The Mama Style Store is a style and inspiration destination for pregnancy and post-baby. Save time and shop the most flattering looks to suit your bump from 60+ amazing brands all in one place. From early pregnancy to postpartum and beyond, you’ll find everything you need to stay stylish and comfortable at every stage of motherhood. Sarah Hamilton is a Mom of 2, and Stylist at The Mama Style

There’s something really special about packing your hospital bag. It’s kinda like… wrapping Christmas presents while counting down until your birthday, only multiplied by a thousand. While packing for a winter birth can require a little more planning, being organized will pay huge dividends when you’re actually in the hospital. You’ll be less likely to be frantically looking for things and, therefore, less stressed. And if there was ever a time to embrace zen, it’s labor!

Before you pack, make sure you’ve ticked off some life admin:

Keep those stress levels under control. If you’re anywhere between 30 – 35 weeks pregnant, you’ll want to have your winter hospital bag sitting by the door. We suggest packing two or three bags – one for yourself, one for your partner or support person, and one for your babe. A good tip is to separate similar items into labeled ziplock bags for maximum organization.  As a guide, this list is tailored to a 48-hour stay, so feel free to tweak the contents based on your expected duration. Remember, it’s always better to be over-prepared  than underprepared. 

Our ultimate list for your perfect winter hospital bag isn’t just based on official hospital guides; it’s based on our own lived experience (see: things we forgot and wished we had) as well as the wisdom of our community of mamas who have been there and done that. 

Front-opening tops and nightwear are a must for easy nursing access and to make that beautiful skin-to-skin contact so much easier. Hatch has made this super easy with their HATCH to Hospital Box. Add a thicker plush or terry cloth robe for extra warmth for cooler weather. Don’t forget a warm sweater. This one from HATCH is perfect for your stay, plus all those delicious postpartum snuggles in chilly weather.

A loose-fitting, breathable matched set, with socks and sneakers or Ugg boots, will have you looking effortlessly stylish and feeling comfortable, which is key at this point. Hatch has made this extra easy for you with their Hospital Departure Bundle. Simply pop a wool coat or puffer jacket over your fit, depending on how chilly it is, and you’re good to go. 

Winter weather calls for extra pampering, especially since the  hospital environment can be dry.. Pack your richest moisturizers and indulge in some self-care while you’re waiting or in recovery.When it comes to toiletries, pack travel-sized essentials like shampoo, conditioner, body and face wash, makeup wipes, moisturizing body lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, and a hairbrush and hair ties. 

Bring an extra long phone charger and even a power pack – because running out of battery is simply not an option. Think of it as your lifeline to the world outside, with a dash of “I’m about to fill this camera roll up with the best memories ever.” We also recommend bringing along a good book, some magazines, or other entertainment options to keep yourself occupied during times when you have no visitors or while you’re waiting for labor to progress. You’ll probably have all the best parenting apps installed, but add Insight Timer to your phone. It’s fantastic for meditation, music, and talks to help you calm your nerves. 

Whether it’s a scheduled C-section or a natural birth, you’ll be waiting, and you’ll feel snackish. Pack some high-energy bars, nuts, and fruit or your favorite dark chocolate or candy to keep you going. Being a mama is thirsty work, so pack a large refillable bottle, like this Bink bottle. Coconut water can help rehydrate you after labor and delivery. It’s important to stay ultra-hydrated  while breastfeeding. Not only does this help your supply, but breastfeeding thirst is unlike any type of thirst you’ve ever been, and you can’t change my mind. 

Choose outfits that are not just warm but also have that ‘aww’ factor. Include newborn and 0-3 month onesies and a cute hat if that’s your vibe. Here are some adorable outfits for the bougie babe: 

When it comes to swaddle blankets, we recommend opting for organic materials such as bamboo, cotton, and pure linen rather than anything polyester as this can irritate your little one’s sensitive skin and cause overheating. You might want to look at a sleep suit instead. We love Ergopouch sleepsuits for their snug swaddles and helpful guides to layering in cold weather. It’s giving baby burrito. 

Whether it’s name circles, a letterboard for adorable birth announcements or  a Thread the Word blanket with your little love’s name on it, you might want to bring some special keepsakes to add to any photos you take.

You can add “restocking diaper bags” to your LinkedIn profile because this is your life now. Diaper bags are the new designer tote and you can find your perfect match here. A good rule of thumb is:

Packing your perfect winter hospital bag is seriously so exciting but can also be daunting. Everything else can be worked out as long as you have your basics. Promise. You’re doing an incredible job! Remember that while you’re the one packing, there’s a village ready to help you unpack, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your partner, your community, and other loved ones to support you on this special journey.