The hospital bag: a necessary pack-all for your pre and post-birthing gear, but also a source of stress for many moms-to-be. What do you actually need for giving birth? What about your stay in the hospital once the baby is delivered?

Peep our checklist for the essential items you need to pack up when the day finally arrives. 

There are a few critical documents you need to keep in your bag. Make sure to include your ID, insurance information, and birth plan. That way, whenever you get to the hospital, they’ll know exactly who you are and how it’s going down. 

If you haven’t already made a birth plan, check out this resource for creating a birth plan that works for you.

You’re likely going to stay in the hospital between one and three nights, so you want your essential toiletries to get you through. Go ahead and pack the items you need for brushing your teeth, washing your face, and taking care of your hair (to the extent you can “take care” of anything during labor). 

Lucky for you, HATCH offers some mama AND baby-safe skincare solutions that have you covered before, during and after. Try glow maximizing face serum and some nipple ointment once you start breastfeeding. Also, don’t forget to pack some all-natural deodorant that’s safe for use during pregnancy and after.

Considering what you’ll be doing and how you’ll be spending time at the hospital, fashion might not be the driver here, but you can still pack some totally cute and comfortable clothing that will make your stay a little cozier.

A robe is a good call to pack in your hospital bag. Easy on and off, super soft, and great for basically anything you’d be doing in the hospital. For supreme comfort, it doesn’t get better than the nesting robe or a queen-worthy cashmere robe. Even if you’re waddling, you can still feel comfy and cozy on the journey.

A pair of Everyday Briefs is key. It’s underwear you’ll barely even notice and a few nursing bras that you’ll love immediately (even if breastfeeding takes more than a little practice).

Can’t stay overnight anywhere without a cozy pair of socks, right? Consider wearing a pair of maternity compression socks to the hospital. They’re totally capable of handling the on-the-go factor the big day brings with it, and they’ll help prevent your feet and legs from swelling up on the way there. 

For the rest and recovery portion of your hospital stay, you can’t do footwear much better than these 100% cashmere socks. They’re probably the most luxurious socks you’ll ever wear, and there’s no better time to be wearing them than a cute and cozy brand-new baby in your arms. 

Chances are you won’t be making many stops on the way home from the hospital; you don’t need to get black-tie ready. However, it is a monumental moment in your life, and wearing the ideal clothing can go a long way in making it feel as great as possible.

With this in mind, we assembled a clever little bundle that contains the perfect outfit to wear home from the hospital with your new baby. 

The Hospital Departure Bundle includes a bottle of Nipple and Lip Rescue Balm. After the baby arrives, you might need something to soothe the nips if you’re breastfeeding. This is it, and it just so happens to work wonders on your lips as well. 

Let’s talk fashion for a hot second: Our long sleeve nursing top and matching pants create an ultimate crazy-comfy combination. The top is soft, stretchy, and allows quick and easy feeds (once you and Baby get used to latching on). The pants can be worn over or under your baby bump. 

The set also contains The Skin to Skin Bra, a bra you’ll barely notice is there. It’s great for feeding and sleeping comfortably. 

Want something that’s not a robe or gown? Bring along a few of the most comfortable t-shirts you have. You can never go wrong with a good t-shirt. A pair of maternity joggers are an easy match with your hospital looks. 

Simple and easy is your best option when it comes to footwear. Anything that you can slide on and off easily will be ideal because you don’t want to be bending over, tying shoes, or strapping on stilettos, obviously.

Go with slip-on sneakers, slippers, or sandals.

Go all out and pack a bunch of snacks to bring with you. You never know what you might be craving. Plus, your support crew/family/friends might want something to snack on as well, and hospital food isn’t always the best.

Consider tossing in some healthy but tasty snacks in your hospital bag. Choose something salty, sweet, something with protein, and plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.  

There are some other items you might consider bringing with you that’ll make your stay a bit more comfortable. However, some of them (like your favorite pillow) may not be the most space-efficient items to bring in your hospital bag. That’s where your partner or someone in your support system can help by knowing what they’re in charge of bringing to the hospital come delivery day as well. 

If you have a favorite pillow or blanket that will make your experience at the hospital a bit more homey and cozy, they can definitely go with you. 

You might also consider bringing along a soft, fluffy towel. The ones at the hospital are usually thin, scratchy, and hardly big enough to get dry. 

Some moms might like to have a fan or diffuser in the room. The climate of the room is a large part of your comfort. The room might feel stuffy without your fan or might be more relaxing if you really like the aroma of diffused oils. 

This soothing headwrap will come in handy as well. It’s a stylish accessory that will keep your hair out of your face during labor while providing you with a cool compress to lower your body temperature and ease any headaches that might come your way.

You might want to bring something to help pass the time while you’re waiting, resting, or laboring. Bring a speaker to play some music and get the vibes right in the room. If you like podcasts or have a show you want to binge-watch, download them on your iPad or computer ahead of time.

Not to mention, books are a classic for a reason. Bring your favorite mystery novel or some classic picture books to entertain your baby before their big entrance.

You can’t forget to pack items for the baby! They’ll need something to wear during the time at the hospital, as well as their coming home outfit.

Pack a newborn onesie, and maybe a 0-6 month option as well since you’re not entirely sure how big your baby will be. A hat to keep them warm is a good idea as well. 

Besides clothing, you want to bring a bottle and/or formula if you plan on bottle feeding from the get-go. You don’t actually need diaper stuff in the bag; the hospital will have you covered there and should send you home with some supplies as well. 

The last thing for the baby that you absolutely must have is a car seat. Have that thing up and installed before heading to the hospital; it’s required by law that newborns have to have a car seat. Need help? Call your local mom friends or even the friendly fire station!

Once you’ve got everything packed up in the bag, you’re set to go. Well, first, you have to wait it out until the baby is also ready to go, but it sure is a relief to know that everything is set to go well ahead of time.

If it doesn’t all fit in one bag, you can pack a second bag and enlist someone to make sure it arrives at the hospital whenever you do. 

Sources:

The importance of a birth plan | Mayo Clinic Health System

Ice Pack for Headache | VeryWell Health

7 Healthy Foods to Eat Right After Labor (and Before a Sushi Binge) | Healthline