This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Are you a mom-to-be needing some helpful tips on how to and what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery day?

It can be a daunting task even though you are packing for only a few days. There are so many essential items that need to be taken to the hospital when you welcome your baby.

Childbirth requires a lot of preparation, so it’s important that the hospital bag portion of your planning gets the attention it deserves.

In this article, you will learn how to pack your hospital bag and what exactly you, mom, need for the big delivery day. 

I have packed 4 different hospital bags for 4 different pregnancies. Each time I packed a little bit more in some categories and little less in other categories. You could consider me an expert at hospital bag packing with all the experience I have had with childbirth!

Also, another fun fact about me is that I grew up in the airports! My dad was a commercial airline pilot, and I flew my entire life visiting family and going on lots of fun trips. I even started flying by myself as early as 7 years old.

I have been packing luggage non-stop since as long as I can remember.

Now, packing for the hospital is not exactly the same type of packing as you would do for a vacation, but the goal with good packing is not forgetting anything!

Related: How To Stay Focused When Packing So You Don’t Forget Anything!

You don’t want to have to send your husband out to the store or run back home to get that one thing that you so desperately needed. You want to make sure you have EVERYTHING you need so you are well prepared on your delivery day.

Women’s Travel Weekender Bag

Creating A Hospital Bag Packing List

Packing for the childbirth is not a simple task. You are basically packing for two now (and if your husband relies on you for his packing then you are packing for three!)

You will need to have a list for each person you are packing for: you, your baby and for your spouse.

Within your list you will need to pack for different situations:

1. General Essentials

2. Labor and Delivery

3. Postpartum Recovery

4. Going Home Day

You’ll have to take into consideration whether you plan to take a lot of pictures at the hospital or wait until you get home for professional pictures. This is when extra accessories, outfits and props come into play.

Related: Birth Plan 101: Everything You Need To Know

In this post we are going to focus on you, Mama, and we will revisit the packing list for dad and baby in the following weeks.

So let’s get this list started. 

Packing List For Mom

Generally, you would want to start creating this list in the beginning of the third trimester. You just never know when you might start going into labor.

I recommend packing the hospital bag as early as 2 months before your due date and no later than 1 month before your due date.

This is not something you want to wait until the last minute because you just don’t know when your baby wants to greet you!

1. General Essentials

A. Clothing

• Underwear x 3-5  (I prefer regular, full coverage, black underwear due to heavy bleeding)

• Socks x 3-5 (however the hospital provides you with non-skid hospital socks

• Nursing Bra/Maternity Sports Bra x 2-3

• Robe, Gown, Cover-Up

• Comfortable pants or capri length pants x 3-5 (dark color is prefered due to heavy bleeding)

• Tank Tops (x2-3) (maternity breastfeeding style for easy access while nursing) 

• Shorts (x1-2 pairs)

• T-Shirt (x2-3) (maternity breastfeeding style for easy access while nursing) 

• Tank Tops (x2-3) (maternity breastfeeding style for easy access while nursing) 

• Sleepwear (x2-3) (maternity breastfeeding style for easy access while nursing) 

• Comfortable Walking Shoes

• Or Slip-On Sneakers

• Slippers

• Flip Flops for walking around in the room and bathroom (also great for the shower)

 B. Toiletries:

• Toiletry Case

• Make-up remover

• Disposable towelettes

• Make-up (if desired)

• Tooth brush

• Tooth paste

• Floss

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Hair brush

• Hair ties

• Dry shampoo

• Lotion

• Shaving supplies (razor, shave gel, etc.)

• Your normally prescribed medicines or vitamins that you are already taking (make sure you pack all of that)

 C. Other

• Phone

• Phone charger

• Wallet

• Cash

• License

• Medical insurance card

• Any other devices to play your media/music

• Important childbirth/pregnancy resources you need for childbirth/postpartum

• List of contacts of people you want to send a text message to once the baby is born (you don’t want to forget anyone!)

• List of picture ideas you want to take after the baby is born (you might easily forget to take that one special picture and before you know it, it’s too late, so making a list in advance helps as a reminder! This is a really special day, isn’t it?)

• Books (leisure or baby books)

2. Labor & Delivery Needs

• Clothes that you feel most comfortable wearing during labor and delivery (some women like to wear a sports bra, a tank top or a gown. It’s completely up to you)

• iPad for music and entertainment

• Birthing Ball

• Extra Pillows

• Essential Oils: Marissa at Just Simply Mom offers a great list of 9 essential oils that are safe for pregnancy. 

• Massage essentials and other pain management necessities

 Related: How To Best Manage The Pain During Natural Childbirth

3. Postpartum Recovery

• Snacks and Bottled Water

• Camera

• Nursing Cover

• Breast Pads

• Maternity Pads

• Nipple Cream

• Breast pump and supplies

• Nursing Pillow

Related: 15 Mom Bloggers Give Their Best Advice For New Moms

4. Going Home Day

• A coat depending on the weather

• Comfortable outfit to drive home in and is easily accessible for nursing 

Remember to check back in a few weeks to get the ultimate packing list for dad and baby. You can always sign up for our newsletters, which will give you instant access to the newest posts the moment they go live!

But until then, I think you will enjoy reading “Do You Know The 7 P’s For Successful Childbirth?” next!

This article will help answer a lot of your childbirth questions that you may have.

If you have any questions about packing a hospital bag, shoot me a comment below! I would love to help you.

But before you go, let me know…what is the one item on this list that is a must-have item for you?

Keep Smiling,

Dr. Jena Bradley, DPT

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

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