To all the pregnant moms out there, Have you reached your third trimester? 

Well, you can probably deliver anytime now. It’s high time to pack your hospital bag for delivery. Make sure to tick every box before leaving the house for smooth and easy labor days.

Your toes have disappeared months ago under the swell of your growing belly. You look down and you think this is really happening! Chances are, you’ll think of the inevitable birthing process that creeps closer every day. How do you get ready for a life-changing occasion like that? For many parents-to-be, packing a hospital bag helps them feel more prepared and secure with their upcoming changes.

Throw together some basics and leave it by your front door, patiently waiting for you to reach your induction date or feel those first labor pains! But what does the hospital supply for you and what do you need to bring?

Expectant moms (and dads!), don’t let the hospital bag be another stressor in your pregnancies.  We’ve compiled a tried-and-true list of what to pack in your hospital bag for delivery and what to leave at home so you can head to the maternity ward prepared and comfortable, yet not overloaded with too much stuff.

Things to Pack in Hospital Bag for Delivery:

Nightgown, Robe, and Socks:

After giving birth, you’ll probably be spending 24-48 hours recovering in your hospital bed.  Although hospitals supply gowns, you may find these uncomfortable, chilly, or inconvenient to move around in since the backs are usually open. 

Pajamas for you are a must-have but pants of any kind may be painful on your abdomen if you need a cesarean section. Since many births end in an emergency c-section, it’s best to prepare by packing a nightgown instead. 

Toss a cozy robe in your bag as well because hospitals are often cold.  If you plan to breastfeed, a robe will provide easy access for your new bundle of joy. Don’t forget socks! Shoes will be a nuisance and hospital floors are rarely clean.

“Going Home Outfit” for Baby

Do you have your heart set on the perfect first outfit for your new baby?  If so, tuck those tiny clothes in your pregnancy bag for the hospital! You haven’t thought about it yet, just consider a few things: the weather, baby’s size, and car seat safety.

If the weather fluctuates around your baby’s due date, consider packing a warmer and a cooler outfit and choose the best option on your homecoming day. Or you could pack an outfit that has removable layers (i.e. an undershirt, onesie or bodysuit, pants, and light jacket).

Do premature or extra-large babies run in your family? Consider packing an outfit in a size up or down from the standard “newborn” size. Lastly, consider car seat safety. Don’t dress your baby in a puffy jacket, knotted gown/sleep sack, or headbands or bows for their car ride home. 

These respectively prevent seatbelts from being tight enough, crotch buckles from functioning correctly, and present suffocation hazards. Have fun and select an outfit that is cute and represents your baby style because you will surely take photos! But feel free to pack a couple of options if you’re unsure. After all, baby clothes won’t take up much space. They’re so tiny!

Underwear and “Going Home Outfit” for Mom

After giving birth you may feel overjoyed, deliriously exhausted, emotional, in pain, or all of the above. In any case, your outfit to wear going home will probably not be at the forefront of your mind. Most hospitals will send new mothers home with a small supply of oversized pads and disposable mesh underwear for the bleeding.

You can bring your own underwear if you prefer the comfort of cotton.  Just make sure they fully cover your bottom, are a size larger than you normally wear, and you don’t mind the possibility of ruining them. When it comes to choosing an outfit- if you want to wear pajamas, that is perfectly acceptable and normal!

If you want to wear something more presentable, that’s fine too! Bring something loose-fitting and comfortable. You will still have a round belly from your overstretched uterus and any number of other body parts may be swollen or painful from childbirth. Choose comfort and practicality over fashion for now. Your body will thank you!

Basic Hygiene Necessities

Bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, and favorite hair and skincare items if you can’t do a few days without them! Pack extra elastics and pins to keep hair out of your face. Consider bringing a nail brush. Childbirth is messy and many birthing positions can cause grime to accumulate beneath your fingernails. You can also bring cosmetics, pillows, and other extras if you prefer them. But leave them at home if you are trying to pack light!

Long Phone Charger, Snacks, and a Camera Phone

Bring your smartphone and a charger so you can snap endless pics of your new babe! Even if you don’t feel up to a photo op, you may want photos later to reflect on this experience. Hospitals often have outlets in inconvenient locations so bring a charger that is six to ten feet long so you can keep it near you in bed.

Although hospitals have food available all day and night, you or your partner might get hungry during those midnight baby feedings and not want to wait on room service or roam the cafeteria for a snack for yourself.  Instead, bring some easy, non-perishable snacks with you such as crackers or trail mix. Baby won’t be the only one hungry around the clock!

Related: Newborn Sleep Schedule

What to Leave at Home:

Diapers, Formula, and Baby Care Items

First-time parents might be surprised to learn they don’t need to bring diapers, wipes, formula, or baby bottles because the hospital supplies it all! Hospitals will send you home with a bunch of free baby items (“free” meaning built into your hospital bill, of course) so be sure to take as much as you can!

Neonatal nurses will also allow you to take home other items, such as nasal bulbs and baby bottles since they cannot be reused in the hospital for hygiene reasons.

If you’re planning to use a breast pump, the hospital can supply one as well. If you want help operating your particular pump though, you should bring it since the hospital pumps may function differently.

Painkillers and Medication

Yes, you’ll be in pain in your early postpartum days! But you’ll also be in the best place to help with pain management. Leave your over-the-counter painkillers at home! You’ll likely be sent home with prescription-strength ibuprofen and stool softeners to help you stay comfortable while your body heals.

Pillows and Blankets

Unless you are especially attached to your own comfort items, it’s best to leave these at home. Hospitals are always equipped to provide pillows and blankets for you (and your partner!). Plus, because of their bulk, you’ll be happy when you don’t have to transport them both ways.

The final months of pregnancy are frustrating times. You’re unable to sleep comfortably or move around like you used to, you’re stressed and excited about the changes to come, and the days seem to drag at an unbearable pace.

Conclusion

We hope that this comprehensive list of what to pack in your hospital bag for delivery takes even just the slightest burden from you! Bring what you need and what makes you the most comfortable.

Pregnant moms! Leave anything you could do without or that the hospital will readily supply for you.  Fill up that bag and rest assured that you are as prepared as you can be for the big day. Best of luck, moms and dads!