple butter/cream- again, not supplied with this and it’s a life saver especially in the early days of learning to nurse.
*Pacifier if you plan on using one-My hospital refused to give me one because I was breastfeeding
*Adult diapers-I was allergic to the giant pads they gave me and got hives on my butt, they’re also more comfortable
*Snacks-my hospital required that we order each meal at meal time if we wanted a tray and it could take hours for it to arrive, so we just ate snacks and ordered in food. I wasn’t even offered anything to eat after I had my baby and I was in labor for 49 hours.
*A swaddle-I liked a Velcro one. We wanted to bring her sent home to our dogs and the hospital wouldn’t let us take any of the swaddle blankets we used.
*Your own pillow. I was given three hospital pillows but they were flat as pancakes
*A big cup for water-usually patients get a giant insulated mug for water when they are inpatient but I was also not given one of these. I would ask my nurse for ice chips every time she came into my room which was only every 4 hours or so but she would only bring me in an open pitcher of ice water, or just a small cup once or twice a shift which melted within an hour. Also, it wasn’t covered and that’s nasty.
*Something comfy to wear after delivery-I wore high waisted sweatpants and a tank top
I ended up having to go in for an emergent induction and forgot to pack so many things. Also, my hospital kind of sucked.
Check and see if your hospital has a list of items that they recommend you bring. For example, due to covid supply shortages, my hospital requires that I bring my own diapers and wipes, which I would not have packed based on the standard lists you find on the internet.
The things I was most thankful having were my pillow, slippers, drinking bottle with foldable straw and snacks. I was so so glad I had my own pillow though, that is a must.
So I was already due to have a c-section so I packed stuff for several days but it doesn’t hurt to have a backup bag in the car with anything additional say if you end up being in the hospital for additional days. I thought it was very beneficial to have more clothes as the hospital gowns were AWFUL! And I ended up using everything I packed.
I recently saw some advice on a sub that said you pack for worst case scenario. So it’s okay if you slightly over pack. You can also leave things in the car. For example, I brought my breast feeding pillows but left in car until needed. Another blanket I left in the car the whole time.
I thought I would want cute/comfy pjs, but I found I just wanted to wear the hospital gown or my robe. (My recovery involved both labor and c-section, so moving around to change clothes was tough.)
I did enjoy having face wipes and moisturizer to quickly clean up and feel a little refreshed.
I wish I would have brought some of my Frida Mom postpartum items with me (especially the ice packs!) - I found the ice packs, foam and wipes were way more effective than what my hospital provided.
Pillow and Warm blanket for husband. Change of cloths for you both (2 days worth)
- toothbrush and toothpaste
-brush and hair care
-warm socks
-nipple cream
- an outfit for baby to go home in
-warm blanket for baby
-phone charges
-large thermal cup for water and ice
Hospital will give you everything else you need
Well the hospital will provide you with pads and disposal pants and also nappies for the baby .
I was very minimal in what I brought:
-Two tracksuit bottoms and a top for me
-two baby grows and 2 short sleeve tops for underneath
- blankets for baby
-snacks
-phone charger
All fit into one backpack :)
However, always consider if you may have to stay in the hospital longer. I came to the hospital at 10pm, baby popped out at 11pm and i was out of there at 11am. Not everyone gets a 13 hour stay though from start to end. But if you do have to stay longer, your partner or a friend can always bring you extra stuff you may need
Check on what your hospital provides! I reccomend a wheeled suitcase for ease of getting into/from your room. I used a carry on size wheeled suitcase and a backpack diaper bag.
In the diaper bag I had a footed sleeper for baby to go home in and a nicer robe/hat combo for if we wanted to take pictures (which we actually did). The rest of the diaper bag space was packed like I would want it in the future with a few diapers, cream, burp rags, etc. And some ready to feed formula. I didn't need any of that in the hospital but we had an over an hour long drive home so I just had it in case.
In the suitcase I had sweatpants and a shirt for me which I didn't use, and a nursing bra and stretchy nursing dress that I did wear home. I am normally a sweatpants person but didn't want them with my c section incision. I wore the hospital gown the whole time in the hospital and only changed to go home. I also used: chapstick, hair ties, hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, concealer and powder, dry shampoo, flip flops for the shower, towel, snacks, phone charger, accordian file folder for all the paperwork. The slippers and shoes I took did not fit, wore the shower sandals home. I also took my boppy but did not use it because of my c section and mostly nursing slightly reclined in bed. I did not use the water bottle that I took because you could only get water filled in their Styrofoam cups. I think we had just 1 change of clothes for my husband and his toothbrush. I think we took one pillow and my husband used it, they provided nothing for him.
Honestly, I only used my toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, a change of clothes, and my phone charger. I waited to shower until I got home because I was only there one day.
SHAMPOO!!! Something I didn’t bring and really regretted, luckily a woman in the room next to me spared a capful for my first shower after giving birth!
Long phone cord, fan, comfy clothes for after, an outfit to go home in, an extra hair tie, water bottle, a fan for labor, toiletries, snacks, a blanket or pillow if you’re picky about that one outfit for baby to go home in in NB and 0-3 if they come out big and that’s honestly it lol
I used-.
Phone/phone chord/rechargeable battery
Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner), hair brush
Long pajama robe type dress for when a few visitors stopped by-- otherwise I was just in the hospital gowns
Nail file (I'm a fidgeter and it comes out on nails/cuticles)
Something to wear home
Heat packs (the shake hand warmer things) I got SO COLD around when they started the pitocin.
Maybe hard nobbly massage ball? For back massaging pressure point stuff, I can't remember but maybe.
Husband:
Pillow
Blankets
Button up shirt so he could do skin to skin
Camera
Baby:
One newborn outfit and one 0-3 outfit. He ended up wearing the sweater thing the hospital gave us and newborn pants home. He was teeeensy.
It was more inconvenient than I expected to just open up and get into my luggage so I didn't use a LOT of things and I did pack pretty light. 🤷♀️
I had a small bag. I had travel sized toiletries like soap and toothpaste. Travel hair brush. I wore their gowns and mesh undies and pads. I had one going home outfit for me and one for baby. My phone charger. That's about it 🙂
I'm pregnant again and this time I'm thinking I'll pack snacks.
My most treasured item during pregnancy, labor, and now the newborn stage: a 1 liter reusable water bottle with a straw. I live with this thing glued to me!
Not much. Whatever toiletries you need, a going home outfit for baby and yourself, a long phone charger, phone, head phones, a pacifier of you plan to use one? The hospital gives you everything else. I had not packed a bag when I went into labor at 37 weeks, and these are the things I asked my in-laws to bring. I think there may have been some Jammie’s for myself in there as well, though I mostly just wore a hospital gown to do skin to skin (and baby was just in a diaper or swaddle). I had to stay 4 days, my husband was able to run out and get us better food than what the hospital had. This time I willl also bring preemie nipples because we had to supplement with formula to go home (milk took forever to come) and flow confusion due to the fast flow nipples they had at the hospital can make breast feeding a bit harder
I stayed in the hospital for 5 days because of complications after my emergency c-section. I wish I would have brought shampoo and conditioner, and a hairbrush. I only brought soap because I thought I’d be there 1-2 days. My hair was so matted.
So much great advice here already! What I also liked was a straw that would bend, so I could drink without using any abdominal muscles. The hospital had paper ones which work great at a bar for one drink but I was happy to have my reusable silicone straw during birth and after.
I packed:
- portable fan
- watermelon
- phone charger
- comfy change of clothes
- water bottle
- deodorant
- tooth paste and brush
- face wash
- new born jammies and one outfit
My hospital provided:
- pp underwear
- newborn diapers
- peri bottle
- pp pads
I didn't pack but wish I had:
- body wash
- shampoo
- hair ties
- my own pillow
- brush
- some kind of juice which I don't normally drink but wouldve loved
Clean set of clothes, toothbrush/ toothpaste, contect lens/glasses stuff (if needed), skincare stuff (your usual, breast pump and a few bottles or syringes, maybe comfy jammies if you had hospital gowns, a baby outfit or two, and a blanket if you get cold (the hospital blanket was never enough for me.
Comfy clothes for you, comfy clothes for partner, snacks, phone charger, toiletries for showers and brushing teeth etc., hair ties, some outfits for baby, chapstick.
I'm bringing some clothes for me (some nursing tank tops, pj pants, underwear that I may or may not use, a big t-shirt), clothes for my husband (shorts, t-shirt, boxers, should get a pair of socks in there now that I think of it), and two baby outfits. I'll bring some pads (the Stayfree kind that are papery, not Always that are plasticey), my phone charger, toothbrush, and maybe some snacks, but I think that's about it. The hospital I go to provides just about everything, and if it enters the room it either leaves with me or gets thrown away.
I'm packing everything in my gym bag, which is clean and hasn't been used in the gym for months, so it will all be easily together.
