12 Essential Items to Pack in Your Labor Hospital Bag (From A Mom of 3)
Packing your hospital bag for labor can feel overwhelming, but with the right essentials, you can make the process a lot smoother.
Here’s a straightforward list of 12 must-have items that will keep you comfortable and prepared for your little one’s arrival. Let’s keep it simple and get right to what you need!
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Healthy But Energy Providing Snacks
When you’re in labor, having some healthy snacks on hand can be a lifesaver. Pack items like nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars for a quick energy boost. These snacks will help keep you fueled and ready for the big moment!
For a full list of hospital bag snacks, go here!
Going Home Outfit For Baby
Your baby’s going home outfit should be cozy and cute. Look for soft fabrics that are gentle on their skin. A simple onesie paired with a little hat is always a sweet choice! This is ofcourse weather depending, I had to bring home all my babies in the winter. Be sure to not pack anything that will compromise the safety of the car seat. Thin clothing, and to keep baby warm use blankets once baby is buckled in.
I always liked zippered onesies like this, however some of my friends prefer the buttons because the zippered ones make a bulge around the zipper area and it can be annoying for the baby.
Swaddles, Soothers, And Scratch Mittens
Swaddles, soothers, and scratch mittens are essentials for your hospital bag. Swaddles help keep your baby snug and secure, promoting better sleep. Soothers provide comfort, while scratch mittens prevent tiny hands from scratching their delicate skin.
Charger And Airpods
Don’t forget to pack your charger and AirPods for the hospital! A long labor can feel even longer without some tunes or your favorite podcasts to keep you company. Plus, staying connected with loved ones is super important during this time.
Birthing Dress Or Gown With Comfy Socks
A cozy birthing dress or gown can make your hospital experience much more comfortable. Choose a soft fabric that allows you to move easily and feels good against your skin.
Pair it with some comfy socks to keep your feet warm during labor. One of my kids came really fast so I wore my husbands sweat pants to the hospital (that’s a logn story), but I had packed a sundress in my bag and it was the BEST thing for nursing and it made it easier for the nurses to change my pads out on the bed after the fact!
Going Home Outfit For Mom (Nursing Friendly)
Your going home outfit should be comfy and nursing-friendly. Look for soft materials that allow easy access for breastfeeding. A cozy matching set is perfect for feeling relaxed while still looking cute.
I think this is the exact postpartum set I had.
Toiletries (Hospital May Provide Essentials)
Toiletries can make your hospital stay more comfortable. While hospitals often provide the basics, having your favorite products can help you feel more at home. Don’t forget items like a toothbrush, shampoo, and moisturizer!
Nursing Bra, Nipple Cream And Nursing Pads (Even If You’re Not Going To Nurse)
Nursing bras are super comfy and provide easy access when you need it most. Nipple cream can be a lifesaver for soothing any discomfort, while nursing pads help keep things dry and clean (I like these washable ones). Even if you don’t plan to nurse, having these items on hand is a smart choice for your hospital bag.
You can totally use coconut oil instead of nipple cream, but if you prefer a cream this is the one I recommend.
Birth Plan If You Have It (It May Become Irrelevant Though!)
Having a birth plan can be super helpful, but keep in mind it might change when the big moment arrives. Write down your wishes, but stay open to adjustments, as labor can be unpredictable. The key is to communicate with your healthcare team and trust them to support you.
I never had a birth plan actually, and all 3 of my kids birthed so differently it would have been impossible to plan.
Extra Bag With Comfy Clothes In Case Your Stay Is Extended (Hubby Can Grab This Later For You)
Having an extra bag with comfy clothes is a lifesaver if your hospital stay gets longer than expected. Pack some soft pajamas and cozy socks to help you feel more at home during this time. Leggings, cozy sweaters, fresh underwear…that sort of stuff. Your partner can easily grab this bag for you later if needed, so you stay comfy and focused on what really matters.
Hairties, Lip Balm, Lotion And Other Comfort Items
When packing your labor hospital bag, don’t forget those little comfort items that can make a huge difference. Hairties help keep your hair in place, while lip balm and lotion keep your skin hydrated and feeling fresh. These small touches can add a lot to your comfort during the big day. My lips were DRY DRY DRY, I begged the hospital for lip balm. They gave me vaseline which worked, but I prefer a lip balm.
Bottles If You Plan On Using Them (Though Hospital Will Have Something For You If You Forget)
If you’re thinking of using bottles for feeding, it’s a good idea to pack a few in your hospital bag. Hospitals usually have supplies on hand if you forget, but having your own can make things feel more familiar. Plus, it’s nice to have everything ready for your little one! If you need bottle suggestions, I really liked both Phillips Avent and Dr. Browns. Maybe the Phillips Avent ones were easier to clean, but honestly I didn’t have a favorite.
I hope this checklist was somewhat helpful. There are SO many checklists out there, I really hope more people find mine… it’s not as generic as some of the others I’ve seen, and it’s super real and not overwhelming.. (I think so anyway.)
Do you want an actual checklist of these ideas? Here, I made one for you. Just download and print.
