Hospital Packing List

There’s so much to remember at this intense time of life.
Let us help you consider the details, so you can focus on yourself, your birth, and the baby to come.

Admin

  • ID / Wallet

  • Insurance Card

  • Parking pass / hospital info

  • Birth plan if you have one

Attire

  • Nursing-friendly pajamas or loungewear
    Changing out of the hospital robe post-birth can go a long way towards helping you feel like a functional human. Consider bringing pieces that are comfortable around your torso and button up the front for easy breastfeeding and skin-to-skin access. The super-soft Eberjey pajamas are among our favorites.

  • Nursing bra and/or tank top
    Have easy boob access (by pulling the cup aside or unclipping) and breast support through nursing bras like these from Storq.

  • Underwear
    The hospital may provide you with the infamous mesh undies and if so, take as many as you can! You may also want to pack a few of your own pregnancy-sized pairs.

  • Robe
    Not necessarily a must, but can be a nice-to-have. Longish, organic waffle robes like these from Coyuchi make postpartum lounging so much more pleasant.

  • Socks / slippers
    Keep yourself warm with non-slip socks or slippers as you start to move around the hospital room.

  • Going home outfit
    Something comfy that would fit you in pregnancy – think loose-fitting dresses, sweats, or maternity pants.

  • Slip-on shoes
    For arriving and leaving the hospital – the easier an item is to get on, the better.

Baby

  • Infant carseat
    You can’t leave the hospital without one. If possible, install it in your car ahead of time and practice with the straps so you know how to handle it before you head home. It must be rear-facing in cars.

  • Baby clothes
    Bring newborn and 0-3 month options so that you’ll have something that fits. Include socks or pants with foot covering. Even if the baby is only in swaddles in the hospital, they’ll need to be dressed for the trip home. Keep in mind the advice that babies should wear one more layer than adults have on – you may also want a heavier layer and hat.

  • Swaddle
    The hospital will likely provide blankets to swaddle with, but it’s nice to have a cotton muslin one like these from Aden and Anais for a different weight (and cute photos!).

  • Baby blanket
    To keep them warm on the trip home (not for baby to sleep with in the hospital).

Food & Drink

  • Water bottle
    Hydration is essential. Your hospital may provide a water bottle, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure that you or your partner have one that you like. To each their own with their favorite water bottles, but we have to make sure you’ve heard about the Owala FreeSips, which don’t need to be unscrewed or tipped to be used.

  • Gatorade / drink with electrolytes

  • Snacks
    Consider something salty, sweet, protein-filled, and healthy/fresh (like dried fruit or carrots).

  • Gum, mints and/or hard candy
    To suck on, feel refreshed, or be distracted by.

  • Other food & meals
    Check in with the hospital ahead of time about whether they be provide meals. Many do, and you can order the maximum amount of food to cover yourself and your partner. Or you may want to bring food in from a local spot, if allowed.

Labor & Vibe & Tech

  • Your phone
    Probably a no-brainer, but if like us, you enjoy checking things off of a packing list, let’s not forget this critical one! To keep track of labor info, control playlists, distract yourself, take photos of the baby once they’re born, FaceTime a sibling at home, or share the good news with friends and family!

  • Extra long phone cord & phone chargers
    There’s no guarantee that outlets will be close to your hospital bed or wherever your partner is resting. Bring a 10 ft or longer phone cord to alleviate the the headache of needing to move to charge your phone.

  • Portable battery-powered speaker
    To play whatever playlist or distraction you want to hear while in labor.

  • Portable white noise machine
    Could this purpose be filled by the speaker? Yes, for sure. However, if you’re going to have a white noise machine for the baby anyway, bring it along for the hospital. The Hatch Rest Go is tiny but perfect for this big job.

  • Headphones
    Your labor may be fast or you may find yourself waiting around more than you’d expect. Have headphones to make sure you can listen to podcasts or music.

  • Sleep mask and ear plugs
    You’ll want to make the most of any chance you have to sleep – bring along whatever can help with that while also allowing you to wake up quickly and easily.

  • Portable battery-powered light
    Hospital lighting is notoriously bright and harsh. When you’re laboring or trying to squeeze in a bit of sleep while needing to quickly see how the baby is doing, having a light that’s not the blaring overhead one helps. Consider a rechargeable, dimmable small light or AA battery-powered, remote-controlled fairy lights.

  • Entertainment / distraction
    Bring along something to help distract you from wondering if each feeling is the start of a contraction. A magazine, book, Kindle, iPad, knitting, mobile game – whatever brings you a little joy.

  • Camera
    Your phone’s camera may cover this perfectly well. In case you want a little something extra, bring along a mirrorless or DSLR camera or one that prints out photos like the Fujifilm Instax.

  • Sensory aid for labor
    A room spray for a pleasing scent, portable fan, spray mist bottle, tennis ball for massage, stress ball for squeezing.

Toiletries

  • Chapstick / lip moisturizer

  • Moisturizing lotion
    Both to help deal with a dry room and for hand massage during labor.

  • Deodorant
    Your usual one will work, of course, but you could also save space with these mini deodorants from Native.

  • Hairbrush and hair accessories
    Hair ties, headband, hair wrap, whatever you like to use to keep hair out of your face.

  • Face cleaner or spray
    Travel-size face wash, spray, or wipes to quickly get a refresh.

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Dry shampoo or shampoo + conditioner

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Nipple cream
    Your hospital may provide you with some, but you may want to make sure you have what you need, or want to bring another type like Earth Mama Nipple Butter or Lanolin Nipple Cream.