What I Packed in My Hospital Bag

I likely wouldn’t have splurged on this myself, but this lovely box was gifted to me (thanks, mom!) and I was so glad to have it. I wore every single item in the bundle multiple times throughout postpartum, right down to the ultra-luxurious Italian socks.

If you prefer to build your own postpartum clothing bundle, this soft robe is a great place to start. I love the longer length for extra warmth and coverage while in the hospital and that the waist tie is sewn right in so you’ll never have to worry about losing it.

These nursing camis were an absolute staple in my wardrobe both in the hospital post-birth and for months and months afterward. They’re affordable, long but not too long, well made and the perfect mix of supportive yet comfortable. The front unclips for easy nursing access and there’s a built-in shelf bra.

I wanted to have options in the hospital, and I’m so glad I included this pajama set. It’s so soft, and the button-down front made nursing and skin-to-skin super easy. The waistband wasn’t too tight, something I appreciated even more after my C-section. And, over a year later, these PJs are still in rotation.

Postpartum leggings can be tricky, especially in those weeks right after delivery when your lower half feels extra sore and sensitive. I had a C-section, so I knew finding the right legging would be extra challenging—but this pair from Storq was absolutely perfect. Supportive without being compressive and wildly soft, I wore them toward the end of my hospital stay when my soreness had started to calm down a bit. They remained a wardrobe staple for months.

This is the only nursing bra I would even consider putting on in the hospital—it’s that good. Stretchy, soft and with minimal support, it’s designed to adapt to the fluctuations your breasts go through after delivery, including engorgement and discomfort. The front clips make nursing easy and both the straps and back are adjustable.

I didn’t pack this bra in my hospital bag and I regretted it. I wore it frequently from the moment I got home and pretty much throughout my entire nursing journey. It’s perfect for sleep, as it slips on easily and doesn’t feature clips, pads, clasps or anything else that could get in the way of you and those precious hours of rest.

I absolutely love these flip-flops for the hospital. (And for real life, too!) They take up hardly any space in your bag but they’re cushy and comfortable and provide good traction on slippery hospital floors. I even wore mine in the shower and had a little giggle as I relived my college dorm days.

Here’s what you don’t need to worry about during labor, pushing or a C-section: your hair. Throw this headband in your bag so you won’t have to.

If you’re hoping for a vaginal delivery, this kit should be one of the first things you toss in your hospital bag. It has everything you need for postpartum comfort all in one convenient spot. (I also recommend adding the FridaMom Upside Down Peri Bottle. Yes, you’ll get one in the hospital, but this one is so much better!)

Was this bulky, oddly-shaped nursing pillow a giant pain to lug to the hospital? Yes. But was I SO glad that I did? Also yes. If you’re planning on trying to nurse, especially if it’s your first go-around, this supportive pillow is an absolute necessity.

There are a lot of nipple creams on the market, but this one is far and away my favorite. I tossed it into my hospital bag and used it before and after every single nursing session. It helped reduce and prevent irritation, cracking and all of the other unpleasant things that sometimes go along with breastfeeding.

And speaking of nipples, these are another good-to-have item in your hospital bag if you’re planning to nurse. Your milk may not come in while you’re still in the hospital, but if it does, these will help to keep you dry and comfortable.

The number one tip I heard from family and friends on what to pack in my hospital bag was to include an extra-long charging phone charging cable. I wasn’t sure I quite understood why, but now I do. Every outlet is strangely far away from anywhere you (and your phone) need to be. This makes things a lot easier.

Here’s what no one tells you about nighttime in a hospital: turns out it’s just like the daytime! Lights, beeping machines and doctors and nurses coming in and out. Will this mask help you achieve a restful, spa-like slumber? Nope. But it will help you make the most of any precious hours (or even minutes) of sleep you can sneak in during your postpartum stay.

Another fun hospital fact coming at you. In addition to being loud and bright, hospitals are also super dry. This lip sleeping mask (basically a fancy name for lip balm) saved me. I slathered it on both day and night and was so happy that I included it in my toiletries bag.

And while we’re on the topic of Weird Things About Hospitals, some (including mine, both times around) can also get really hot, especially if you’re giving birth in the warmer months. Couple that with fluctuating postpartum hormones and you’re suddenly feeling very sweaty. I hooked this mini fan onto my bedrail and although I felt a tad extra, I didn’t much care because it kept me so cool and comfy.

It’s really important to stay hydrated after having a baby, and this electrolyte drink mix makes it easy. I tossed about five individual packets in my hospital bag and drank them throughout my stay.

And speaking of hydration, this was my water bottle of choice for my hospital stay. The slim design makes it not too bulky or heavy, and it does a great job of keeping beverages cold for hours and hours.

You’re going to get a LOT of free stuff at the hospital. (Think mesh underwear, formula, diapers, wipes etc.) I brought an extra bag along so I’d have somewhere to put it all. I like this one because it’s roomy and lightweight, and you’ll be able to use it after your stay.

You really don’t need much, if anything, for your baby while you’re in the hospital, so think of these things as nice-to-haves rather than must-haves. I love these simple white wrap bodysuits for an extra layer of cozy comfort if needed, or if you’re not loving the bodysuit your hospital or birthing center provides.

I knew I wanted a take-home outfit for both our trip home from the hospital and a DIY photo shoot while we were there. This head-to-toe set was the perfect choice.

Copper Pearl swaddles are a favorite of mine, especially for the first few months. Unlike muslin blankets, they have just the right amount of stretch to make swaddling a squirmy newborn a little bit easier. I used this one both during our hospital stay and long after.

Labor and delivery nurses make swaddling look easy (and have a lot of practice!), so don’t be surprised if your first attempts aren’t quite as seamless. I packed this easy zip-up swaddle in my hospital bag and was happy I did. It was tough to get out of bed and lean over the isolette to swaddle my baby, and this made the whole process a lot easier.