Our Hospital Bag Essentials
Let me just preface this by saying, this list might look a bit different for everyone. I've spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital throughout both of my pregnancies, and while some of these items may not be absolutely essential, I've found a few creature comforts can go a long ways towards making an otherwise sterile environment feel a bit more like home. Here's what's in our bag, pick and choose what you like and what you think will make you feel most comfortable. A few (like the insulated bottle) we love because they let you keep hot or ice cold water on hand without having to ring that call button every time you feel thirsty. Others, like the dry shampoo, will help you feel more like yourself if, like us, you don't get cleared to take a shower for a while after delivery. Read on for all of our picks.
*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, click here for our full policy and disclosures. All prices are at time of publication.
For Mom
Shower Shoes
1. Our pick: Flip Flops, Old Navy, $2.50
An inexpensive pair of flip-flops is an easily packable option for shower shoes.
Face Wipes
2. Our pick: La Roche-Posay Cleansing Towelettes, Target, $10
Freshen up quickly without needing to leave your bed with a pack of cleansing face wipes.
Dry Shampoo
3. Our pick: Klorane Dry Shampoo, Sephora, $20
Refresh your hair with a dry shampoo that combats oily roots for those newborn pictures.
Maternity/C-section Friendly Underwear
4. Our pick: Motherhood Maternity Fold Over Briefs, Amazon, $15 for 3
You may opt for the hospital issued mesh underwear for the first few days if not (or once you're back home) having a comfy pair that can fold over an incision is a must.
Essential Oil Diffuser
5. Our pick: Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, Sephora, $119
This one may seem a bit extra, but if you're looking to create a soothing environment for your delivery, dimming the lights, playing some favorite tunes and diffusing a favorite scent can go a long way.
White Noise Machine
6. Our pick: Rohm Portable White Noise Machine, Target, $30
You will be exhausted after delivery, and I speak from experience when I say hospitals are not always the most restful environment, from the regular checks to the beeping of the machines to the general bustle in the halls. Save your phone battery and pick up this affordable little machine to block out the noise.
Wireless Headphones
7. Our pick: Apple AirPods, Target, $160
Whether you want to listen to your delivery playlist at the moment, or catch up on your favorite podcast during those MOTN feeding sessions, going wireless means one less thing to manage.
Hair Ties
8. Our pick: Invisibobble Clear Bobble Hair Pack, Missguided, $7
I like this style of hair band because it makes it so easy to get your hair up in a ponytail or topknot quickly and holds hair securely, without leaving a dent.
Healthy Snacks
9. Our pick: This Bar Saves Lives Granola Bars, Amazon, $17 pack
Chances are you will find yourself starving after delivery, and if you're breastfeeding a newborn, you can multiply that feeling by ten. Chances are also that it will be 3 am when this happens. Instead of sending your bleary-eyed husband out to wander the halls in search of a vending machine, pack some snacks in advance.
Insulated Water Bottle
10. Our pick: S'well Water Bottle in Opal Marble, Amazon, $35
I'm partial to S'well because it will maintain the temperature of your beverage for an insanely long time, plus the pretty design makes you want to carry it everywhere. I'm actually planning to pack two, one to keep filled with ice water and the other with hot.
Tea Bags
11. Our pick: Harney & Sons English Breakfast, Amazon, $9
Remember how I mentioned I like to keep a S'well filled with hot water? This is why. Tea bags take up very little space and for me having a cup in the morning or before bed is a nice ritual to keep up.
Roomy, Lightweight Bag
12. Our pick: Baggu Summer Stripe Weekend Bag, Shopbop, $37
I love Baggu's bags because they're roomy and durable but fold up when not in use. This one is the perfect size for all of your hospital essentials.
Lip Balm
13. Our pick: Rosy Lips Lip Balm, Target, $3
A trusty moisturizer with a rosy tint, lip balm is a lifesaver in a dry hospital room.
Nursing Pads
14. Our pick: Bamboobies Washable Reusable Nursing Pads, Amazon, $13
Yes, nursing pads are a thing (so many pads), and you're going to need them to keep your top dry once that milk starts coming in. We love bamboobies not only because they're re-usable but because they are so soft. Trust us when we say you're going to want to keep anything that chafes or irritates far away in those early days.
Nursing Bra
15. Our pick: Cosabella Never Say Never Mommie Nursing Bralette, Shopbop, $55.30
This pretty bralette clips down easily for nursing, without sacrificing comfort or style.
Lightweight, Quick Drying Towel
16. Our pick: Linum Turkish Towel, Nordstrom, $34
Yes, the hospital will supply towels, but I speak from experience when I say they will likely be tiny and scratchy. I love Turkish towels as they are compact when folded and dry quickly so you won't have to deal with a soggy towel when it's time to head home.
