I know this post is so long overdue – about a year to be exact, but I can’t write this blog without including what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery. When my water broke with Valentina, my hospital bag was half packed. To add insult to injury, I didn’t bring it with me when we left for the hospital. It eventually arrived, but I found even though it was only half packed, it included everything I needed.
When it comes to what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery, I’m team less is more. I had spent hours one afternoon cross-referencing blogs and researching a lengthy list of items to include.
I was so overwhelmed that I delayed packing my bag. Luckily, by the time I had Valentina, I had started packing a few items a day which ended up being everything I needed.
What to Pack In Your Hospital Bag for Labor and Delivery
- Phone charger // most blog posts will tell you to bring an extra long one but I found my regular-length charger was fine.
- Grippy socks // stash a pair or two of socks with grippy bottoms in your bag. Although the hospital will likely provide a pair, once I was showered, I preferred my own.
- Dark sports bra or bathing suit top // Ideal if you plan to labor in water.
- Comfortable pajamas // I wore the hospital gown for L&D and a clean one for the first night, but once I was cleared to shower it felt so good to put on my own clean PJs. If you plan on nursing, make sure yours are nursing-friendly.
- Nursing tanks // Similarly, if you plan on nursing, bring one or two nursing tanks.
- Slip-on waterproof sandals // These were key for the shower and also padding around my hospital room.
- Robe // I lived in robes both in the hospital and for the first few months after I got home. They’re warm and easy to throw on over your hospital gown or your pajamas.
- Travel-size toiletries // I had a private room at the hospital so these were provided but if you prefer your own products then by all means bring them. I’ll be honest and say that my whole skincare routine went out the window at the hospital. I was just too exhausted to care.
- Make-up essentials // If you plan to have newborn/family photos taken at the hospital, you’ll probably want to have a little make-up on hand – lip gloss, powder, concealer, blush and mascara should do the trick but if make-up isn’t your thing, it’s not at all necessary.
- Special items // If you plan on having family/newborn photos you may consider bringing coordinated outfits, swaddle, blankets, a letter board, a baby headband, bonnet or stuffed animals.
- Going home outfits (for you and baby) // This mattered much less than I thought it would, but it’s nice to bring something special and comfortable. For baby, something with legs so you can fasten the car seat is important.
- Car seat // If you’re driving home from the hospital you’ll need it. You can always send someone home to get this on a different day if it doesn’t make it with you in the rush to the hospital. Ideally, it will be installed in your car before your baby arrives.
I truly believe you don’t need to stress over packing a hospital bag and that you don’t need to pack a lot. Hopefully this list will help you prepare for what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery.
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