What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Labor

I’m nearly 39 weeks along, which means that in the metaphorical world of pregnancy timelines, the alarm is set for delivery. I could go into labor at any moment (If I haven’t already!) which is a reality that is equal parts exciting and kiiiind of terrifying. Since the only way to prepare is to be prepared, I’ve been making to-do lists and checking them twice as of late, so that no stone is left unturned.

Of course, a part of that preparation is making sure the hospital bag for when I do go into labor is packed and ready. Which, let me tell you, is no easy feat. Why? There are so many things to consider, and once you go down the rabbit hole of grabbing all that you think you may need, a Noah’s Ark of sorts starts to emerge.

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Labor

“Keep it in check, Em.”  Keeeeep it in check.

That’s my internal dialogue doing it’s job. It knows best, because after all, this is my third time going through labor and delivery. So that’s actually my biggest advice for packing your hospital bag. Keep it in check. You really don’t need that much — the reality is that the hospital will have most of the essentials you need.

But, there are some important things that you’ll need to consider, which I’ve laid out below! What to pack for you, for baby, and even what you *think* you may need but really you won’t.

Before we get started — keep in mind that these suggested items are based off my prior experiences, and round III could be totally different. But, I can’t imagine much has changed in three years, right?! Delivery is delivery. 

First, let’s talk about the bag itself.

You’ll need something big enough to pack items for a few nights, but light enough to where you can easily grab it and go. Practical, ya know? I’m using a weekender bag from Cuyana. My exact bag is past season, but this one is near-exact and I love it even more because of the triple zippers!

I’ve loved my weekender bag for years and truly think it’s so worth the investment — I actually took it to the hospital when I delivered Josephine — because it fits just enough, is made of beautiful canvas and leather, has plenty of pockets, and is chic. As a to-be-mother-in-pain who will no doubt be heading into hospital not looking so hot, I actually find it comforting that my bag will at least be cute. The aesthetic freak in me does recognize this is slightly irrational, but I digress.

Onto what to pack inside your bag!

I’ve divided this into four sections: What to pack for labor, what to pack for you, what to pack for baby, and what NOT to pack. Let’s dive in!

What To Pack For Labor

I read a suggestion online to pre-pack a separate “Labor” section of the bag (or even a separate bag if you choose!) and I think this is genius! After all, you don’t know if it’ll be a few hours or 30+, and it’s smart to have all your labor essentials on hand for immediate use. This way you’re not in situations like rummaging through a big bag – or having someone else try to find something you need now, now, now – when you get to the hospital! Here’s what I packed in mine.

Birth Plan (Not pictured above)

Okay, let me level set with you here because this is super important. I honestly believe that the best birth plan is flexibility. It’s wonderful (and necessary!) to go in with an idea of how you want to deliver, but it’s also important to recognize that especially with something like giving birth, things don’t always go according to plan.

That said — I think it’s smart to communicate your preferences! I’ve mentioned this here before, but my goal this time around is to deliver naturally. I’m keeping the option of an epidural open if I change my mind last minute, but obviously with this as a goal, the communication of this preference is important!

My doctor gave a great checklist to me to fill out, that notes preferences like if I want music playing, etc. I’ve also written my desire to collect our baby’s cord tissue and blood (see below!) on my birth plan. This way it’s all written down and clearly listed, just in case.

Washcloth

I know this may seem odd, but I remember that before I got the epidural when I was in labor with Grace, I was having all sorts of physical reactions because of the pain. Hot sweats, vomiting, you name it. We weren’t prepared with a washcloth and the hospital didn’t have one in the waiting room we were in while our room was prepared. As I look back, it would have been nice to have a wet washcloth to use. It’s a small comfort, but one that in the moment does make a big difference!

Water Bottle

With Grace and Josephine, Doug kept running back and forth to fill these little dinky cups that the hospital had. This time, I’m bringing my own. It’ll save a lot of time and effort, I’m sure.

Cosmetic bag with hair ties, lip balm, bobby pins, etc.

Trust me, when you’re in labor, the last thing you want to worry about is your hair or things like chapped lips. Whether you reach for this bag at home, on the drive to the hospital, or in your hospital room — it’ll be nice to have on standby with all the essentials.

Essential Oils

I’ve recently started dabbling in essential oils, and have been impressed with how something as seemingly simple as a scent can lift a mood! I packed Peppermint, which is good for increasing energy, and Lavender, which is good for relaxation. Who knows if they’ll actually work to provide some comfort while in labor, but may as well try!

