What to Pack in your Hospital Bag for Labor & Delivery and Postpartum

If you’re getting close to your due date, packing your hospital bag can feel like one more thing on a very long to-do list. After having babies and figuring out what I actually used (and what stayed untouched in my bag!), I’ve narrowed down my essentials. Every hospital is a little different, so your experience may vary, but this list has worked really well for me. I hope it helps make packing feel a little less overwhelming!

I have also linked these items on my LTK here!

For labor:
Labor comb
Sound machine
Night light
Small fan
Chapstick
Water bottle with a straw
Hair ties/claw clip
Long phone charger / portable charger
Pillow (I don’t mind the hospital ones so I don’t bring my own but many people do)
Book/Kindle (optional)
Speaker (optional)

For mom (postpartum):
Button down pajamas
Nursing bras (if nursing) or sports bras
Flip flops (for shower)
Towel
Button down pajamas
Robe
Socks
Sweatshirt (hospital can be chilly)
Slippers (I’m not bringing this time – could also be slip on sandals like Birks)
Going home outfit (I like a simple and cute matching set!)

Toiletries:
Shampoo/conditioner
Soap
Deodorant
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Lotion/moisturizer/simple skin care
Colace
Razor
Makeup remover / wipes
Simple makeup

For baby:
Announcement sign
Pacifier (my hospital has these)
Swaddle (optional)
2 onesies
1-2 sleepers
Outfit for pictures
1 going home outfit
Sound machine
Car seat (install in advance!)

If nursing:
Nursing bras
Nipple cream
Nursing pads
Haaka
Boppy pillow
Pump (if you want the lactation consultant to show you how to use it – you likely won’t pump much in the hospital)

Miscellaneous:
Thank you cards (for nurses or other staff)
Garbage bag for dirty clothes
File folder for paperwork (I make my husband be in charge of this!)
IDs & insurance cards

For dad: my husband takes care of packing his own stuff but generally he has:
A change of clothes
Snacks
Toiletries
Pillow
Phone charger

Many people will recommend these but I have found that my hospital has all of this! Great to have ready for when you come home though:
Tucks pads
Witch hazel
Pads
Dermoplast spray
Colace
Peri bottle (the hospital will give you one)

That’s everything I’m packing this time around! And remember you don’t have to pack perfectly!! Your hospital will likely provide many of the postpartum essentials, and anything you forget can usually be brought later or picked up if needed. Focus on bringing the things that will help you feel comfortable and prepared. Wishing you a smooth delivery and the sweetest time meeting your baby! 💕