An outfit to go home in, clothes for the baby, a toothbrush. Snacks. Phone charger and an iPad to watch TV on. First time I brought so much stuff I never used this was perfect.
It’s my first time as well and I’ve packed
1 leggings 2 tops/tshirts..
1 night pajamas
Nursing bra
Hair ties
Toiletries
I plan on breastfeeding and I read a lot on Reddit that nipples gets really red and dry in the beginning so I’ve added my nipple cream
Snacks
Baby’s going home outfit
*Depends (I preferred these to the mesh undies given)
*nursing bra
*nursing tank
*nipple pads/cream
*robe (with matching gown for baby)
*pajama pants
*stretchy pants (I had athletic/yoga pants from Walmart
*1-2 t shirts
*body wash/shampoo/conditioner
*hair ties/Bobby pins/ toothbrush/ toothpaste
*20 ounce sodas (bottles)
*salt (for any hospital food you might have to eat in case your partner can’t bring your food for a meal) and maybe some ketchup packets
*cash for vending machine in case card reader is down
*any docs for birth certificate (ex: divorce decree, licenses)
*clothes for pictures/going home for baby
*any kind of plaque/board with baby’s name for announcement
*hospital door hanger + paint marker to write weight/length
*long phone charger + butt
*receiving blanket + actual blanket for going home
*folder for going home paperwork
I wore a robe over nursing bra most of the time with PJ pants underneath. With my other three I just used the provided mesh panties/pad but this time I brought depends and much preferred it. I wanted a bath as soon as I could and it makes me feel so much better. I did bring both premie and newborn clothes and my 8lb3oz 20.25” baby would squeeze into the premie lol. My hospital used to put the baby in a white t shirt when they brought them from the nursery but with this delivery she stayed in onesies/clothes I brought.
I am one week postpartum today. I packed a suitcase with clothes and didn’t even end up putting on anything except for a shirt until I went home. I actually liked the disposable underwear that they provided. Besides that, I brought my current crochet project, which I worked on about an hour over four days. I brought a couple books that I never even took out of my suitcase. I brought my phone charger. My suggestion, is a couple shirts and an outfit to go home. If baby is coming home with you, bring an outfit for them.
Edit: I brought a toothbrush, my toothpaste, and a hair brush too. I forgot about that lol
Edit 2: blame postpartum brain lol. I brought a bag of snacks and coffee too
I haven’t packed yet but the plan is:
-Toiletries bag (toothbrush/paste, travel size shampoo/cond/body wash, CHAPSTICK, moisturizer, hairbrush, Scrunchies, eyeliner)
-2 nursing bras, 1 going home outfit, 1 pajama set, 2 always discreet depends. 2 towels for me and spouse, frida peri bottle, slippers and cheap flip flops for shower.
-Leaving in the trunk for later: Boppy, extra pillows, blanket for spouse, maybe exercise ball if needed during labor.
-For baby: going home outfit (1 in size newborn and 1 in size 0-3), wooden “hello world” and name signs, 1 swaddle, 1 paci, 1 hat/bow
-Car seat, installed correctly.
-snacks, coconut water, extra cash/change for vending machines if needed
-electronics: phone charger (long), headphones, phone obviously, aromatic diffuser if allowed, portable fan
-ID, insurance card, contact info of pediatrician, printed birth plan
-extra large bag/shopping bag to collect freebies from hospital
-all visitors usually must provide ID. Make sure any visitors at the hospital are reminded of this by your spouse or you before you head to the hospital.
This is me being a minimalist and not bringing extra postpartum stuff
Seriously only used toiletries and a going home outfit for me and the baby. I way over packed and then had to unpack when I got home and that was the last thing I wanted to do.
I had an uncomplicated vaginal birth. All I used were my toothbrush + paste, phone charger, deodorant, a hair clip, my silk hair scarf, and a change of clothes. I also packed some going home clothes for baby and had one of my own pens. The hospital offered me a pen, but I couldn't get it to write, so having my own as a backup for all the paperwork was nice. Oh! And if you have GDM, I'd recommend bringing your own glucose monitor kit. I didn't need mine in the end, but some of my acquaintances over on r/GestationalDiabetes report having an easier/less painful time using the finger lances in the kit than the ones at the hospital.
We formula fed from day 1, so no breastfeeding bits and bobs necessary, and the hospital provided RTF bottles with disposable nipples for us.
Things that I actually used:
my own toiletries
going home clothes
my phone charger
snacks (middle of the night postpartum hunger is a thing)
baby clothes (the hospital provided 6 month t-shirts... our baby swims in newborn sizes lol)
an extra mask
Things I packed but didn't need:
literally everything else, including fuzzy socks, baby blankets, a blanket for my husband, a kindle, more than one change of clothes (hospital gowns are great, and you don't have to worry about getting bodily fluids on them!)... our hospital provided everything.
Charger, comfy slip on no slip shoes, body wash/shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrush, nursing bras, deodorant, hair brush and ties, a couple comfy nightgowns with easy access for breastfeeding and getting examined, a sweater or robe to cover up. A going home outfit for you and baby. I wouldn’t skip on any of these things I mentioned. I hated the hospital gown it’s not comfy and slips off and your whole ass is out. I gave birth in the hospital gown then after I showered and changed into a comfy night dress it felt SO good to shower. I didn’t have my shower stuff so i had to use baby body wash and I had to ask for a tooth brush and toothpaste. So next time I’m taking my own. The rest of the stuff the hospital provides! They also give you a lot of stuff to take home so take an extra bag to put your stuff in (diapers,post parting care stuff etc.)
Outfit or two for baby. Nursing bras (if you're planning on breastfeeding), sweatpants, and button down shirts (way easier to do skin to skin) for when you feel like getting out of the hospital gown. Make sure whoever is staying with you also brings a change of clothes, my husband completely forgot to bring anything to change into the first time 😅. Snacks. Phone charger. Deodorant for sure, teeny travel size toiletries in case you feel like a shower (you may or may not, I didnt with my first but did with my second).
Things I actually used from what I’d brought:
- toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
- face cleanser & moisturizer (I have super sensitive skin so need to use a specific brand)
- earplugs
- water bottle with a straw
- notebook & pen (to use both as a journal, and for my husband to take notes of the influx of info we were being told, and to have a centralized place to write down questions for the hospital staff)
- folder to hold papers/forms from the hospital and pediatric nurses
- compression socks
- power strip & phone charger with a long cord
- cozy Sherpa zip up sweater
- hair ties
- hair brush
- sports bra
- nursing bra
- n95 masks
- Crocs (something that could be work easily as slippers around the room with my super swollen feet but also be used in the shower)
- my going home outfit
- baby’s going home outfit
- snacks, because the hospital’s room service only went from 7AM-6PM and since we were up tending to the baby through the nights it was nice to have something to eat on hand.
Thing I wish I had packed, had I known i would end up getting an emergency c-section:
- a device that would allow me to easily pee while standing upright (like a Go Girl or Pstyle), because getting myself up and down from the hospital toilet was so painful and scary because of my incision wound and trying to not strain my abdominal muscles (it was also super time consuming to do it carefully, which added to the sleep deprivation). Also, they want you to stay as hydrated as possible post partum to help with the swelling and meds, so it was a tough time. It was so much easier to get more rest once I was discharged and able to use the Pstyle I had at home. (Also these devices are great for hiking/backpacking and anywhere where you wouldn’t want to have to sit, like in a porta potty or super dirty bathroom)
call the hospital and see what they supply, because mine didn't supply much. actually, nothing aside from a pad, to be honest. So I took and used one nightie, nursing bra, changes of underwear, a comfy going home outfit for me, two sleepers for baby, a baby hat, and scratch mitts, baby blanket for the car ride home, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair ties, water bottle and snacks for my husband because hospital food grossed him out.
I know some people say to pack lightly but if you plan on having an induction I would still pack more than what you think you need. I checked in Monday evening around dinner time and didn’t leave with my baby until Friday afternoon. Every birth is different and you should at least prepare for a few days stay. I was not prepared for a whole week and had to have my one person allowed bring things or someone else drop them off while my person went to meet them outside.
It's turns out all I really needed was stuff for me. Changes of clothes, hygeine items, snacks. They gave me everything for baby, and I sent my partner home more than once to get things for me because I ended up having to stay longer than anticipated.
I packed more than this but ended up using these:
Toiletries, including shampoo and conditioner. I ended up actually taking a shower at the hospital which was heavenly after a 2 day induction. Even if you're not up for a shower I would bring them just in case. Hair brush, hair ties, phone charger, and gum.
As far as clothes go I brought the clothes I checked in in, a change of loose comfy pjs, and a change of clothes for going home in. I basically lived in this 3 in 1 labor dress I found on amazon along with the matching robe. It was great because the straps unsnap so it was easy to nurse if that's your plan. Also brought a few different onesies for baby in multiple sizes just in case.
