The Minimalist's Guide to Packing Your Hospital Bag Because you don't need that.
By Danielle Halibey | Photo courtesy of HATCH
Once you hit 35-37 weeks in pregnancy, you’ll be getting all those alerts on your preggo apps about making sure your hospital bag for labor/delivery. Maybe you’re especially psyched to start getting ready —similar to when you’d curate for camp/vacay with all the adorbs trial-size amenities and go HAM in Target —or maybe you’re dreading it because packing sucks, plain and simple, and laying on the couch watching Schitt’s Creek all the way through for the 4th time is >>>> the task at hand. It can also be a very different POV if this is your first baby versus your third, fifth or final pregnancy.
We here at Babe have def overpacked for occasions, but we can also totally get behind a hospital bag that isn’t brimming with extras. You, your partner and your baby being comfy and supported throughout your hospital stay is the only thing that matters. So, instead of stressing over the stuff, spend more time thinking about the must-haves you’ll want on-hand for all the hard parts and happy moments born from this major time in your life.
Take a peek at our maternity sets and separates, great adds for your bag, and remember that a little luxury hits differently when you’ve just had a tiny human emerge from your body. If there was ever a time you needed something buttery soft on all your bits (vag, boobs, belly and nips), this is it. That goes for the all-important first meal after birth, too. You’ve worked hard for it, mama, so don’t feel bad about sending someone out for that breakfast sandwich, replete with runny egg deliciousness.
And so, the minimalist hospital bag enters the chat. Take a peek and, seriously, don’t dismiss the hair saves. Nine months of pregnancy-related growth and knottiness (plus some probable spit up or colostrum sprays in your strands, post-birth, if breastfeeding is part of your journey) isn’t easy to run a comb through. But for what it’s worth, that’s just a confession from a painfully-hair-tangled mom of three…
Poketo Tuck Folder Set: Pre-hospital admittance admin can largely be done online these days, but in the event you still have things to bring — like a copy of your birth plan — cute folders can keep everything together. We love these splashy designs and how the pocket configuration folds up; it’s a pad-folio every pregnant woman would be happy to whip out when the ID and insurance card questions start coming.
Cure Hydrating Electrolyte Mix: You’ll want to check with your L&D team on whether you can eat or drink during labor, but these science-backed, no-sugar-added, plant-based electrolyte powders are filled with clean ingredients like Himalayan sea salt, coconut water and lemon juice. They replenish the glucose, potassium and sodium lost during labor. If you’ll be nursing, that’s even more of a reason you’ll want to reach for a fluid-restoring sip!
The IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler: It’s not the TikTok-famous Adventure Quencher, but this bright and colorful one might be even better. It has a built-in flip straw for easy and effortless sipping, and once you snap it shut, the double-wall vacuum insulation will keep your drink fully leakproof and extra cold for hours slash days. Don’t worry, fam: Those only-found-in-a-hospital ice chips will be fine and fresh for the entirety of your stay.
Boobie Bar Superfood Vegan Lactation Bar in Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: These delicious and healthy bars (the oatmeal chocolate chip is YUM) are packed with a proprietary blend of lactogenic, organic superfoods that naturally increase milk supply. It can take a few days for production to really ramp up, so why not snack on these when you’re sitting there strategizing the vibe for your “baby is here!!!” in-feed social share?
HATCH Collection The Maternity & Postpartum Boyshort: Thoughtfully confectioned to hold an XL pad for those early postpartum days, these black and nude pairs feature a breathable single layer design and a C-section-friendly double fabric waistband for added support and comfort. In a soft, breathable, stretchable cotton/spandex blend, the underwear is like the mesh shorts you’d get from your nurses, but a lot cozier and more likely to take up space in your top drawer once you’re home.
PAUME Antibacterial Gel (In a Travel Bottle): This antibacterial hand gel kills 99.99% of germs and uses premium plant-powered hydration for clean, moisturized hands without the water. Five essential oils create a luxurious scent with notes of cedar, citrus, rosemary and lavender that smells a hell of a lot better than Purell, just sayin. And it’s exactly what comes to mind when we think “minimalist.” If your hospital allows visitors (it’s a question mark, because some still don’t), make sure you ask all your VIPs to squirt some on before they hug you or your partner or hold the baby.
HATCH Collection Nipple + Lip Rescue Balm: And speaking of things that aren’t so sterile…This lanolin-free formula helps calm and soothe irritated nipps, relieve dry lips and nurture other bits. It harnesses tropical butters and superfruits to create a barrier against chapping and chafing, two very documented effects of birthing and nursing.
Mason Pearson Detangler Brush: Hear us out. Labor is a messy, sticky, strenuous workout. The MOST strenuous workout, tbh. So, your hair is bound to get tousseled, drenched and mangled in ways you’d never thought possible. Invest in an awesome detangling brush for this precise reason (it’s a lot of money, yes, but if you consider it a push present you’ll use well after the baby is born, that might alleviate some of that add-to-cart anxiety). So many users have relayed that consistent use of the Mason Pearson detangling and mixed bristle brushes have helped their hair “look healthier, thicker and longer.” And when postpartum hair is concerned, those results are endgame.
Odele Dry Shampoo: Now, you might not even take a shower in the hospital if 1) the thought of bathing in a stall that’s not your own sounds like the worst decision ever or 2) you’re too uncomfortable to even want to get out of bed (it happens). That’s why packing a dry shampoo is so smart. This one is packed with clean and powerful plant proteins and extracts that revive hair, absorb excess oil and add oomph when you don’t have the energy to do it yourself.
Caden Lane Personalized Birth Stats Wood Announcement Block: With a minimalist hospital bag, you’re not going to want a Kardashian-level stack of lewks and accessories to shuffle through for your baby’s newborn Insta snaps. Taking a pic with this super cute wooden placard alongside your sleeping sidekick (in that all-too-familiar plastic+wood hospital bassinet) gets the job done just right. Since you can write in their arrival stats, you can keep your caption minimal, too. Cue all the ❤️and comments!
The Hospital Departure Bundle by HATCH: Heading home from the hospital can be exciting—and a little nerve-wracking—this thoughtfully curated box of our best-selling essentials will make transitioning to the Fourth Trimester just a little easier (and a lot comfier). You take care of baby, we’ll take care of you.
Pip Pea Pop Personalized Footed Bodysuit with Attachable Bib: And for that going home fit, you can’t go wrong with a simple, ultra-soft sleeper (no really, it’s superbly supple thanks to the 100% GOTS-organic pima cotton) for your little. Choose one embroidered with a playful flamingo or a dancing sheep and if you have their name picked out —prior to giving birth —get it personalized! Both the hands and the feet can be folded over for coverage and newborn scratching safety, and the piece can be worn for weeks if not months, courtesy of its stretch. Obsessed.