CBR Cord Tissue & Blood Collection Kit

This is something that I haven’t heard talked about much, but I think it’s super important to at least consider. Hereeeee comes data-loving Emily, waving her nerd flag proudly! 😉

So, here’s the scoop. We’ve decided to preserve the stem cells of our baby boy, which are the cells found in the tissue & blood of the umbilical cord. Collecting them happens after delivery and is super quick for the doctor to facilitate, and zero pain for anyone involved.

We first heard of CBR in the Labor & Delivery course that we took recently through our doctor’s office. (Yes, we still took one even as third time parents!) After that, Doug and I did a lot of research on this topic and really believe in the scientific benefits that stem cells are showing. Fun fact: cord blood stem cells can already help treat over 80 conditions today, including cancers, blood disorders, and immune disorders, and there are so many more conditions being researched. They’re showing a lot of promise particularly in things like regenerative medicine.

The stem cells can be used not just for baby, but may also be used for siblings, parents, and in some cases even extended family members like grandparents depending on the circumstance. We’re looking at this as a “Guardian angel” of sorts for our family. Hopefully we’ll never have to use the stem cells, BUT, if we need to, we’ll have them available.

I actually have a much more in-depth post that’s coming as we decided to work with CBR on this because we believe in it so much! If you have questions for that more in-depth post, I’ll have a question submission box on Instagram Stories today, or you can also leave your question in the comment section of this post!

Phone & Camera Charger

Definitely don’t want to forget this one! With both Grace and Josephine, the nurses were so sweet and proactive about grabbing in-the-moment photos and videos of them when they were born. (Not of the actual birth, mind you! The moments afterwards.) Those are some of our most cherished memories and photos/videos to this day. I can’t imagine how we’d feel if we were faced with a zero-battery moment while trying to capture such special moments. Bring that charger!

One other factor to consider, even if you’re not a photo/video person, is that our phones were what powered the music that we played!

Suggestions To Be Prepared With On Your Phone

The following are MUSTS to download/prepare prior to labor: 1. A contraction counter app, 2. A playlist filled with songs you love for labor. Music for us is such a big part of our lives — we always have it on — and I found it so comforting to have my music playing over the speakers during labor! I very specifically remember the exact songs that were playing the moment Grace and Josephine were born. In Grace’s case, it even was the deciding factor on her name! (“Gracie Girl” came on as she was born. So sweet!)

Side note: It’d be wise to double check if your hospital’s delivery rooms have a speaker system. If not, pack a portable bluetooth speaker!

What To Pack For After Delivery

Good job Mama – you did it! Now it’s time to rest, relax, heal, and embrace all of the cuddles with your new bundle of joy. Here’s what I suggest packing to make the next few days at the hospital as comfortable as possible.

Maternity Nightgowns

I’m packing two, since we’ll likely be in the hospital for a few days. Nightgowns are essential over sweatpants or shorts because after you deliver you’ll have plenty of nurses/doctors popping in and out of your room to check on things. Of course, this means making sure everything is starting to heal correctly, you know, down there. Nightgowns are significantly easier to navigate for them, and for you, when those checkups happen, and they’re also easier to navigate when learning to breast feed. Trust me on this!

Comfortable Robe

This is so underrated. So, so underrated. A bathrobe is ideal for going to and from the bathroom, even though it’s in your room. This is because it could be a bit chilly in there, or you may have visitors who you want to cover up for. They’re also great for walking the halls if you need to, so you’re not meandering around in just in your nightgown.

I got a this black robe from Target. The reason I got a new one (and black!) is because there’s a lot of bleeding and stuff going on after delivery, and I didn’t want to potentially ruin the ones I have!

All Your Toiletry Essentials

Duh, right?! But, alas, so important. After delivery you’ll want to freshen up, and all your essentials will come into play!

Be sure to bring the obvious like your toothbrush, glasses, eye contact solution, contact case, shampoo, conditioner, etc. I’ll also be bringing some light makeup! That’s totally personal preference, but with all the visitors that’ll be coming and photos being taken, I prefer to have a little blush and mascara as a pick-me-up. Especially after pushing a baby out, ya know? 😉

Flip Flops

I’m weird about going barefoot in showers that aren’t in a home environment, so these are helpful so I don’t need to be grossed out in the bathroom/shower!

Nursing Bra & Nursing Pads

…If you’re planning on breast feeding, of course. This is more for when you head home, but if you’d like you can of course wear it in the hospital, too. I was very comfortable around our nurses, who helped with learning to breast feed so much, so I just wore my nightgown while staying there. But both a nursing bra and pad inserts may be helpful as you navigate it all! (Remember my breastfeeding post with Third Love? That’s the nursing bra I’m bringing!)