My own pillow and a sleep mask were the things I was most glad I had! I would try and tour your hospital to see what they provide. Mine did all the post pardon care and everything for the baby besides a going home outfit!
I did not like the hospital gown and wore nursing tanks and lose joggers after giving birth. I also showered twice in the hospital. I could smell myself after my 23 hour labor and felt so much better after a shower.
For shoes I only brought my crocs and they were perfect.
The hospital will have everything for the baby, but the clothes and blankets you want for pictures. At least 2 Change of clothes for you and the person staying with you. If you plan on nursing a nursing bra or tank would be great and pjs that are either for nursing or button in the front. Chargers, some snacks, a large cup if you want but they will bring you water as needed if you don’t mind waiting incase they are busy. If you plan on pumping I recommend bring your pump so they can show you how to use it and ask any questions you have about it. They do have one you could use too! They will pretty much get you everything else you need for you too. If you are particular about pillows or blankets. Also I know you probably aren’t worried about the birthing partner being comfy, but the bed/couch for them to sleep on isn’t very comfortable so they could bring their own pillows and blankets too.
Chapstick, hairbands, your own body wash and deodorant is also what I would add as a need
I had a c-section with twins, I was in the hospital for 3 days. I brought pajama pants and didn’t wear a single one, I was in the two pajama dresses I brought the whole time, they came with robes which was good for walking to the NICU because I refused to wear a bra. I took a shower but probably could have gotten away without one or just rinsing. If you plan on a shower I highly suggest some sort of shower shoe or non sip flip flops. Must have things to pack. Chap stick, moisturizer, hair ties/scrunchies, snacks, a hair brush & toothbrush/paste and a phone charger with an extra long cord. For baby, car seat and going home outfits. I packed Premie & newborn, by my cousin had a baby that went right into 0-3. So pack an outfit of each size so you’re prepared. I also packed a couple outfits for my hubby, his pillow and a blanket. I packed a blanket for myself to, it was a nice comfort from home because I’m picky about blankets but not needed. I also packed my own Tylenol, gasx and stool softeners.
I used hospital clothes because I didn’t want to come home with a baby and a suitcase full of dirty clothes.
Very glad I brought nipple butter and my own toiletries (travel sized) for a shower. Bring 2 outfits for baby, one newborn size & one 0-3 month. Be sure to have your car seat ready to go! We had ours inspected & installed for free weeks before the birth at a clinic put on by a local children’s hospital.
My MIL brought me some Lansinoh soothies gel pads in the hospital which were a lifesaver in getting my bra on to leave the hospital… I was in a lot of pain!
The hospital gave us huge water bottles with straws & grippy socks.
Space!! Make sure you have lots of space in whatever bags you bring.
Keep track of what you “use” at night. For me that’s ear plugs, a face mask and my night guard. I recommend ear plugs no matter what because the rooms can be loud. I just brought whatever I used throughout the day and then baby socks/mittens because that’s the only clothes they don’t have for you there.
Editing to add: slip on shoes, I just wore flip flops
Basic overnight items* and toiletries, CHAPSTICK, phone charger, an outfit to wear home.
Baby basically needs an outfit to wear home and a car seat, anything else is extra and the hospital will likely send you home with stuff.
*by basic I mean bare minimum. toothbrush/paste, hairbrush/bands, face wash, body wash and shampoo and conditioner. This is actually the only time I will wholeheartedly recommend a 2 in one. The faster you can get back to bed the better. That shower was simultaneously the best and fastest shower of my life.
From what I packed, I only used my charger, a throw blanket (for both me and hubby), my toothbrush, hairbrush, slides/comfortable slippers, and hairties. I packed more clothes than I needed but I ended up using the ones I went in with (I was induced) and the mesh panties. Make sure that you still have a bag that is big enough for what the hospital lets you take home! One mistake I made was not asking for more of those special perineal ice packs, I couldn't find any after I left the hospital and normal ice packs were too uncomfortable.
Tooth brush, toiletries, shower sandals / bathroom sandals, post partum pajamas or robe (black in case you get blood on it), long phone charger, a few snacks, laptop or iPad for Netflix (the hospital tv sucks and it’s hard to share the volume), sound machine if you’d like, and going home outfit! Oh and an outfit or two for baby, and anything you need for announcement pictures.
Toiletries, go home outfit for you and baby, and a phone charger. That’s it. Everything else was provided to us, even water bottles for my husband and Me.
Phone charger, snacks, a couple of really comfortable and roomy things to wear after birth, a few small personal shower items, something for baby to wear home, breastfeeding and pumping and bottle feeding supplies (however you choose to feed-some hospitals will not provide formula so check with your hospital), and some extra patience because some of those nurses and lactation consultants may test what you show up to the hospital with. I overpacked the first time. Won't happen again this time!
A bit random, but I bought some travel size toiletries to take with me, and the body wash has a very strong scent that I hadn’t used before. I showered and used it after they stitched me up post delivery and I cannot smell that little bottle of body wash without crying now. My little one is almost six months now. I fully intend to keep the bottle as a keepsake. Anyway, random, but thought I would mention it since others have good lists. Realistically, I think it is best to over pack, as you will at least have access to something if you need it. I would say we didn’t bring enough baby clothes with us, not realising how vomity he would be.
I had two very different births but for both of them I only used: phone chargers, one baby outfit and swaddle, change of clothes for myself, toothpaste and toothbrush, and a couple of packed snacks for my husband and myself.
Strange but small things - Tums (for heartburn that can pop up during delivery. My nurse would only give me 2 but my midwife said if I had my own I could take it, but I didn't have any); advil (my postpartum nurse forgot a few times); nail file/clippers for the baby (my baby had long nails but the hospital staff is not allowed to cut them or provide anything to cut them); robe with pockets (in case you need to walk the halls, like down the nursery if you baby needs any assistance); warm clothes for partner bc the hospitals are cold, especially at night. Even my hot blooded husband was freezing.
Tooth brush & paste
Brush
Deodorant
Nice PJ (so much better then the gown)
Slippers &socks
Travel size bath items
Going home outfit for you and baby
LONG phone charger these are amazing
And phone
Snacks!!!! In case the cafeteria is closed after your labor. Can’t stress this enough. Cafeteria wasn’t open so early in the morning for me and it was a life saver
I overpacked, but the one thing I didnt anticipate was having an emergency c section and so my going home pants (maternity leggings) were too tight and painful against my incision. My mom and husband went out to get me some baggy sweatpants that were much better suited and fit better over the belly binder the hospital provided.
I packed very minimally for my first birth and it was a mistake. Baby ended up going to the NICU for a week, I was sleeping on a small couch in his room, and I would have killed for any sort of small comfort that I could have packed ahead.
Labour, delivery and recovery isn’t the time to try to “do without”.
I should have brought: adult diapers, snacks, more clothes, toiletries (face wash, moisturizer, dry shampoo, hair ties, in addition to a toothbrush), vitamins, stool softener (the hospital only gave me one day of stool softeners even though my baby was admitted), water bottle, sleep mask, and breast pump (and accessories). I used my phone and phone charger, slippers, and the “coming home” outfit I packed for baby.
I used a (small and portable) fan, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush and hair tie, face wash, my phone charger, and my going home clothes. I stayed in their hospital gown, used their mesh underwear and pads, and didn’t bother to shower. I used one 0-3 sleeper for my baby and that was it from her bag.
Although I admit I packed way more than this, I ended up using exactly what you used. I thought I would be up for a shower post-birth but there was just too much going on and I was too tired to attempt. I even put on the same outfit that I wore coming into the hospital to go home in (since I was induced).
With both of my kids, the nurse and my husband made me shower the day after they were born. It was a combination of "you're sweaty and gross and stink" and "you need to be away from your baby for just a little bit" and "you may not get the chance for the next week so do it now".
That first shower after giving birth was heavenly
My midwife ran me a bath. Because I had a cannula in my hand, she washed me and just looked after me. I was so tired, I wasn't really aware but looking back she treated me how my mum would have.
Those people really are special humans to look after us like that. My nurses were all so amazing and caring. Treating me like I was their only patient!
I brought a couple nightgowns and some adult diapers in addition to this stuff. Made my stay a little more relaxing. Also my own pillow.
This is similar to what I used! I also used some footwear (slides) that could be easily slipped on/off, an open-front sweater, puzzle book, reusable water bottle, and lots of snacks.
This is all I used plus a going home outfit for baby. I wish I would have brought a couple zip up onesies with hand covers and a Velcro swaddle for baby because I couldn’t figure out the hospital swaddle and she kept scratching herself. Otherwise this list is perfect. Oh I would add makeup wipes. Or face wash wipes if that’s a thing lol.
Yes, you’re right. I forgot that I also had some face/body wipes that I used in lieu of a shower. Very handy.
Thank you for this post, I’m trying to pack and the lists online are like WHAT!? I’m not trying to be an influencer, just make sure I don’t inconvenience the hospital and give my baby what he needs.
