What do you pack in your hospital bag?

This topic started as a video. If you want to watch the video version of this post, click here.

I decided to pack my hospital bag about a month before my due date because it gave me greater comfort to know I had it ready in case I went into labor early (my mom did with me). I’m sure I’ll update it as I get closer, but at least I have a solid start!

Please note this is what I packed based on certain factors: personal preferences, the time of year, and the specific hospital I’m delivering at. Take your specific situation into consideration and check with your healthcare provider for any specifics that you might want to include as well as what’s provided for you that you can skip.

So what in the world do you pack? Especially if you’ve never had a baby before, how do you know what to include and what’s safe to leave at home? I’ve done a bunch of research for you, so let’s look at the list I’ve put together!

For Baby

Most of the items for baby will be provided by our hospital, so I’m not packing much for him or her, but I am including the following:

a zip-up sleeper outfit
a cute “coming home” outfit with matching top, pants, and hat
socks and booties
swaddle (I’ve heard the hospital will provide one, but it never hurts to have an extra!)
baby nail clippers and file (I’ve heard that most hospitals don’t provide these for liability reasons, and baby nails can be sharp!)
car seat (I’m not bringing it into the hospital, but we will have it installed in the car prior to delivery)

for mama

This is where I’m lumping together most of the items I’m packing, since the vast majority of what I’m bringing is for me.

comfy clothes (in addition to what I’m sure I’ll be wearing): joggers, t-shirt, nursing-friendly sweatshirt (LAYERS!)
warm socks and slippers
comfy pjs
bigger postpartum undies (I know the hospital provides disposable ones, but I’d like options!)
sandals for showering
normal toiletry bag (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, skincare products, makeup, medications, etc.)
my own labor & delivery gown since I don’t love the hospital-issue ones and want to be more comfortable (I got this one from Kindred Bravely)
my own cozy robe for layering, especially so I can walk the halls or get cozy after birth
After Ease, organic cotton pads, perineal spray, perineal balm, nipple cream — these may be provided at the hospital, but as I prefer natural varieties, I’m packing my own just in case
body and face wipes
magnesium oil spray (it was super helpful earlier in my pregnancy when I had short bouts of leg cramps, and I’ve heard it can be helpful in labor, too)
dark-colored sports bra for laboring in water (I was told I could bring a swimsuit top or sports bra; but my swimsuits are all from pre-pregnancy, so sports bra it is!)
nursing pads (reusable and disposable)
mini diffusers with essential oils (easier than diffusing oils in the whole room, especially if I change my mind about what I want to use)
bath towel and wash cloth (I hear hospital ones are thin and scratchy— no thanks!)
a long phone charger (I’ve heard this is a MUST since outlets are far away from the bed)
a personal fan (my body doesn’t regulate temperature super well, so I thought a handheld fan might be a good option to have on hand)
a tennis ball massager for my hubby to use for back rubs and counter-pressure during contractions
multiple copies of my birth plan (and I’m planning to find some kind of goodies for the hospital staff to go along with it) and my birth affirmation cards

snacks

Snacks are a must! I rely heavily on them in everyday life, and even more in pregnancy. When we’re talking about potentially having a long labor (since it’s my first, I’m preparing mentally for that), I want to have nourishing options readily available!

dates
honey sticks
nuts/trail mix
energy/protein bars with a short ingredient list
dried fruit
coconut water
Liquid IV packs
applesauce pouches

for my hubby

We haven’t packed a bag for my husband yet, and I know it will take considerably less time to do so, but here’s what I’m planning on packing for him.

a couple sets of comfy clothes
an extra phone charger
snacks
his toiletry bag
sandals for showering

Helpful things to ask your provider/hospital about

I found it helpful to ask my provider (who’s affiliated with the hospital I’m planning to deliver at) if the following items will be provided. It gave me greater peace of mind about what I packed and what I planned to leave at home. You can also ask friends and family members if they’ve delivered at the place you’re planning to deliver at.