What's in my Hospital Bag
If you haven’t seen my IGTV where I share what I packed in my hospital bag, take a look here! I’m writing this postpartum and sharing everything I ACTUALLY used + where to buy! There are so many guides online and opinions on what you need to bring vs. what the hospital provides- but I wish I had this list from someone who went through the process when I was preparing for labor. I’m making it simple & real for you guys with affordable products on what to add to your cart and what to skip.
Cute PJS: one pair of these affordable sets is all you need. They’re SO soft and comfy! I didn’t want to invest in $200+ PJ’s for the hospital but I honestly think these could pass for that price. I got a size medium.
Nursing bra / compression sports bra: Here & Here are good options. Just one is enough to pack. The rest will be useful postpartum.
Nightgown: helpful if you have a C-section, but not necessary otherwise. You’ll most likely sleep in the hospital gown the first night and the nurses will come and check on you pretty often. If you’re in the hospital for a second night, then regular PJ’s should be fine.
Underwear: I bought two packs of these and brought one pair to the hospital with me (the rest I left at home for postpartum)- they’re not chic, but comfortable and inexpensive because I don’t plan on keeping them. The hospital will provide you with disposable underwear but I recommend packing a pair of these to go home in.
Flip Flops for Shower: V necessary! I picked up a $3 pair from Old Navy. They don’t need to come back home with you.
Towels: I bought this pack of two for the shower and so happy I did. Louis and I benefited from them.
Slippers: Here & Here are great options! If you’re going to walk around the hospital for any reason, they’re really good to have. You could also just use the fuzzy socks with grips.
Fuzzy Socks with Grips: This cute pack of three is great!
Toiletries / Skincare: If you want to make it easy on yourself- just buy this. Otherwise, I packed: Travel size shampoo & conditioner, body soap, facial cleanser, AM & PM moisturizers, hair brush + scrunchies, deodorant, toothbrush + toothpaste, chapstick.
Nipple Balm: If you’re breastfeeding, this is a great option. The hospital will also provide you with some.
A Cozy Blanket: SO necessary!! The blankets they provide you with are thin and horrible. I bought this one.
Charger: Depending on your room, the outlets are far and limited. Bring an external charger for convenience.
Snacks: You’re not allowed to eat anything while in labor, so I was starving afterwards!!! A protein bar or something quick is V necessary! We also asked our visitors to bring us meals and healthy snacks, like fruit, post delivery.
Outfit to go home in: Maternity size 6 months- something comfy and loose. I packed these joggers and top (size small).
Baby’s outfit to take them home in with hat + blanket for car seat
Louis packed: overnight clothes (joggers, T-shirt & sweatshirt) + toiletries. He would have liked his own pillow/ blanket too, but we didn’t get a chance to pack that. He also had a horrible headache from lack of sleep and the hospital wouldn’t give him any Motrin/ Advil because he wasn’t a patient, so I definitely recommend having that on hand.
*Bring an extra bag or make sure you have extra room in yours to take home goodies from the hospital. I asked for extra ice packs, disposable underwear, pads and diapers for baby.
Hope this list is helpful! xx