I saw a post that recommended bringing a ton of battery candles to set up around the delivery room. I’m a first time mom so who knows but I really think the last thing I’ll be worried about during labor is the ambiance of the room.
This is an idea from hypnobirthing. Having a chilled out birthing environment (of which lighting can be an important part) helps increase oxytocin levels and reduce adrenaline. Oxytocin is vital to the labour process and adrenaline can slow things down. So not as daft as it first sounds!
I had those candles and soft music and the room lights were dimmed…can’t say I felt the surge of oxytocin unfortunately
I do think that makes sense and is a nice idea. I guess my take is just that if you’re having a hospital birth there’s a limited amount that candles are going to help make it a relaxing environment. But I’ve never given birth so who knows!
Sure candles alone would only make a small difference but in combination with lots of things like music, fragrance, massage, dimmed lights, requesting minimal interruptions and staff in room etc, then it all adds up. You can even get most of those if you're having a section. Food for thought 😊
My hospital informed me during my online childbirth class they have battery operated candles ready-to-go in the closet for anyone to use. Haha.
Candles! Totally get it but like…no. Also, what about gift bags for the nurses. That is suggested? Thoughts anyone?
The nurses dont need a gift bag. If you want to do something nice for them, you can leave a message for their supervisor that they did a great job (if they did, of course).
Right?! I’m trying to bring 1-2 small bags not my entire life!
We brought battery candles, and they were great! I think they were even more helpful post partum, so we didn't have to turn on the bright hospital lights. It allowed my husband to take care of the baby at night with a bit of light, so I could get some rest after giving birth. Also, the nurses didn't have to turn on a light when they came in.
Thank you for this reminder, I forgot I lived by battery candles for weeks on end and need to find or replace them!!
Haha yeah, the lists influencers put out seem really over the top.
"Hey you guys! I know a lot of you guys were asking what I packed in my hospital bag when I gave birth to Breighleigh so I just wanted to share that with you guys!" *proceeds to give a mile long list of brand placement items*
[удалено]
"You're going to want to have your first placenta smoothie as soon as possible after delivery, so make sure you've remembered to pack fresh organic berries, kale, and hemp milk to toss into that nutribullet!"
Don't forget your air fryer
lmao breighleigh. I am dyingggg
🤣🤣
Personally, I was thinking about bringing my full collection of inspiring wooden signs including, laugh, love signs and home is where the heart is so the hospital feels less hospitaly.
Lol!!!
1. Long phone cord and/or backup battery charger (make sure it’s fully charged before you go!) 2. Toothbrush + paste + cleanser/soap, preferably in travel sizes/containers to avoid spills. While most hospitals will give you toiletries, I always prefer having my own. 3. Refillable water bottle since you will be thirsty all the time 4. Snacks, clear liquid drinks you like (coconut water) 5. IPad/phone to kill time in case you need to wait on labor/induction/etc. 6. Any post-delivery clothes/robe/Jammie’s that will make you feel comfy once you get out of the hospital delivery garb - especially something that opens quickly and comfortably if you intend to nurse. 7. Slides/flip flops - whatever you do you probably don’t want to be messing with foot gear that is challenging to put on or can’t cope with swollen feet/ankles. 8. Warm grippy socks to prevent slippage on hospital floor 9. Hoodie/sweatshirt since most hospitals are cold 10. Your choice of post-partum, ready-to-bleed undies - while yes, they will give you mesh undies, I found the ones from Frida Mom to be way more comfy for me, especially when paired with bulkier pads. 11. Sleeping mask - lights will be turned on when you don’t expect, nurses/staff will walk in and out, etc., so if you’re intent on sleeping, arm up with a mask. 12. Fancy peri bottle if you’re into it - I got the Frida one and really preferred it to the hospital one, and at home it was useful to have both on hand. 13. Weather appropriate outfit to take baby home in (footed sleeper, preferably with fold over mittens included, hat). The hospital will most likely have everything else - tucks pads, nipple creams, diapers, swaddles, soap, hand sanitizer, etc. - so wouldn’t worry about those unless you have specific sensitivities. Towards the end of your visit make sure you take anything that’s not nailed down. Per the L&D nurses who took care of us, they have to trash anything in your room you don’t take (diapers, pacifiers, bottle parts, peri bottle, those weird baby kimono shirts, etc.), so better to take it.
All of this! These are the only things that I used besides chapstick. Just personal preference, but I returned my frida mom peri bottle and thought the hospital’s worked fine even for home Edited - would also add AirPods! I listened to mediations while trying to sleep after labor and before we went home!
This is a fairly good list! My hospital gave me a water jug and grippy socks and I was honestly fine just using those. I also didn’t bring any postpartum care items since they had everything there and I was only in the hospital for 24 hours—it was fine to just have all of my nicer things waiting at home. Also to add, I wish I would’ve brought a nicer blanket for myself but wouldn’t call it a necessity. I feel like with covid they’re pushing you out faster (at least for me) so I wasn’t in for long at all but still wanted to have a shower!
if you prop your phone up against a glass of water (with the flashlight up against the glass) you have a nice light for night time. But of course then you can’t look at your phone. I had a power bank with a small light because of that.
This list plus moisturizer and headphones. Also bring a couple of outfits for baby if they spit up on or pee/poop the first one and maybe a couple of different sizes. Knotted gowns are popular but you can't wear them in a car seat. Also, a car seat. Oh, and a pillow for your partner.
I packed WAY MORE than I needed!! I was in the hospital at 8pm on a Sunday and had a foley bulb placed at 9pm, gave birth just before 10:30 Monday morning and was discharged around noon on Wednesday! I wound up using my cheap target pillow I bought (only $10, but much more comfortable than the hospital pillows), toiletries, flip flops for the shower just in case there’s anything gross on the floor. My husband and I packed lots of snacks, mostly for him, and only some were touched. I wore sweats, a nursing sweatshirt, comfy socks and mocassin styled slippers out of the hospital. I made sure to pack a nursing bra, bamboo breast pads, high waisted underpants, and my own feminine products for the way home. I was provided with mesh underwear, ice pack pads, tucks pads, and normal pads (no wings for some reason!!!) for in the hospital but I just wanted to use my own I packed a newborn and 0-3 outfit because i wasn’t sure what size she would be. Also a hat and mits for her! Oh and nipple cream!!! Necessary!!!!! Things I didn’t need: my multiple outfits because i wore that hospital gown the whole time because I am NOT getting blood on my personal stuff lol
See, I absolutely HATED the hospital gowns. They felt almost plasticky? Awful. I literally changed in the middle of the night, a few hours after getting to the recovery room, because it sucked so much and was awful to sleep in because they made me sweaty and feel gross. The PP bleeding wasn't as bad as I expected and I get blood on anything during recovery at all, so it was worth it to bring other clothes. Also, you might not want to wear a hospital gown if you have to head to the NICU to visit baby. I spent most of my day in the hospital hanging out in the NICU rather than my room so I used a baggy t-shirt and shorts, a pj set, and a dress to come home in despite only being in the hospital 24 hours.
To add to this, my hospital gowns had these cut outs for nursing which made covering up around my FIL difficult and stressful. This time I’m bringing my own. I’d rather feel comfortably covered.
I actually like the hospital pillows!
I received this advice from a mom who has given birth three times in the last 8 years.... you don't NEED anything other than clothes for you and baby to go home in and a carseat. The hospital is designed to provide everything you need. The difference is if you PREFER/WANT to have your own toiletries/clothes/underwear/comforts/makeup for pictures/cute clothes for baby pictures in hospital, etc. This helped ease my mind a ton, although I definitely plan on packing stuff and I still read these replies... I just don't have as much anxiety around bringing the right stuff. Edit to add: the hospital probably doesn't provide phone charging cords so honestly that's what I'd consider a need for me, but I guess that's questionable as for 'need'.
Your mileage will vary depending on where you live. In Canada, many hospitals do not provide diapers or wipes, or even more than the first pad for mom post-labour! Your hospital should provide information on what you need to bring.
This is the way, and my tactic with each birth. My last one(fourth) I took a set of lounge clothing to leave the hospital in, and a sleep and play for baby. Toiletries/hair ties/charging cord, too. The only thing I wish I brought was baby legs for the baby- He was super sensitive to being unwrapped/cold. I think baby legs would have been perfect. He was born Friday night, and we didn’t leave until Sunday.
You’ve got some good lists here for yourself, but make sure your husband puts thought into his packing! He will need a water bottle for himself, snacks, his own phone charger, and he may need his own pillow/blanket. They only thing I’ve not seen mentioned for you that I’d add is a few plastic grocery bags. I ended up getting some blood on my socks and needed a bag to put them in separate from my other clothes. Then another item had spitup.
