Packing for the Hospital: 1st Time Mom Guide
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Last Updated on 11/23/2024 by Nell Marie
Hey first time mama, it’s time to pack that hospital bag and get yourself ready for that last-second run to the hospital before the baby arrives.
That’s what this list is all about!
Everything you need and nothing you don’t.
It’s such an exciting time!
I remember packing my bag with my first son and how excited I was. I knew baby was close to being here and I pictured myself in the hospital bed holding my first baby.
It can be a little scary too as you don’t yet know what to expect at the hospital but it’s a magical experience and one I’m sure you’ll look back on fondly – you know, when the pain eases up. But trust this, once you have that happy, healthy baby in your arms your love for the little one will outweigh everything else.
So, let’s learn more about what to pack in your hospital bag!
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Packing for the Hospital
There’s no hard and fast rule on what to pack, and what not to pack, but there are several items you may find helpful to have on hand.
So, keep in mind these are suggestions that have worked for me and many other moms, but if you think of items you find necessary for your bag, absolutely add those to this list!
Pack the Bag: The Ultimate Guide (for mom)
When getting ready to welcome your newest family member, it’s essential for moms to prepare a hospital bag packed with all the necessities for both themselves and their newborn bundle of joy.
Below are 13 items you should consider packing:
1- Comfortable clothing for labor
Consider loose-fitting, breathable clothes or a hospital gown.
Opting for loose-fitting, breathable clothing during labor ensures maximum comfort and ease of movement. This could include oversized T-shirts, loose pants, or a lightweight robe.
The priority is to wear something that allows you to move freely and that can easily be removed if necessary for medical procedures or skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
Hospital gowns are also provided by most hospitals and are designed for easy access during labor and delivery.
They’re typically made of soft, breathable fabric, making them a convenient and practical option for many expectant mothers.
Ultimately, the choice between personal clothing and a hospital gown comes down to individual comfort and preference.
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2- Robe or sweater
Hospitals often maintain cooler temperatures to ensure a comfortable environment for patients and to meet medical standards.
Bringing something cozy like a warm robe or sweater can help you stay comfortable during your stay.
Having an extra layer can be especially comforting during moments of rest or recovery after childbirth when your body may experience fluctuations in temperature.
It’s also beneficial for maintaining warmth during skin-to-skin contact with your newborn, promoting bonding and regulating their body temperature.
So, packing something cozy ensures both physical comfort and emotional reassurance during your hospital stay.
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3- Slippers or socks with grips
For walking around the hospital, it’s essential to have comfortable and practical footwear such as slippers or socks with grips.
These options provide traction and support, reducing the risk of slipping on smooth hospital floors.
Slippers are convenient for quick trips to the restroom or moving around your hospital room, offering a cozy alternative to walking barefoot.
They can be easily slipped on and off, allowing for quick changes or adjustments as needed during labor and recovery.
Socks with grips offer similar benefits, providing warmth and stability while ensuring your safety as you navigate the hospital corridors.
Overall, having suitable footwear enhances mobility and comfort, enabling you to move around the hospital with ease during your childbirth experience.
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4- Comfortable underwear
Comfortable underwear is a must-have item for your hospital bag during childbirth.
Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
Since childbirth can be messy, it’s wise to pack several pairs that you can easily discard if they become soiled.
Disposable mesh underwear provided by the hospital is another option, offering convenience and easy cleanup during the immediate postpartum period.
Consider choosing underwear with a high waistband or maternity-specific styles that provide gentle support for your abdomen, especially if you’ve had a cesarean delivery.
Overall, packing ample comfortable underwear ensures that you stay feeling fresh and comfortable throughout your hospital stay, allowing you to focus on your recovery and bonding with your newborn.
5- Nursing bras or comfortable bras
Nursing bras are specially designed to provide convenience and support for breastfeeding mothers.
With easy-to-use nursing clips or flaps, they allow for quick and discreet access during breastfeeding sessions, whether at home or on-the-go.
The extra features, such as wider straps and softer materials, cater to the changing needs of postpartum breasts, ensuring comfort and minimizing the risk of discomfort or irritation.
While comfortable bras without nursing features can work too, nursing bras offer added functionality and practicality for breastfeeding mothers, making them a valuable addition to your hospital bag if you plan to breastfeed.
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6- Toiletries
Include toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer, lip balm, hairbrush, and hair ties.
Toothbrush and toothpaste: Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial, especially during labor and postpartum recovery when you may not have the opportunity for regular brushing.
Shampoo and conditioner: A refreshing shower can provide much-needed relaxation during labor or after delivery. Having your own shampoo and conditioner ensures you can cleanse and condition your hair according to your preference.
Body wash: A gentle body wash can help you feel refreshed and clean, particularly after delivery. Choose a mild formula that won’t irritate sensitive postpartum skin.
Face wash: Cleansing your face removes dirt, oil, and impurities, promoting healthy skin and preventing breakouts. Opt for a gentle face wash suitable for your skin type.
Moisturizer: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum can affect skin hydration. A moisturizer helps keep your skin nourished and hydrated, especially in the dry environment of a hospital room.
Lip balm: Hospitals can be dry, leading to chapped lips. Lip balm provides much-needed hydration and prevents discomfort.
Hairbrush: Taming your hair with a brush can help you feel more put together and refreshed, even if you’re spending most of your time in bed.
Hair ties: Keeping your hair tied back during labor or while caring for your newborn ensures it stays out of your face and prevents it from becoming a distraction or obstruction.
