What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

As a first time mom, I packed basically my entire house to take to the hospital with me. I took so many things that my husband and I looked like sherpas on Mount Everest. So many of those things we didn't even use. So I've prepared this list for all the first time moms who need a hand deciding what to bring to the hospital or birthing center when it's time for your little one to make their arrival. Some of these things were necessities, some are luxuries I just really enjoyed.


For Mom-

  • Delivery Gown (optional, but I wanted something other than a hospital gown)
  • Nursing Bra
  • Robe
  • Slippers or grippy socks (the hospital will issue them for safety if you don't bring your own)
  • Slip-On shoes to leave the hospital in (bending over for shoes is silly) as well as loose clothing. You don't want anything that hugs your belly or is hard to put on.
  • Chapstick
  • Phone & extra long charger
  • Bluetooth Headphones (makes phone calls so much easier)
  • Nursing Pillow (I prefer Boppy, but any will do)
  • Hair Ties
  • Birth Plan if you made one
  • Toiletries (toothbrush/toothpaste, hairbrush, makeup, shampoo/soap, etc.) to help you feel human again after birth


For Baby-

  • Carseat (have installed at least 2 weeks prior to due date in case baby comes early)
  • First Outfit
  • Take-home outfit (footie pajamas are the best). Bring one size Newborn, one size Preemie, and one 0-3month. Babies vary a lot in size, and you don't want their clothes to bunch up in the car seat. I like the pajamas with mittens attached so baby doesn't scratch their face.
  • 2 or 3 Muslin Blankets. These are my favorite all-purpose tool. They are swaddles, nursing covers, burp cloths, bed sheets, whatever you can think of.


For Dad/Partner-

  • Phone & Charger
  • Snacks
  • Clothes
  • Toiletries


The hospital will have pillows and blankets and underwear for you. They also have everything baby will need for a bath. You can ask them to show you how to do baby's bath before you leave the hospital if you are nervous about it. They have formula and pacifiers if you need them. They have food for you and a big water bottle you can take home. They also have diapers and wipes and baby blankets. So you don't have to pack any of that unless you have something cute you want to bring. I was able to pack everything we needed in a small gym bag when my second was born. These were my must-haves and made my second birth much smoother. I hope this list helps you have everything you need for a convenient birthing experience!


PS - Bring home everything the hospital will give you. Basins, diapers, wipes, formula, pacifiers, stretchy panties, pads, etc. All of those little extras are nice to have when you get home. In the event that baby comes unexpectedly and you don't have everything set up for baby yet, like me with my second, it'll give you a few things to have on hand without searching for it.