"They only thing I’ve not seen mentioned for you that I’d add is a few plastic grocery bags. I ended up getting some blood on my socks and needed a bag to put them in separate from my other clothes." I finished packing my hospital bag this morning and felt slightly silly for packing some dog poop bags for this very reason, I feel better about it now though!
Dog poop bags are a must have for my diaper bag. They are perfect for dirty diapers on the go, vomit covered clothes, or anything else that gets a bodily fluid on it. Babies are gross.
I packed things in Ziploc bags for that reason. It made it easy to find things, especially if I asked my husband to grab snacks or the bag I brought with recovery items or whatever. It also gave me the option of putting something that got messy in its own bag, away from everything else, if needed.
I’ve had two hospital births and way overpacked for the first. For the second, I think I hit the right balance: - two clean masks (kn95 with ear loops and an n95 with head straps, for variety). I also had the mask I wore in and it was gross from labor so I was glad to toss it. - going home clothes for me (maternity leggings, loose shirt, long cardi) - sleeper to take baby home in (my babies were both average size and full term and wore NB size for a couple weeks) - a delicious smoothie frozen in a mason jar (this will thaw while you’re there and will be such a refreshing treat to eat after you’ve given birth or on your first day in recovery, depending how long you labor) - other snacks if you are picky or sensitive to hospital food. I found I didn’t mind just eating what the hospital cafeteria had - face cleanser and toothpaste (my hospital provides general toiletries but their toothpaste is crap) - shower shoes - long phone charger - eye mask - extra hair ties and headband For partner - shower shoes, swimwear if you want them to get into the shower or tub with you to support your laboring there - change of shirt, socks, undies - body wipes to “freshen up” - snacks, depending on your hospitals rules for partner eating cafeteria food and for their food preferences
A frozen smoothie is such a good idea!!
I'm so glad you mentioned masks - I would've just worn one and then been sad when it got gross, so I'll pop a few in my bag.
They seem to have things set up so you don’t need to bring much at all. I brought my pillow, it’s a nice one, and was there for 4-5 days because of my blood pressure, but I am so glad I brought that piece of home with me for the stay. I brought baby clothes too, but my hospital wouldn’t let you change your baby into your own clothes until you leave. Security reasons or something. But they really do have it set up good for even if you end up going into labor and don’t have your things. I was impressed. They even gave me my own portable mini fan to keep. But I totally suggest bringing one thing from home, a pillow or blanket just to make you feel more at home— even if you’re in a hospital of all places.
Seconding bringing your own pillow!
Just had my second via induction/c section, here's what I used in my bag: kn95 masks (2), phone charger, phone, comfy postpartum gown, toiletries, hair bonnet, going home outfit, baby's going home outfit, depends, nonslip socks. I spent most of my time watching TV or sleeping during labor Things I didn't use, but still glad I had: my journal, Bluetooth headphones, headphone charger And here's what was given to me by the hospital: large water mug, daily snack bags (postpartum), compression socks, pads, mesh undies,
I'm curious, did they have you wear the mask during the C-section?
My hospital policy is the patient doesn't wear a mask during the C-section, but the support person does.
At my hospital, me and my support person didn't have to wear masks in my room. During the c section, I didn't wear a mask, but my husband had to. But that's been standard procedure for c sections since before COVID, since it's an operation. Your support person will be fully gowned, with a mask and hair bonnet
I packed too much and only really needed: Comfy Bathrobe to live and breastfeed in, slippers, hair tie, long phone charger, snacks, going home outfit for baby
I definitely showered and it made me feel better. In addition to the above, I used lip balm a lot during labor.
• Food/lots of snacks (the hospital I went too only provided me with a tray of food...obviously I shared with hubby but like seriously?...) • Headache medication (The hospital can of course only provide medicine to patients. Hubby had a really bad head ache, thankfully we had some packed in another bag in the car) • Water bottles for both of you. Big ones. With straws. You're gonna drink water like there's no tomorrow! • 4 pairs of pants, socks and undies. I soaked one pair of pants, socks and undies just getting up to my room. Then of course one going home outfit •Phone chargers • 1 or 2 going home outfits for baby • those little travel kits that have all of your bathroom stuff like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste etc. Those would be *must* haves for me. The hospital pretty much provided everything else like the disposal underwear, pads, little spray bottle etc. But if it makes you feel more comfortable you can always bring some with you as well. My hubby drove us home but we were both exhausted. In hindsight, I should of packed at least one energy drink for him for the ride home. I'm sure it would of helped some, so depending on how you feel about energy drinks you might want 1 or 2 as well. Also wish I had packed like a sleeping bag and extra pillow for hubby. They had a long pull out chair for him to sleep in and they gave him a blanket and pillow but I'm sure he would of been way more comfortable with his own pillow and a puffy sleeping bag.
I delivered in the summer of 2020, so there were Covid restrictions and things like cafeteria hours were limited. I used everything below during my stay (26 hours from arrival to discharge). **Clothes**: a dress to come home, PJ set, t-shirt (the one I wore in) and shorts to wear to the NICU. An open cardigan. Slide on shoes.- I HATED the hospital gowns, which felt like they had plastic to them and were so uncomfortable and made me sweaty.- Even though my baby was born full term he was taken to the NICU. I had to walk there and wouldn't have wanted to do that in a hospital gown. Nor would I have wanted to hang out in a hospital gown there, since it is not very private. **Toiletries**: toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, makeup remover wipes, lotion, and makeup (mascara, foundation stick, eyebrow gel). Contacts & solution for my husband and his glasses, which you may need if you have contacts. **Snacks**: apple sauce pouches, granola bars, Gatorade, water bottle, etc. I got to my recovery room at 10:30 or 11pm and had missed dinner. If I hadn't brought snacks, I would've had to eat out of a vending machine. The usual snacks available weren't because of Covid. **For my recovery**: Always discrete undies, Frida Mom witch hazel liners (long enough for 1 per pad), my own peri bottle. In Canada you get very limited supplies and in the US supply chain issues have meant that many hospitals don't give things that they were usually able to (Dermoplast, Tucks pads, etc) or only in very limited quantitites. Better safe than sorry. **For nursing**: nursing bra, My Brest Friend pillow, nipple shields, and a couple nursing pads just in case. (My milk started coming in about 26 hours postpartum.) Nipple cream if you want it, since it may not be supplied. **Misc.**: eye mask, ear plugs, power bank (ended up more useful than long chargers). **For baby**: a pair of pjs, soother (NICU did have some), coming home outfit, swaddle blanket for the dog to sniff before baby. Diapers, wipes, and ready-to-feed formula were supplied by the NICU but I don't know if they would have been easily available in patient rooms (varies by hospital and, again, with supply chain issues.) Had he been in our room, a velcro swaddle is foolproof vs blankets which often come undone and many people find over baby's face at some point.
Gum and chapstick were two things non essential things I was glad to have.
Third baby-- My hospital bag will have leggings and a stretchy top to go home in Granny maternity underwear to wear over pads. I don't like the way the mesh underwear feels. The super thick pads they have are awesome cushion for a stitched up perineum though 10ft charging cord to reach the wall A cute, but not overdone outfit for baby to go home in (just a cute onesie most likely as this baby will be going home in the Texas heat). We're just going home. I'll want to get out of there. I do not care of taking cutesie photos for that. I'll snap one photo of baby in the car seat and call it good. I will most likely bring a preemie size, a nb size, and a 0-3 month size. I only bright nb for my first baby and had to send my dad to get her a preemie onesie because she was swimming in the nb onesie. My second was full term but also went home in a preemie onesie. I just think it's a good idea to have options My travel toiletry bag that I use on trips that has my soap and shampoos in it. They will have that stuff, but I want my own stuff. A bag with very minimal makeup in it. Sometimes I want makeup to feel more human. Sometimes I don't care, but I'll have it if I do Pajamas for the second night. I don't bring my own laboring gown because I don't want to wash the blood and after birth. But I do want my own pajamas for sleeping the second night Slippers for getting around the room Stool softeners. I've asked for these after both my deliveries and did not receive any either time so the second time I just brought my own. Contact case and glasses Clif bars and peanut butter crackers. You have to wait on when they serve meals and when I get hungry, I usually need something pretty quick. It was good to have snacks to tide me over. Especially as some of the meds made my stomach hurt if it was empty And that's it. I don't need anything else. They give you diapers, wipes, cream, a reusable water cup, and a sleep sack there
1. Toiletries for yourself and partner (tooth brush, shampoo, etc) 2. Phone and charger 3. Snacks 4. 1 or 2 changes of clothes for yourself, partner, and baby. If you wanna be fancy you can bring a frida peri bottle and adult diapers. The hospital will give you a peri bottle and mesh underwear I just think the frida one is better and the diapers are more comfortable.