Portable Phone Charger
17. Our pick: Poweradd Portable Charger, Amazon, $18
Keep your phone charged, and by your side with a portable charger, the last thing you want is your phone dying midway through your Beyonce themed delivery playlist.
Slippers
18. Our pick: Waffle Slippers, Parachute, $29
A pair that you can slip on and off without needing to bend over is ideal for quick trips to the bathroom or laps around the hospital halls.
Nursing Friendly Nightgown and Robe
19. Our pick: Belabumbum Tallulah Nursing Chemise & Robe, Figure 8 Maternity, $97.75
A nursing friendly nightgown will keep you comfy post-delivery and a matching robe is perfect to throw on when visitors arrive for a bit more coverage.
Other items to pack:
Toiletries: Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Shampoo & Conditioner, Body Wash, Razor & Shave Cream, Deoderant, Hairbrush, Make-up; First Aid: Tucks & Dermoplast; Comfy Clothes: High Waist Leggings, Nursing Friendly Tanks, Cardigans, Slip on Flats; Tech/Entertainment: Extra-long Charging Cable, Camera, Tablet with Pre-Downloaded Movie/Entertainment, Magazines; Sleep: Eye Mask, Pillow
For Baby:
Layette
1. Our pick: On the Go One-Piece, Monica and Andy, $32.00, Hello Baby Top, Monica and Andy, $18.00, Hello Baby Pant, Monica and Andy, $18.00
While you're in the hospital, the baby will likely spend most of its time in just a diaper and swaddle, but for the trip home, we love these super soft pieces by Monica and Andy. The best part? The sleeves and pants fold over to cover your baby's hands and feet, so there's no fussing with mittens and socks.
Nail file + clippers
2. Our pick: NailFrida the SnipperClipper Set, Amazon, $13
One thing that caught me off guard with my first is that they won't clip your baby's nails at the hospital and those little talons can be sharp! I love this set for the little window on the clippers so you can avoid any accidental nicks and the ergonomic design on the file.
Brush
3. Our pick: Silicone Brush by Fridababy, Amazon, $10
Picking at cradle cap can be soo tempting but don't do it! Instead, a soft brush can gently encourage the flakes to shed more naturally.
Pacifier
4. Our pick: Hevea Natural Rubber Pacifier, Amazon, $9
Whether or not you plan to introduce a pacifier is a personal choice, but if you do opt to, we love this all natural one.
Burp cloths
5. Our pick: Organic Cotton Muslin Burp Cloths, Target, $21.50
Stock up as you will likely find yourself going through a lot of these. We like the shape of these organic cotton burp cloths both because it provides better coverage and because they won't be slipping off of your shoulder every time you lean over.
Carseat
6. Our pick: Nuna Pipa Car Seat & Base, Nordstrom, $299.95
This is the one item they will not let you leave the hospital without. We use the Nuna Pippa and love how well it's padded but do your own research on this one and find what suits you best.
Swaddles
7. Our pick: Cotton Muslin Fox Swaddle Set, Little Unicorn, $38
While the hospital will likely supply theses, we love a special swaddle for taking those first baby pictures. Little Unicorn is known for its beautiful designs, and they are generously sized making them tougher to wriggle out of.
Mittens
8. Our pick: Gerber Hedgehog Mittens in Blue, Buy Buy Baby, $5
Mittens are essential for keeping those sharp nails from scratching their little face. We love the little hedgehogs on this set, because, hedgehog
Socks
9. Our pick: Favorite Crew Socks, Gap, $7
To keep those ten perfect toes warm, when you aren't busy counting them, that is.
Hat
10. Our pick: Knit Hat with Ears, H&M, $8
A hat is essential for keeping their little noggin warm for the trip home, we love the sleepy bear motif of this one because, really, there's nothing cuter than babies with animal ears.
Nursing Pillow
11. Our pick: Classic Boppy, Target, $30 + Boppy Classic Plus Whales and Anchors Slipcover, Target, $15
Bringing your nursing pillow to the hospital can help you achieve better position and provide support (especially important post-c-section) and can help you take advantage of the on-staff lactation consultant by creating the environment you'll have at home.
For Dad
Toiletries: Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Shampoo & Conditioner, Body Wash, Razor & Shave Cream, Deoderant; Towel; To Wear: Comfortable Clothes, Pajamas, Slippers; Tech/Entertainment: Extra-long Charging Cable, Headphones; Sleep: Eye Mask, Pillow; Snacks
*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, click here for our full policy and disclosures. All prices are at time of publication.