Full-Coverage Underwear

Do not, under any circumstance, bring thongs. Get the most comfortable briefs you can find. Granny panties, even. Trust me. Side note: When I was in the hospital with Grace I relied on the hysterical (yet effective) mesh underwear provided by the hospital, because it was easier with the ice packs they circulate after delivery. (Yea…spoiler alert…you will need ice packs.) But, having briefs is helpful for when you are heading home, or if you don’t prefer those mesh options, so be sure to bring some along!

Chunky Socks

I packed two pairs! Those hospital beds aren’t exactly warm and cozy. Chunky socks definitely help!

Comfortable Shoes (Not pictured)

I’m planning on wearing my Sofft slip ons to the hospital with me! They’re perfect because they’re great for all scenarios you’ll encounter from walking the halls to having something comfortable to wear when you go home.

Going Home Outfit

Make sure it’s loose & comfy as you’ll very much still be healing from delivery. I’m just rolling with black sweatpants and a striped t-shirt. Not trying to impress anyone over here, and trust me, jeans will look like the devil to you for a few days/weeks after you deliver.

Folder

There’s a TON of information that’ll be thrown at you after baby is born, and important documents to keep on hand. I strongly recommend bringing a folder with you to help stay organized!

Thank You Notes

I so wish I would have brought these with both of my prior deliveries! The nurses and medical staff were so incredible and helpful – they deserve so much more than a thank you, but a nice note is a great place to start! This time around, I plan on bringing blank notes with me so that I can write thank you notes there, before I go home/life gets crazy/I forget!

Gift For Grace and Josephine (Not Pictured)

When Grace met Joey for the first time, we had a gift “from Joey” ready that was a present meant to say how excited she was to meet her new big sister. It was a huge hit! We’re doing the same thing this time around — baby brother is giving Grace and Joey a present to say he’s so excited to be their brother.

What To Pack For Baby

Remember, the hospital will have pretty much everything that your baby will need, including diapers and blankets! So again, don’t worry too much about bringing all of the stuff. The below are great to consider, however, so that you can have options and be over-prepared!

Going Home Outfit

With all the check ups that your baby will have at the hospital, they’re mainly swaddled and in diapers while there. Really, the only outfit you’ll need is the one baby goes home in! That said, I actually packed two outfits for our little guy to come home in! Just because I couldn’t decide and thought, “Why not!”

Baby Blankets

…I packed two! One is a swaddle blanket that I’d like the newborn photographer to have for photos, and the other is a Little Giraffe blanket that we’ll use to put over baby as he’s in his car seat heading home.

Swaddle With Velcro

The nurses are magicians and swaddle babies PERFECTLY. However, I struggled with my swaddling skills every time! So, I’m opting to bring our own Halo Swaddle that has a little velcro help for mama. Just so I’m not constantly bugging the nurses to help me!

Baby 411

This book was our BIBLE with Grace and Josephine, and I have no doubt we’ll reference it all the time with baby #3 also. I packed it in our hospital bag for when we have a few moments to read, or for if we have questions during the first few days.

What You Won’t Need

I say the following with the caveat that everyone is different! What I perceive as non-essential may be totally essential for someone else. But with that said, there are a few things I’ve read to bring that really are unnecessary in my eyes.

Bathing Suit

Apparently some people bring this for if their partner or nurses need to help you in the shower. The thought of a bathing suit after delivery makes me laugh, because they’re far too constricting and that sounds so painful to put on with all that’s going on down there. My vote is you shower naked. You just delivered a baby for crying out loud; don’t make showering more complicated than it needs to be. The nurses have seen it all and won’t be phased, and your partner should be kissing the ground you walk on after what you just went through. Embrace it!

NOTE: I had a reader reach out with a GREAT caveat for this. If you are planning on delivering in a tub, she noted a bathing suit was helpful so that she didn’t feel as awkward as nurses were coming in and out while in labor. Definitely something I didn’t take into account!

Jewelry

Totally unnecessary! With the exception of my wedding ring and stud earrings, I left it all at home for my prior deliveries.

Breast Pump

They’ll have this at the hospital. Un-complicate your packing list and just use theirs!

Your Computer

Any spare time will likely be spent holding your baby or resting. Leave your computer at home — you have your phone if you need it! My advice is to try and enjoy this special time without distractions. Take it all in!

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Anything else to add to this list of what to bring and what not to? Share in the comments below!

PS – Third Baby Essentials: Our Wishlist For Baby Boy + What Are Your Favorite Baby Names?