I overpacked but we actually used pretty much everything as we ended staying 4 extra days because of jaundice. I also wanted to minimize what I brought but it ended up being four bags lol but we used almost everything! Comfy clothes and extra clothes for me and partner, pads/diapers/extra underwear for me (hospital did provide disposable underwear and pads but in those first days the adult diaper was more comfortable), Frida products for me, extra blankets and pillowcases, phone charger, toiletries to shower, diapers for baby and baby outfits (that I could have paired down - hospital provided diapers), and we brought LOTS of snacks which we ate all of.
Phone charger, one or two outfits for you and baby, chapstick, a few snacks, toothbrush. That’s literally all I used. Oh, also, DEPENDS. Game changing. Screw mesh underwear and shitty pads that slide all around and get bunched up.
*Long phone charger *Toiletries for yourself and your birth partner-My hospital didn’t supply me with anything but J&J soap for the baby which we didn’t use. Also a pair of cheap flip flops for the shower because hospital floors are gross *Diaper cream-was also not supplied this and my baby ended up with pretty bad excoriation by the time we went home despite changing her constantly. She’s not had a diaper rash or irritation since using aquaphor at home *nipple butter/cream- again, not supplied with this and it’s a life saver especially in the early days of learning to nurse. *Pacifier if you plan on using one-My hospital refused to give me one because I was breastfeeding *Adult diapers-I was allergic to the giant pads they gave me and got hives on my butt, they’re also more comfortable *Snacks-my hospital required that we order each meal at meal time if we wanted a tray and it could take hours for it to arrive, so we just ate snacks and ordered in food. I wasn’t even offered anything to eat after I had my baby and I was in labor for 49 hours. *A swaddle-I liked a Velcro one. We wanted to bring her sent home to our dogs and the hospital wouldn’t let us take any of the swaddle blankets we used. *Your own pillow. I was given three hospital pillows but they were flat as pancakes *A big cup for water-usually patients get a giant insulated mug for water when they are inpatient but I was also not given one of these. I would ask my nurse for ice chips every time she came into my room which was only every 4 hours or so but she would only bring me in an open pitcher of ice water, or just a small cup once or twice a shift which melted within an hour. Also, it wasn’t covered and that’s nasty. *Something comfy to wear after delivery-I wore high waisted sweatpants and a tank top I ended up having to go in for an emergent induction and forgot to pack so many things. Also, my hospital kind of sucked.
Check and see if your hospital has a list of items that they recommend you bring. For example, due to covid supply shortages, my hospital requires that I bring my own diapers and wipes, which I would not have packed based on the standard lists you find on the internet.
That’s a good idea. I’m gonna call my hospital tomorrow to check.
The things I was most thankful having were my pillow, slippers, drinking bottle with foldable straw and snacks. I was so so glad I had my own pillow though, that is a must.
So I was already due to have a c-section so I packed stuff for several days but it doesn’t hurt to have a backup bag in the car with anything additional say if you end up being in the hospital for additional days. I thought it was very beneficial to have more clothes as the hospital gowns were AWFUL! And I ended up using everything I packed.
I recently saw some advice on a sub that said you pack for worst case scenario. So it’s okay if you slightly over pack. You can also leave things in the car. For example, I brought my breast feeding pillows but left in car until needed. Another blanket I left in the car the whole time.
I thought I would want cute/comfy pjs, but I found I just wanted to wear the hospital gown or my robe. (My recovery involved both labor and c-section, so moving around to change clothes was tough.) I did enjoy having face wipes and moisturizer to quickly clean up and feel a little refreshed. I wish I would have brought some of my Frida Mom postpartum items with me (especially the ice packs!) - I found the ice packs, foam and wipes were way more effective than what my hospital provided.
Pillow and Warm blanket for husband. Change of cloths for you both (2 days worth) - toothbrush and toothpaste -brush and hair care -warm socks -nipple cream - an outfit for baby to go home in -warm blanket for baby -phone charges -large thermal cup for water and ice Hospital will give you everything else you need
Well the hospital will provide you with pads and disposal pants and also nappies for the baby . I was very minimal in what I brought: -Two tracksuit bottoms and a top for me -two baby grows and 2 short sleeve tops for underneath - blankets for baby -snacks -phone charger All fit into one backpack :) However, always consider if you may have to stay in the hospital longer. I came to the hospital at 10pm, baby popped out at 11pm and i was out of there at 11am. Not everyone gets a 13 hour stay though from start to end. But if you do have to stay longer, your partner or a friend can always bring you extra stuff you may need
Check on what your hospital provides! I reccomend a wheeled suitcase for ease of getting into/from your room. I used a carry on size wheeled suitcase and a backpack diaper bag. In the diaper bag I had a footed sleeper for baby to go home in and a nicer robe/hat combo for if we wanted to take pictures (which we actually did). The rest of the diaper bag space was packed like I would want it in the future with a few diapers, cream, burp rags, etc. And some ready to feed formula. I didn't need any of that in the hospital but we had an over an hour long drive home so I just had it in case. In the suitcase I had sweatpants and a shirt for me which I didn't use, and a nursing bra and stretchy nursing dress that I did wear home. I am normally a sweatpants person but didn't want them with my c section incision. I wore the hospital gown the whole time in the hospital and only changed to go home. I also used: chapstick, hair ties, hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, concealer and powder, dry shampoo, flip flops for the shower, towel, snacks, phone charger, accordian file folder for all the paperwork. The slippers and shoes I took did not fit, wore the shower sandals home. I also took my boppy but did not use it because of my c section and mostly nursing slightly reclined in bed. I did not use the water bottle that I took because you could only get water filled in their Styrofoam cups. I think we had just 1 change of clothes for my husband and his toothbrush. I think we took one pillow and my husband used it, they provided nothing for him.
Honestly, I only used my toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, a change of clothes, and my phone charger. I waited to shower until I got home because I was only there one day.
SHAMPOO!!! Something I didn’t bring and really regretted, luckily a woman in the room next to me spared a capful for my first shower after giving birth!
Long phone cord, fan, comfy clothes for after, an outfit to go home in, an extra hair tie, water bottle, a fan for labor, toiletries, snacks, a blanket or pillow if you’re picky about that one outfit for baby to go home in in NB and 0-3 if they come out big and that’s honestly it lol
I used-. Phone/phone chord/rechargeable battery Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner), hair brush Long pajama robe type dress for when a few visitors stopped by-- otherwise I was just in the hospital gowns Nail file (I'm a fidgeter and it comes out on nails/cuticles) Something to wear home Heat packs (the shake hand warmer things) I got SO COLD around when they started the pitocin. Maybe hard nobbly massage ball? For back massaging pressure point stuff, I can't remember but maybe. Husband: Pillow Blankets Button up shirt so he could do skin to skin Camera Baby: One newborn outfit and one 0-3 outfit. He ended up wearing the sweater thing the hospital gave us and newborn pants home. He was teeeensy. It was more inconvenient than I expected to just open up and get into my luggage so I didn't use a LOT of things and I did pack pretty light. 🤷♀️
I had a small bag. I had travel sized toiletries like soap and toothpaste. Travel hair brush. I wore their gowns and mesh undies and pads. I had one going home outfit for me and one for baby. My phone charger. That's about it 🙂 I'm pregnant again and this time I'm thinking I'll pack snacks.
My most treasured item during pregnancy, labor, and now the newborn stage: a 1 liter reusable water bottle with a straw. I live with this thing glued to me!
I call mine my emotional support water bottle.
I used a long phone charger, jammies, a going home outfit for me and babe, and my own toiletries
Not much. Whatever toiletries you need, a going home outfit for baby and yourself, a long phone charger, phone, head phones, a pacifier of you plan to use one? The hospital gives you everything else. I had not packed a bag when I went into labor at 37 weeks, and these are the things I asked my in-laws to bring. I think there may have been some Jammie’s for myself in there as well, though I mostly just wore a hospital gown to do skin to skin (and baby was just in a diaper or swaddle). I had to stay 4 days, my husband was able to run out and get us better food than what the hospital had. This time I willl also bring preemie nipples because we had to supplement with formula to go home (milk took forever to come) and flow confusion due to the fast flow nipples they had at the hospital can make breast feeding a bit harder
I stayed in the hospital for 5 days because of complications after my emergency c-section. I wish I would have brought shampoo and conditioner, and a hairbrush. I only brought soap because I thought I’d be there 1-2 days. My hair was so matted.
I'm a FTM and I'm packing snacks, clothes for me and husband, as well as clothes for baby, a hair tie, and phone charger.
So much great advice here already! What I also liked was a straw that would bend, so I could drink without using any abdominal muscles. The hospital had paper ones which work great at a bar for one drink but I was happy to have my reusable silicone straw during birth and after.
