The hospital provides almost everything you need for your baby while you’re in the hospital, but not a whole lot for mom. Birthing a baby is an uncomfortable experience, but staying in the hospital can be a little more comfortable with a few essential items just for mom in a maternity bag.
If you are pregnant with your first baby, you may not know what to pack! I have had three babies and know just what you need to pack in your hospital bag.
Here’s our Experienced Mommy Hospital Bag Checklist.
| Why It's Best | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| WFLB Large Weekend Bag | Tons of Color Options | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Ecavus Women's Maternity Palazzo Pants | Very Comfortable | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Smallshow Nursing Tank Top Comfy | Loose to Cover the Tummy | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| AmazonBasics Quick-Dry Bath Sheet | Extra Large | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray | Soothing and Natural | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
Your Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack
Foldable Weekend Bag by WFLB
The first thing you need for the hospital is a bag to pack everything in. The WFLB Weekend Bag will hold everything you need with style. Choose from twenty-two different patterns to suit your own personal taste.
The bag folds up into a small pocket for easy storage after your trip to the hospital. Includes several pockets internally and externally to store anything you may need from snacks to sock to slippers. The main compartment will hold larger things like clothing, a pillow, books, or anything else.
Issues
A small percentage of customers found the bag did not last long or that the zipper or strap broke. Others complained the bag was very thin. This thinnest allows the bag to fold up to compact when not in use. Use the bag gently and you should enjoy the bag as the majority of the customers did.
Comfortable Bathrobe
The Baby Be Mine Maternity Nursing Robe Hospital Bag Must Have should definitely go in your nursing bag. Hospitals are often quite cold, no reason to suffer when you can have this adorable robe at your fingertips. Pick from gingham, floral, polka dots or one of the other twenty-six colors or patterns.
The robe is so pretty you won’t mind visitors seeing you in your postpartum condition. The length works perfectly for covering your belly while still remaining feminine and practical. Find a pocket on both sides for storing your phone or maybe a candy bar.
Comes in sizes small/medium or large/extra large and made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex to grow with you and last for many more years to come. Toss in the wash once you get home from the hospital. Includes an attached belt to tie under or over your bump.
Baby Be Mine brand also sells labor & delivery gowns, nursing gowns in pretty floral patterns, and even matching newborn take-home outfits.
Issues
Cotton shrinks and colors can run. Make sure to wash and dry on low gentle cycles to prevent these issues or skip the dryer altogether. The robe runs a little small, if in down order a size up.
Nursing Nightgown
The Ekouaer Nursing Nightgown allows you to comfortably nurse your baby even in the hospital and discreetly. The gown includes two pockets for cold hand or nursing pads which can be super helpful in the middle of the night in a foreign bed.
Don’t worry about showing any extra skin as the dress is knee-length. Pick from sizes small through xx-large. Also, pick from six different colors. The mostly cotton material flowing dress will keep you comfy without causing discomfort. The first few days after delivery loose and flowy clothes are the most comfortable as your belly shrinks.
Issues
While incredibly comfortable, the dress does not have a built in bra but this is better for the first few postpartum days as your breasts fluctuate and you wait for your milk to come in. The dress runs a little bit but this works to your advantage as you will want less restrictive comfort.
Grip Socks
Gripping socks keep your toes from freezing in cold hospitals. Even better, the Yoga Socks for Women Non-Slip Grips & Straps by Ozaiic keep feet from slipping on slippery tile floors. The simple design allows you to slip the socks on but keep them in place all day long.
Next, the socks do not go all the way up your ankle which will provide a little ventilation in case you are under the blankets and tend to heat up. Sure, the hospital gives you a pair of grip socks, but they are usually very large, ugly with a horrible seam in the wrong spot. These socks work perfectly for women’s feet. Also, after the hospital, wear these socks around the house or for yoga classes.
Issues
The socks run a little small according to some customers. A few customers said the socks didn’t last very long. I suggest washing on low and letting the socks air dry to avoid issues.
Comfortable Travel Pillow
A travel pillow like the VISCO LOVE ProComf Travel Memory Foam Pillow is a wonderful addition to your hospital bag for labor and delivery. First, the pillow can support your head. Second, the pillow can go between your legs after birth for added comfort.
Hospital pillows are usually flat, lumpy, or otherwise abused by previous occupants. Taking your own pillow means your head is the only one on the pillow. The small travel size means it will fit in your bag. Even better, the small size means you can use the pillow for other traveling or use for your baby when he or she is a toddler.
Issues
The pillow is on the firm side which may be uncomfortable for moms who prefer soft pillows. Firm pillows do offer more support and you may need more support after delivery.
Sleep Masks
Hospitals tend to be loud and bright even when the lights in the room are off. The Sleep Mask will help you sleep through the brightness of the hospital. Let the cozy soft material caress you to sleep and still be easy to pull off if your newborn stops fussing.
The set includes earplugs to block beeping machines and all the sounds of your roommate and the nurses in the hall. Add a gel mask for extra tired eyes. Babies only sleep for a few hours at a time and you are going to want to soothe your overtired peepers. This mask will block out all distractions so what sleep you can get you get to the fullest.
