**Updated 9/25/19 with what I actually used and still recommend!
Since the second trimester, one of my favorite things to do is see what moms pack in their hospital bags for labor and delivery. From Youtube videos to Pinterest lists, I’ve seen quite the variety and came up with what I’d consider a pretty decent stash for myself. The only things missing are Griffey and Clemmy.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am an over-packer and always have been. I feel much better having options and “too much” than regretting not bringing enough. I tried to dwindle my list down as much as I could, but I’m aware it is still more than many people would bring. I’m an overly organized, insanely nervous first time mama… what can I say? Since I am a first time mom, I packed what most people seemed to recommend. I also think most of these items will get tons of use once the baby is here, too! I will definitely update the list once the baby is here to let y’all know the must-haves and the could’ve-left-behinds.
For Mama (Wardrobe):
- All of my items are packed in a bag similar to this one (mine is old and no longer made). I also packed all the items in different Calpak cubes. ** Both of these items worked great, and helped me keep everything compack and organized!
- Robes – I picked out two robes (floral and solid) just in case one gets dirty. ** These robes are sooo comfy! I wore them at the hospital and still use them.
- Nightgowns – I bought two different types of gowns. I thought these (black and grey) would be comfy to wear under the robes (or by themselves). Many moms also recommended button down gowns, so I snagged one of those as well. Will I most likely wear all three of these? No… but I have no idea what I’ll prefer! **I love the first nightgowns listed. I didn’t love the button down gown.
- Comfy Pants – Some people said they wanted to be nowhere near pants in the hospital, while others say they lived in them after delivery. I decided to pack some just in case. ** These are probably the comfiest pants I have ever worn. They are SO soft. They are now big in the waist, but perfect lounge and/or PJ pants. HOWEVER, I did not wear them at the hospital.
- Comfy Top – While I’ll have my nursing tanks, I wanted to pack something a little more cozy as well. ** I did not use this at the hospital. However, it is extremely comfortable, and are perfect for the fall weather.
- Nursing Tanks – I packed a burgundy and, are we surprised yet, a black.
- Nursing Bras – I bought some more popular nursing bras from Amazon, but also snagged some nursing sports bras as well. I packed three in my bag (black, tan, and the mauve sports bra). ** I did not put on a bra once while in the hospital to be honest. Once I was home though, these all got tons of use.
- Cozy Socks – This was another item that moms seem to be split on. Some claim the hospital socks are to die for, while other said they wouldn’t have survived without their own. **I didn’t even take these out of the back. I mostly just used my slippers or my flip flops.
- Granny Panties – Self explanatory, right? ** I stuck with the hospital underwear while in the hospital. These got very little use postpartum as well.
- Slippers (pictured) – I don’t have a link because we brought these home from our honeymoon, LOL. I thought they’d be perfect to slip on and off in the hospital. ** Yes a million times. I wore these everywhere.
- Shower Shoes – I plan on tossing these out as we leave the hospital. ** I definitely still recommend these. I wore these for each shower.
- Coming Home Dress – I may end up wanting to wear those comfy pants, but considering this baby is due in July, I figured a loose dress would be a smart option! ** I did wear this home, but it didn’t quite cover my still-looking-preggo belly as well as I had hoped.
For Mama (Toiletries):
I went to Target and grabbed tons of travel sized items so I don’t have to worry about packing my daily-used items as we head out the door to the hospital. The only items not packed already: makeup, brush, blowdryer, straightener, glasses.
** If I had to do it over, I wouldn’t change a thing about my toiletry bag items! I used everything at some point during my stay!
- Contact solution and case
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Face Wash (not online at Target but found in stores)
- Makeup Remover Wipes
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes (one for my husband, too)
- Toothbrush cover
- Razor
- Body Wash (in 3 fl oz size)
- Deodorant
- Deodorant Wipes
- Dry Shampoo
- Hairspray
- Hair Ties
- Face Mist
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Aveeno Skin Relief
- Cotton Swabs
- Lip Balm
- Lip Therapy
- Overnight Lip Treatment
- Perineal Spray
- AfterEase Drops
- Always Underwear (I packed a couple pairs)
For Baby:
I am keeping the specifics of what I packed for baby a surprise since we do not know whether it is a girl or boy. Here are the basics:
- Three onesies **We really only needed one. We only dressed the baby when we were ready to go home. Otherwise, he stayed swaddled in just a diaper.
- 4 swaddles (2 for boy, 2 for girl) **I loved having a special swaddle to take photos of him in.
- 2 hats and 2 bows **We used this hat more than the hospital given one because our boy has quite a big head, and this one fit much better.
- Boppy Pillow **We did not use this once while at the hospital.
- Multi-use cover **We did not use this at the hospital. However, we get a ton of use now.
- We packed everything in this diaper bag **I loved having all of the baby items separated from ours. It made it much easier to find during such an overwhelming, sleep deprived time.
- Carseat **Well if you don’t bring this, good luck leaving the hospital!
For the hospital ambiance:
I try not to be too set on my birth plan because I know things change quickly. In an ideal world, I will go into a spontaneous, unmedicated labor. Whether or not that happens, I packed some items to help set a relaxing mood for our hospital room.
- Diffuser **We used the diffuser the entire time I was induced and throughout labor. It made the room feel so much homier and relaxing.
- Diffuser Oils **Again, we used the oil to put in the diffuser.
- Speaker for Music **We played music while I pushed. I don’t really remember any songs, but all the doctors and nurses kept commenting on how much they liked the music, ha!
- Special Labor Playlist
- Battery Operated Tea Lights **I totally forgot about these while at the hospital as well. I bet they would have been awesome though.
- Picture of Griffey and Clemmy (our pups) as a focal point
Random Items:
- 10 foot long phone charger cords **We had outlets really close to the bed, but we still used them!
- Camera **I used my phone instead.
- Fan **The hospital actually supplied us with our own personal fan!
For Dad:
My husband will pack his bag when it is time to go to the hospital, but he has been prepping what to bring.
- Comfy clothes – he is planning on bringing some sweats and sweatshirts even though we are in the summer months. We have been warned that the dads typically freeze while the moms are burning up.
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Pillow and blankets
- Nintendo Switch