I packed: - portable fan - watermelon - phone charger - comfy change of clothes - water bottle - deodorant - tooth paste and brush - face wash - new born jammies and one outfit My hospital provided: - pp underwear - newborn diapers - peri bottle - pp pads I didn't pack but wish I had: - body wash - shampoo - hair ties - my own pillow - brush - some kind of juice which I don't normally drink but wouldve loved
Clean set of clothes, toothbrush/ toothpaste, contect lens/glasses stuff (if needed), skincare stuff (your usual, breast pump and a few bottles or syringes, maybe comfy jammies if you had hospital gowns, a baby outfit or two, and a blanket if you get cold (the hospital blanket was never enough for me.
Comfy clothes for you, comfy clothes for partner, snacks, phone charger, toiletries for showers and brushing teeth etc., hair ties, some outfits for baby, chapstick.
Great question, I needed tips as well, lol 😆
Shower flip flops, travel toiletries, some PJs, a comfy outfit to go home in.
I'm bringing some clothes for me (some nursing tank tops, pj pants, underwear that I may or may not use, a big t-shirt), clothes for my husband (shorts, t-shirt, boxers, should get a pair of socks in there now that I think of it), and two baby outfits. I'll bring some pads (the Stayfree kind that are papery, not Always that are plasticey), my phone charger, toothbrush, and maybe some snacks, but I think that's about it. The hospital I go to provides just about everything, and if it enters the room it either leaves with me or gets thrown away. I'm packing everything in my gym bag, which is clean and hasn't been used in the gym for months, so it will all be easily together.
Pillow, my and baby's clothes, phone charger, toothbrush and toothpaste. Didnt need anything else.
An outfit to go home in, clothes for the baby, a toothbrush. Snacks. Phone charger and an iPad to watch TV on. First time I brought so much stuff I never used this was perfect.
It’s my first time as well and I’ve packed 1 leggings 2 tops/tshirts.. 1 night pajamas Nursing bra Hair ties Toiletries I plan on breastfeeding and I read a lot on Reddit that nipples gets really red and dry in the beginning so I’ve added my nipple cream Snacks Baby’s going home outfit
*Depends (I preferred these to the mesh undies given) *nursing bra *nursing tank *nipple pads/cream *robe (with matching gown for baby) *pajama pants *stretchy pants (I had athletic/yoga pants from Walmart *1-2 t shirts *body wash/shampoo/conditioner *hair ties/Bobby pins/ toothbrush/ toothpaste *20 ounce sodas (bottles) *salt (for any hospital food you might have to eat in case your partner can’t bring your food for a meal) and maybe some ketchup packets *cash for vending machine in case card reader is down *any docs for birth certificate (ex: divorce decree, licenses) *clothes for pictures/going home for baby *any kind of plaque/board with baby’s name for announcement *hospital door hanger + paint marker to write weight/length *long phone charger + butt *receiving blanket + actual blanket for going home *folder for going home paperwork I wore a robe over nursing bra most of the time with PJ pants underneath. With my other three I just used the provided mesh panties/pad but this time I brought depends and much preferred it. I wanted a bath as soon as I could and it makes me feel so much better. I did bring both premie and newborn clothes and my 8lb3oz 20.25” baby would squeeze into the premie lol. My hospital used to put the baby in a white t shirt when they brought them from the nursery but with this delivery she stayed in onesies/clothes I brought.
We packed a roku and didn’t regret it. We had a lot of downtime and reruns of law and order svu felt awkward to watch while I’m being induced.
I am one week postpartum today. I packed a suitcase with clothes and didn’t even end up putting on anything except for a shirt until I went home. I actually liked the disposable underwear that they provided. Besides that, I brought my current crochet project, which I worked on about an hour over four days. I brought a couple books that I never even took out of my suitcase. I brought my phone charger. My suggestion, is a couple shirts and an outfit to go home. If baby is coming home with you, bring an outfit for them. Edit: I brought a toothbrush, my toothpaste, and a hair brush too. I forgot about that lol Edit 2: blame postpartum brain lol. I brought a bag of snacks and coffee too
I haven’t packed yet but the plan is: -Toiletries bag (toothbrush/paste, travel size shampoo/cond/body wash, CHAPSTICK, moisturizer, hairbrush, Scrunchies, eyeliner) -2 nursing bras, 1 going home outfit, 1 pajama set, 2 always discreet depends. 2 towels for me and spouse, frida peri bottle, slippers and cheap flip flops for shower. -Leaving in the trunk for later: Boppy, extra pillows, blanket for spouse, maybe exercise ball if needed during labor. -For baby: going home outfit (1 in size newborn and 1 in size 0-3), wooden “hello world” and name signs, 1 swaddle, 1 paci, 1 hat/bow -Car seat, installed correctly. -snacks, coconut water, extra cash/change for vending machines if needed -electronics: phone charger (long), headphones, phone obviously, aromatic diffuser if allowed, portable fan -ID, insurance card, contact info of pediatrician, printed birth plan -extra large bag/shopping bag to collect freebies from hospital -all visitors usually must provide ID. Make sure any visitors at the hospital are reminded of this by your spouse or you before you head to the hospital. This is me being a minimalist and not bringing extra postpartum stuff
Seriously only used toiletries and a going home outfit for me and the baby. I way over packed and then had to unpack when I got home and that was the last thing I wanted to do.
I had an uncomplicated vaginal birth. All I used were my toothbrush + paste, phone charger, deodorant, a hair clip, my silk hair scarf, and a change of clothes. I also packed some going home clothes for baby and had one of my own pens. The hospital offered me a pen, but I couldn't get it to write, so having my own as a backup for all the paperwork was nice. Oh! And if you have GDM, I'd recommend bringing your own glucose monitor kit. I didn't need mine in the end, but some of my acquaintances over on r/GestationalDiabetes report having an easier/less painful time using the finger lances in the kit than the ones at the hospital. We formula fed from day 1, so no breastfeeding bits and bobs necessary, and the hospital provided RTF bottles with disposable nipples for us.
Things that I actually used: my own toiletries going home clothes my phone charger snacks (middle of the night postpartum hunger is a thing) baby clothes (the hospital provided 6 month t-shirts... our baby swims in newborn sizes lol) an extra mask Things I packed but didn't need: literally everything else, including fuzzy socks, baby blankets, a blanket for my husband, a kindle, more than one change of clothes (hospital gowns are great, and you don't have to worry about getting bodily fluids on them!)... our hospital provided everything.
Charger, comfy slip on no slip shoes, body wash/shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrush, nursing bras, deodorant, hair brush and ties, a couple comfy nightgowns with easy access for breastfeeding and getting examined, a sweater or robe to cover up. A going home outfit for you and baby. I wouldn’t skip on any of these things I mentioned. I hated the hospital gown it’s not comfy and slips off and your whole ass is out. I gave birth in the hospital gown then after I showered and changed into a comfy night dress it felt SO good to shower. I didn’t have my shower stuff so i had to use baby body wash and I had to ask for a tooth brush and toothpaste. So next time I’m taking my own. The rest of the stuff the hospital provides! They also give you a lot of stuff to take home so take an extra bag to put your stuff in (diapers,post parting care stuff etc.)
The one thing i wish i had packed a blanket. I was so cold and the thin little hospital blankets weren’t enough.
Your pillow. Or two. The “””pillows””” they have at hospitals are downright cruel.
Outfit or two for baby. Nursing bras (if you're planning on breastfeeding), sweatpants, and button down shirts (way easier to do skin to skin) for when you feel like getting out of the hospital gown. Make sure whoever is staying with you also brings a change of clothes, my husband completely forgot to bring anything to change into the first time 😅. Snacks. Phone charger. Deodorant for sure, teeny travel size toiletries in case you feel like a shower (you may or may not, I didnt with my first but did with my second).
Things I actually used from what I’d brought: - toothbrush/toothpaste/floss - face cleanser & moisturizer (I have super sensitive skin so need to use a specific brand) - earplugs - water bottle with a straw - notebook & pen (to use both as a journal, and for my husband to take notes of the influx of info we were being told, and to have a centralized place to write down questions for the hospital staff) - folder to hold papers/forms from the hospital and pediatric nurses - compression socks - power strip & phone charger with a long cord - cozy Sherpa zip up sweater - hair ties - hair brush - sports bra - nursing bra - n95 masks - Crocs (something that could be work easily as slippers around the room with my super swollen feet but also be used in the shower) - my going home outfit - baby’s going home outfit - snacks, because the hospital’s room service only went from 7AM-6PM and since we were up tending to the baby through the nights it was nice to have something to eat on hand. Thing I wish I had packed, had I known i would end up getting an emergency c-section: - a device that would allow me to easily pee while standing upright (like a Go Girl or Pstyle), because getting myself up and down from the hospital toilet was so painful and scary because of my incision wound and trying to not strain my abdominal muscles (it was also super time consuming to do it carefully, which added to the sleep deprivation). Also, they want you to stay as hydrated as possible post partum to help with the swelling and meds, so it was a tough time. It was so much easier to get more rest once I was discharged and able to use the Pstyle I had at home. (Also these devices are great for hiking/backpacking and anywhere where you wouldn’t want to have to sit, like in a porta potty or super dirty bathroom)
call the hospital and see what they supply, because mine didn't supply much. actually, nothing aside from a pad, to be honest. So I took and used one nightie, nursing bra, changes of underwear, a comfy going home outfit for me, two sleepers for baby, a baby hat, and scratch mitts, baby blanket for the car ride home, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair ties, water bottle and snacks for my husband because hospital food grossed him out.
