What To Pack In Your Hospital Birth Bag

The beginning of the third trimester is such an exciting time. Now, it’s only a matter of weeks before you’ll go into labor. Regardless of your due date, I recommend packing a hospital birth bag before you think you’ll need it. 

A baby’s journey into the world is not always as scheduled and predictable as we might prefer. After almost a decade as a maternity and newborn photographer, I’ve heard an infinite array of birth stories, many of which started weeks before anticipated. 

Labor & Delivery Hospital Birth Bag Must-Haves

First and foremost, any mother’s hospital birth bag must hold comfort as the top priority. With that in mind, you can imagine the word “your most comfortable…” in front of the large majority of these items.

Don’t forget the birth plan: A copy of your birth plan (or two or three) should be at the top of your hospital birth bag. Post one above your bed and distribute copies to the birth team. Your partner should have one, too as they may forget the details when thrust into the excitement of pending birth!

Your Personal Items

Whatever you’d want to wear if you’re laboring in water

Depending on your choice of labor and delivery locations, you may opt to labor in water. Some women don’t mind being naked throughout their labor. However, it’s a good idea to have your bikini top or a sports bra on hand if you’re modest and prefer your top half to be covered.

Pajamas, Pajamas, and coming home clothes

In a perfect world, you only need a pair of pj’s and your coming home clothes. However, I recommend having a couple of extra ultra-soft and comfortable loungewear changes. Having extra loungewear on hand gives you some time before your partner, doula, or other family members can bring you backup supplies in case the baby comes early and needs to spend extra time in the hospital - or you end up having an unplanned C-section and need extra recovery time.

You may also want to include a pair of slippers (non-slip soles) and a comfortable pair of shoes to wear when you come home.

A robe

Even if you aren’t a robe wearer at home, it’s worth bringing one “just in case.” A soft robe may become your primary attire for your first day or two in the hospital because it’s easy to open and close. If you have a c-section, you’ll also appreciate wearing something that doesn’t have a waistband or put any pressure on your tender abdomen. Finally, as you can imagine, it also makes it easy for you to begin breastfeeding, which can take a bit of finagling before you acquire the adept skills you’ll learn in the following weeks.

Socks and underwear

Don’t forget to bring extra warm, soft socks and a few pairs of underwear. They’re easy to forget when you’re focused on everything else.

Nursing bras

Your body will begin making colostrum immediately - and you may have noticed colostrum leakage weeks or even months before the baby was born. Mother’s milk arrives in its own time, often in the first 12 to 24 hours. Having a nursing bra or three in the hospital birth bag helps you get used to breastfeeding with the support of the OB nurses and lactation consultants, part of which includes learning to use nursing bras.

Toiletries

The hospital or birthing center has these on hand for you, but you’ll prefer the comforts of home. Make sure to include the following:

  • Hairbrush

  • Hair dryer

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

  • Regular shampoo and conditioner

  • Dry shampoo (again, if you’re too exhausted or recovering from a c-section, you may want to use dry shampoo until you’re up for the shower

  • Face wipes/cleanser (you may want to get a clean sponge-bath style depending on how you feel that first 24 to 48 hours). 

  • Lotion

It’s best to leave heavily fragranced items at home because your senses will be sensitive, and your natural scent is better for baby bonding.

The Accessories

There are some accessory items also worth having on-hand:

  • Extra-long charging cord. Your regular charging cord may not be long enough to reach the nearest outlet. If you luck out and have a bed close to an outlet, you can always tie off a portion of the long cord. However, in most cases, you’ll appreciate the extra leverage a long cord will give you, especially if you’re talking to family and friends while holding a precious newborn in your arms.

  • Bluetooth speaker, earphones, and a playlist. Listening to your own sounds provides comfort and also drowns out the perpetual sounds of any healthcare environment.

  • Kindle or eReader. Odds are you won’t have too much reading time. If you stay longer than planned (and you’re a reader), a Kindle or other eReader is a good idea. First and foremost, “pages” can be turned with one hand - which is how you’ll be getting used to life for a little while. Books and magazines are hard to juggle with a napping or breastfeeding infant.

  • Nutritious, delicious snacks and drinks. We’ve all heard the hospital food jokes. And, while things have come a long way, it’s never the same as getting what you want to eat when you want to eat it. Pack some of your favorite healthy and nutritious snacks and drinks so you can have comforting flavors and nourishment in between hospital meals or take-out brought by loved ones.

  • Your own pillow and towel. Hospital towels are terrible - end of story. Having your own plush towel is well worth its space in the labor-delivery “to-go” bag. Equally comforting is your own pillow with a soft pillowcase. 

  • Small portable fan. You can’t open the windows in the hospital. A small, portable fan provides airflow and natural cooling when needed.

For Baby

Of course, you’re not the only one coming home. Your hospital bag also houses the items you’ll want for the baby. These include:

Pediatrician’s contact information

Have your pediatrician’s information handy. You may feel more comfortable checking in with them if you have questions about your baby or hospital recommendations.

Newborn diapers of your choice (if you aren’t happy with the ones the hospital provides)

You’ll get plenty of freebies from the hospital so this one is up to you.

The “Coming Home” outfit(s)

Pack one in two different sizes as your baby may be bigger than you think, and you may need something larger than initially planned or vice versa.

Your bottles

If you plan to use formula, you’ll want your preferred bottles on hand, so baby gets used to it from the get-go. Even if you plan to breastfeed, bringing a single bottle is a good idea. It’s always best to prepare for the unexpected. If baby needs a bottle for any reason, having your own there ensures they start off right, and you can purchase more later if need be. Otherwise, it can become the bottle your partner, grandparents, or siblings use to feed the baby when you’re ready to pump milk and allow others the joys of bonding while feeding.

A bag to bring all the freebies home in

Yes, odds are you’ll get that many. Hospitals receive oodles of “swag” from all the major players, which means you’ll be sent home with diapers, wipes, formula samples, and oh so much more.

Happy Packing From Lemonshoots!

So much love and anticipation are poured into a hospital birth bag. The team at Lemonshoots wishes you happy packing and safe labor and delivery for all. Please reach out to schedule your newborn photography session if you haven’t already. Let’s create some art with your baby so you can always have those sweet moments!

Marcela Limon