Issues
The nose piece can still let in a little light but you can adjust to get a better fit. Those who have a very hard time falling asleep may need to find a different option but this one should work for most people.
Maternity Underwear
The hospital provides some extremely uncomfortable postpartum disposable underwear. They are so ugly even mummies won’t wear them let alone mommies! Instead try Always Discreet Boutique Incontinence and Postpartum Underwear for Women. They are not as cute as regular underwear but these undies stretch and can go straight in the trash after use while providing complete coverage for postpartum bleeding. Also, the disposable offer a little bit of design to help you feel a little more like you.
If you are a new mom, you may not know that after delivery you could bleed for up to six weeks. You need either these undies or a postpartum pad to keep it under control. The first week is the heaviest and no one wants to clean leakage off their favorite undies. Also, your favorite undies still might not fit for a while. Either way, forget washing away your troubles, just toss them in the trash where they belong.
Until your regular undies fit, opt for a postpartum girdle to help those muscles get back into place.
Issues
These disposable undies may come with a strong scent to block odor. If you tend to towards allergies, you may want to skip these undies. Also, the size may run a little small.
Loose Pants
The Ecavus Women’s Maternity Palazzo Lounge might become your new best friend. Getting your pre-pregnancy body back takes time and these pants will work with your curves until you can get back in your favorite jeans. Maternity pants offer enough give to stay up either over or under your belly without irritating your traumatized tummy.
Pregnancy palazzo pants are perfect for you go-home from the hospital outfit. Comfort should be the chief concern and these pants fit the bill while also looking nice in the process. Pick from several colors and sizes small to xx-large.
Issues
The super comfortable material is rayon which does not do well in the dryer. Either air dry or dry on low. These pants do not offer a lot of support but they will be your favorite around the house pants.
Nursing Top
TheSmallshow Women’s Maternity Nursing Tank Top offers plenty of room for post-delivery mommies. Tight clothing after delivery isn’t comfortable or flattering. Your body needs room to breathe but you also need easy access to breastfeed if your nursing. Pull the shirt to the side for discreet access.
Even if you don’t plan on nursing, a nice loose shirt is a must after delivery. You may still want easy access to make sure you can cope when your milk comes in too. This simple tank top offers ruching on the side for added appeal. The shirt works well with a sweater and comes in multiple colors and sizes. Even buy a three pack if you want to keep a few of these comfy shirts on hand.
Oh, and don’t forget a best nursing bra! You’ll need that too!
Issues
Some mom’s found the shirt shorter than advertised. Some other moms were unhappy with the fit. Everyone has different shapes and what flatters one person may not flatter someone else.
Breast Feeding Pillow
The Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner makes nursing much easier and less straining on your arms. Your baby can lay comfortably on the pillow and sit up high enough to reach your breast with ease.
After delivery, your belly may still be sore and a good pillow can help you get in the right position to nurse without adding any strain to your tummy. As an added bonus, use the pillow for your own comfort on the hospital bed when not nursing the baby. It works great to hold up an iPad.
Issues
This pillow does not come with a cover and you will need to buy one separately. Some customers found stitches coming out, this is rare though. My pillow lasted for three children.
Giant Bath Towel
The towel sheds during the first few uses and washes. You should wash this towel a couple of times before popping into your bag. Some people had issues with the towel absorbing. Towels absorb better when washed and dried without fabric softener. Instead, to avoid static, wash your towels with some vinegar.
Tush Spray
I doubt I need to explain how much discomfort your posterior will be in after birth. What you may not know is there is a spray to help. The Herbal Perineal Spray by Earth Mama can ease your discomfort. The spray does not use any parabens, butane, propellants, or artificial fragrance.
Pack the spray in your bag, maybe put in a quart size ziplock to make sure it does not spill. Mist the spray as often as needed including after a bath or using the toilet. Soothe your perineal area with the cleverly inverted sprayer you can squirt upside down. Uses witch hazel, lavender, and peppermint to soothe after labor.
Issues
Those with sensitive skin should try beforehand. Try on your hand or foot and if you react, then do not use on your more sensitive regions. Check with your doctor if you had stitches before using.
FAQ’s About Hospital Bag Checklist
How early should I pack my hospital go bag?
I suggest you pack your bag a month to six weeks before your due day. Two of my babies were born at 37 weeks pregnant and I was very glad my bag was ready when my water broke. Store in the trunk of your car or close to the front door when you are ready to leave for the hospital.
What do I need to pack for my baby for the hospital?
The hospital provides the majority of what you need for your baby. What you do need to take is an outfit to go home in, mittens because little nails scratch, a baby hat for bald little heads, a blanket, and a car seat. You cannot take the baby home without the car seat! Some hospitals will not allow you to carry the baby through the halls unless they are in a car seat.
Do I need anything else in my bag?
Yes! You will want Bluetooth speakers, entertainment, a baby memory book, toiletries, a phone charger, nipple cream, glasses or contacts if applicable, medications, snacks, hair ties, and any paperwork you may need.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what to pack for your hospital stay for labor and delivery. Try not to pack too much as you will only stay at the hospital for a night or two barring complications and you will have to carry everything back out to your car and back into your home! Remember to bring anything to make the uncomfortable birthing process more comfortable.