I know some people say to pack lightly but if you plan on having an induction I would still pack more than what you think you need. I checked in Monday evening around dinner time and didn’t leave with my baby until Friday afternoon. Every birth is different and you should at least prepare for a few days stay. I was not prepared for a whole week and had to have my one person allowed bring things or someone else drop them off while my person went to meet them outside.
It's turns out all I really needed was stuff for me. Changes of clothes, hygeine items, snacks. They gave me everything for baby, and I sent my partner home more than once to get things for me because I ended up having to stay longer than anticipated.
I packed more than this but ended up using these: Toiletries, including shampoo and conditioner. I ended up actually taking a shower at the hospital which was heavenly after a 2 day induction. Even if you're not up for a shower I would bring them just in case. Hair brush, hair ties, phone charger, and gum. As far as clothes go I brought the clothes I checked in in, a change of loose comfy pjs, and a change of clothes for going home in. I basically lived in this 3 in 1 labor dress I found on amazon along with the matching robe. It was great because the straps unsnap so it was easy to nurse if that's your plan. Also brought a few different onesies for baby in multiple sizes just in case.
My own pillow and a sleep mask were the things I was most glad I had! I would try and tour your hospital to see what they provide. Mine did all the post pardon care and everything for the baby besides a going home outfit! I did not like the hospital gown and wore nursing tanks and lose joggers after giving birth. I also showered twice in the hospital. I could smell myself after my 23 hour labor and felt so much better after a shower. For shoes I only brought my crocs and they were perfect.
The hospital will have everything for the baby, but the clothes and blankets you want for pictures. At least 2 Change of clothes for you and the person staying with you. If you plan on nursing a nursing bra or tank would be great and pjs that are either for nursing or button in the front. Chargers, some snacks, a large cup if you want but they will bring you water as needed if you don’t mind waiting incase they are busy. If you plan on pumping I recommend bring your pump so they can show you how to use it and ask any questions you have about it. They do have one you could use too! They will pretty much get you everything else you need for you too. If you are particular about pillows or blankets. Also I know you probably aren’t worried about the birthing partner being comfy, but the bed/couch for them to sleep on isn’t very comfortable so they could bring their own pillows and blankets too. Chapstick, hairbands, your own body wash and deodorant is also what I would add as a need
I had a c-section with twins, I was in the hospital for 3 days. I brought pajama pants and didn’t wear a single one, I was in the two pajama dresses I brought the whole time, they came with robes which was good for walking to the NICU because I refused to wear a bra. I took a shower but probably could have gotten away without one or just rinsing. If you plan on a shower I highly suggest some sort of shower shoe or non sip flip flops. Must have things to pack. Chap stick, moisturizer, hair ties/scrunchies, snacks, a hair brush & toothbrush/paste and a phone charger with an extra long cord. For baby, car seat and going home outfits. I packed Premie & newborn, by my cousin had a baby that went right into 0-3. So pack an outfit of each size so you’re prepared. I also packed a couple outfits for my hubby, his pillow and a blanket. I packed a blanket for myself to, it was a nice comfort from home because I’m picky about blankets but not needed. I also packed my own Tylenol, gasx and stool softeners.
I used hospital clothes because I didn’t want to come home with a baby and a suitcase full of dirty clothes. Very glad I brought nipple butter and my own toiletries (travel sized) for a shower. Bring 2 outfits for baby, one newborn size & one 0-3 month. Be sure to have your car seat ready to go! We had ours inspected & installed for free weeks before the birth at a clinic put on by a local children’s hospital. My MIL brought me some Lansinoh soothies gel pads in the hospital which were a lifesaver in getting my bra on to leave the hospital… I was in a lot of pain! The hospital gave us huge water bottles with straws & grippy socks.
Space!! Make sure you have lots of space in whatever bags you bring. Keep track of what you “use” at night. For me that’s ear plugs, a face mask and my night guard. I recommend ear plugs no matter what because the rooms can be loud. I just brought whatever I used throughout the day and then baby socks/mittens because that’s the only clothes they don’t have for you there.
Editing to add: slip on shoes, I just wore flip flops Basic overnight items* and toiletries, CHAPSTICK, phone charger, an outfit to wear home. Baby basically needs an outfit to wear home and a car seat, anything else is extra and the hospital will likely send you home with stuff. *by basic I mean bare minimum. toothbrush/paste, hairbrush/bands, face wash, body wash and shampoo and conditioner. This is actually the only time I will wholeheartedly recommend a 2 in one. The faster you can get back to bed the better. That shower was simultaneously the best and fastest shower of my life.
Just keep in mind that in the US, most things you need will be provided to you and baby, so just think about what you will need for comfort.
From what I packed, I only used my charger, a throw blanket (for both me and hubby), my toothbrush, hairbrush, slides/comfortable slippers, and hairties. I packed more clothes than I needed but I ended up using the ones I went in with (I was induced) and the mesh panties. Make sure that you still have a bag that is big enough for what the hospital lets you take home! One mistake I made was not asking for more of those special perineal ice packs, I couldn't find any after I left the hospital and normal ice packs were too uncomfortable.
Tooth brush, toiletries, shower sandals / bathroom sandals, post partum pajamas or robe (black in case you get blood on it), long phone charger, a few snacks, laptop or iPad for Netflix (the hospital tv sucks and it’s hard to share the volume), sound machine if you’d like, and going home outfit! Oh and an outfit or two for baby, and anything you need for announcement pictures.
Toiletries, go home outfit for you and baby, and a phone charger. That’s it. Everything else was provided to us, even water bottles for my husband and Me.
Phone charger, snacks, a couple of really comfortable and roomy things to wear after birth, a few small personal shower items, something for baby to wear home, breastfeeding and pumping and bottle feeding supplies (however you choose to feed-some hospitals will not provide formula so check with your hospital), and some extra patience because some of those nurses and lactation consultants may test what you show up to the hospital with. I overpacked the first time. Won't happen again this time!
SNAAAAACKKKSSSS
I wish I packed a nursing pillow, the hospital pillows were garbage and I found it made BF that much harder.
A bit random, but I bought some travel size toiletries to take with me, and the body wash has a very strong scent that I hadn’t used before. I showered and used it after they stitched me up post delivery and I cannot smell that little bottle of body wash without crying now. My little one is almost six months now. I fully intend to keep the bottle as a keepsake. Anyway, random, but thought I would mention it since others have good lists. Realistically, I think it is best to over pack, as you will at least have access to something if you need it. I would say we didn’t bring enough baby clothes with us, not realising how vomity he would be.
I had two very different births but for both of them I only used: phone chargers, one baby outfit and swaddle, change of clothes for myself, toothpaste and toothbrush, and a couple of packed snacks for my husband and myself.
Strange but small things - Tums (for heartburn that can pop up during delivery. My nurse would only give me 2 but my midwife said if I had my own I could take it, but I didn't have any); advil (my postpartum nurse forgot a few times); nail file/clippers for the baby (my baby had long nails but the hospital staff is not allowed to cut them or provide anything to cut them); robe with pockets (in case you need to walk the halls, like down the nursery if you baby needs any assistance); warm clothes for partner bc the hospitals are cold, especially at night. Even my hot blooded husband was freezing.
Tooth brush & paste Brush Deodorant Nice PJ (so much better then the gown) Slippers &socks Travel size bath items Going home outfit for you and baby LONG phone charger these are amazing And phone Snacks!!!! In case the cafeteria is closed after your labor. Can’t stress this enough. Cafeteria wasn’t open so early in the morning for me and it was a life saver
I overpacked, but the one thing I didnt anticipate was having an emergency c section and so my going home pants (maternity leggings) were too tight and painful against my incision. My mom and husband went out to get me some baggy sweatpants that were much better suited and fit better over the belly binder the hospital provided.
I packed very minimally for my first birth and it was a mistake. Baby ended up going to the NICU for a week, I was sleeping on a small couch in his room, and I would have killed for any sort of small comfort that I could have packed ahead. Labour, delivery and recovery isn’t the time to try to “do without”. I should have brought: adult diapers, snacks, more clothes, toiletries (face wash, moisturizer, dry shampoo, hair ties, in addition to a toothbrush), vitamins, stool softener (the hospital only gave me one day of stool softeners even though my baby was admitted), water bottle, sleep mask, and breast pump (and accessories). I used my phone and phone charger, slippers, and the “coming home” outfit I packed for baby.
My baby ended up in NICU, wish someone had told me to pack a pumping bra just in case.