7-Personal items
Don’t forget items like glasses, contact lenses, and any other personal hygiene items you regularly use.
These personal hygiene items not only promote physical comfort but also contribute to a sense of normalcy and well-being during your hospital stay.
Having familiar products on hand can provide a comforting routine amidst the unfamiliarity of the hospital environment, helping you feel more at ease and prepared for the birthing process and postpartum recovery.
These items are essential for maintaining cleanliness, which is crucial for your overall health and comfort during this special time.
8- Snacks
Bringing snacks for after delivery is essential for replenishing energy and nourishing your body during the postpartum period.
After giving birth, you may experience hunger or fatigue, and having snacks readily available allows you to refuel without relying solely on hospital meals.
Having your favorite snacks on hand can provide comfort and familiarity during a time of adjustment and recovery.
Snacks can also be helpful if you have dietary restrictions or preferences that may not align with hospital meal options, ensuring you have suitable options to support your nutritional needs during this critical period.
9- Entertainment
Bringing entertainment such as a book, magazine, or tablet with pre-downloaded movies or shows is a great way to help pass the time during labor.
Labor can be a lengthy process, and having something to distract and engage your mind can make the experience more manageable.
Whether it’s escaping into the pages of a book, flipping through a magazine, or immersing yourself in a favorite movie or TV show, these activities can provide welcome relief from discomfort and anxiety.
10- Birth plan
If you have a birth plan, bringing copies for your healthcare team ensures that everyone involved in your care is aware of your preferences and wishes for labor and delivery.
Providing copies to your healthcare providers allows them to understand your goals and preferences, facilitating better communication and collaboration throughout the birthing process.
It also helps to ensure that your desires are respected and taken into consideration as decisions are made regarding your care.
Having a clear and concise document can help alleviate any potential confusion or misunderstandings, promoting a smoother and more positive childbirth experience for both you and your healthcare team.
11- Nursing pads and Nipple Cream
Bringing nipple pads and cream is essential for breastfeeding mothers to manage any discomfort or leakage that may occur during the early postpartum period.
Nipple pads provide an absorbent barrier between your skin and clothing, preventing leaks and keeping you feeling dry and comfortable.
They are particularly useful in the first few weeks when milk production is establishing and leakage is common.
Nipple cream, on the other hand, helps soothe and moisturize sore or cracked nipples, providing relief and promoting healing.
Applying nipple cream after each feeding can help prevent irritation and maintain nipple health, supporting a successful breastfeeding journey.
Overall, having nipple pads and cream on hand ensures you’re prepared to address common breastfeeding challenges and maintain your comfort throughout the postpartum period.
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12- Postpartum recovery items
After delivery, comfort and recovery are paramount, and these postpartum care items can greatly aid in that process.
Perineal cold packs provide soothing relief to the perineal area, reducing swelling and discomfort following childbirth.
Witch hazel pads offer a natural way to alleviate postpartum soreness and inflammation, with their astringent properties helping to soothe and cleanse the perineal area.
Maternity pads are specifically designed to absorb postpartum bleeding, providing ample coverage and protection during this time of increased flow.
Together, these items create a comprehensive postpartum care kit, addressing the physical challenges and discomforts commonly experienced after childbirth.
Having these essentials on hand ensures that you can focus on rest and recovery, knowing that you have the necessary support for your body’s needs during this critical time.
13- Going-home outfit
Choosing loose, comfortable clothing for the trip home is essential for several reasons.
First, your body will likely still be recovering from childbirth, and loose clothing minimizes any discomfort or pressure on sensitive areas.
Also, loose clothing allows for easy access if you need to breastfeed or attend to postpartum care needs during the journey home.
Opting for comfortable fabrics like cotton or jersey ensures breathability and softness against your skin, enhancing overall comfort as you transition from the hospital to home.
Prioritizing comfort in your attire enables you to focus on bonding with your newborn and easing into the early days of postpartum life with greater ease and comfort.

Pack the Bag: the Guide (for baby)
Once you’ve ensured your hospital bag has all the comforts you need, it’s essential to prepare for your baby’s arrival with these key items:
Coming-Home Outfit: Pack two outfits in different sizes to accommodate varying baby sizes. Include at least one outfit in newborn size and another in 0-3 months. Don’t forget hats and socks for warmth, depending on the weather.
Diapers and Wipes: Surprisingly, you won’t need to pack these. Hospitals typically provide all the diapers and wipes your baby will need. Consider bringing an extra bag for the freebies you’ll receive before leaving.
Car Seat: This is a must-have if you’re driving home. Hospitals typically require a properly installed car seat before you can leave with your baby.
Pediatrician’s Contact Information: Keep this handy for the medical staff. Include the pediatrician’s email or fax number for easy sharing of your baby’s medical records.
Bottles: If you plan to bottle-feed initially, bring at least two bottles of your preferred brand. If you’re using formula, pack some of your chosen brand, though the hospital may offer samples.

Wrapping it Up: What to Pack for the Hospital
Having a well-packed hospital bag is like having a comforting safety net as you embark on this incredible journey of bringing your little one into the world.
Remember, it’s not just about the practical essentials, but also about the little comforts that can make a big difference during those precious first moments with your newborn.
So, take your time, make a checklist, and pack with love and care. You’ve got this, and soon you’ll be holding your precious bundle in your arms, ready to start the most amazing chapter of your life.
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