What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

PregnancyBirth
Written By Jen Mayer

If you’re around 35-36 weeks pregnant, you’re most likely starting to think about packing that hospital bag. Maybe you have a duffle on your bedroom floor and you’re tossing a few items in it when you think about it. Or maybe you’re procrastinating hard, and plan to pack in early labor. If you happen to feel a tad overwhelmed by this chore- we’ve created a list for you to make it easier. Having things organized and ready to go will help you feel more at ease when the big day arrives.

Disclosure: I sometimes share links to some of my favorite products. When I do, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and make a purchase.

Hospital bag musts:

  • Medications/ prenatal vitamins

  • Personal toiletries

  • Warm socks

  • Nursing bras

  • Outfit to wear home- comfortable/maternity

  • Cosmetics

  • 2 extra pillows

  • Breastfeeding book for reference

  • Contact lenses/solution/case if applicable

  • Birth plan/preferences

  • Phone charger

  • Your photo ID and insurance card easily accessible

  • Remember: leave valuable jewelry at home

Nice to have:

  • Mp3player/music dock/relaxing music

  • Birth ball

  • Eye mask

  • Slippers- that you can throw away

  • Belly band

And we haven’t forgotten about your partner/support person. We’ve got them covered as well:

  • Handy snacks

  • Hydrating drinks

  • Toiletries

  • Change of clothes

  • Call/email list to announce birth

  • Pre-registration paperwork if applicable

  • Breath mints

  • Comfy shoes

  • Extra sweater/sweatshirt- dress in layers

  • Phone charger

  • Treats for the nurses

Hospital bag: for your little one

They don’t need much. The hospital will have plenty of diapers for you- but you’ll want some super comfy outfits to dress your baby to bring him/her home in.

  • Outfit to come home

  • Extra outfit

  • Receiving blanket

  • Hat

  • Socks

  • Undershirt/ onesie (2)

  • Mittens

  • Infant car seat

Here are some things to keep handy and easily accessible:

  • Favorite lotion

  • Chapstick or lip ointment

  • Hair ties or clips

  • Comb or hairbrush

Last, but not least- a list of snacks to have on hand for early labor, and for your support person.

  • Gatorade/recharge- for mom

  • Coconut water- for mom

  • Food bars

  • Dried fruit

  • Nuts

  • Apples/oranges/bananas

  • Instant miso soup/small containers of chicken broth

  • Yogurt

  • Hummus and crackers

    We hope this list helps you as you pack your hospital bag (or bags!) for the big day. Anything that is a must for you that isn’t listed above?

More resources to support your pregnancy journey:

Your Pregnancy Map: A Checklist of Prenatal Essentials

Doula tips for labor

The Top 5 Foods for Pregnancy

Questions to ask your NYC doula

Jen Mayer
Previous

Hiring a Pediatrician