It’s game time.
I’ve packed my bag for many occasions — condensing my childhood room into a college dorm, putting together a compact carry-on before backpacking Europe, and squeezing my whole life into several suitcases to move across the country.
Unsurprisingly, giving birth, by far, was the most difficult event to pack for.
Pregnancy can feel unending, especially during those last few weeks of wobbling. But, nothing makes up for it like the feel of bringing home your baby. Like many expecting mothers, my pre-delivery jitters were unparalleled. Nerves run high in the delivery room, minds filled with a running list of questions about what is happening, when its happening, and what exactly is needed to make it all go smoother.
As you enter the hospital to bring your baby earth-side, you know you’re going to walk out a changed person. Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot you can do to control how it goes down — everyone has a different experience. However, you can control how you prepare. That is where the hospital bag checklist comes into play.
While hospitals tend to provide a good amount of supplies (diapers, wipes, and formula included) some parents like to come stocked with pre-selected brands they intend to use at home post-hospital to ease their baby’s transition home. Fortunately, many of these hospital bag essentials can easily be ordered from Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more retailers that offer hassle-free shipping options.
In addition to getting all of the proper documents in order (examples include copies of your birth plan, insurance, identification, extra cash and more) as well as your typical toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, deodorant, etc), you’ll also need to consider all the other essentials for mother, baby, and partner. Having a sturdy bag stocked with all your necessities on hand will help you stay much more calm, and comfortable during your stay.
Since babies come when they are ready to come, most Doctors recommend being prepared to zip to the hospital around 36 weeks gestation — which means you should start putting together a hospital bag early in the ninth month of pregnancy.
Read on to shop my handcrafted picks of packing essentials for game day.
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Pre-made hospital packs
Best compact: Frida Mom Pre-Packed Hospital Bag Essentials for Labor and Delivery
The Frida Mom Hospital Bag Essential kit is a great starting place for preparation. A sturdy strapped diaper bag is packed with a delivery gown, peri bottles, disposable underwear, maxi pads, Witch Hazel liners, healing foam, nipple balm, body wipes, nail scissors, a hairbrush, and more. I’d recommend supplementing this with some essentials for the baby, plus a couple more cozy outfits for mom, and you’re in good shape.
Best budget-friendly: Mama and Wish Postpartum Care Kit
This practical fourteen-piece set has all the recovery essentials — a collapsible peri bottle, Witch Hazel healing foam, non-slip socks, maxi pads, disposable underwear, and pad liners. Plus, it comes with a caddy bag for transport. While this set is a great starting place for the recovery side of postpartum, I’d add some disposable underwear, a few items for the baby, and some comfort items to make the hospital visit easier (maybe your favorite pillow from home).
Best splurge: Lily + Lllama Prepacked Hospital Birth Bag
The Lilly + Llama Prepacked Hospital Bag covers it all. You have a diaper bag, maxi dress, bathrobe, nightgown, car seat, nursing cover, white noise machine, shower towel, toiletries, pacifier, onesies, receiving blanket, non-slip socks, adult diapers, cooling packs, a water jug and more. Top this package with a peri bottle, Witch Hazel pads, and Dermoplast spray; you should be set.
For the mom
Comfy footwear: Skims Cotton Slippers
It’s already hard enough to keep your balance ten months pregnant. I wasn’t prepared for how difficult standing up and taking my first steps would be after giving birth — which is why it’s so essential to find a pair of easy-to-slip-on slippers that offer slightly grippy bottoms for added traction. These Skims slides fit the bill.
Loose snap-friendly clothing: Ekouaer Women’s Hospital Nightdress
Regardless of whether you choose to breastfeed, pump, or formula-feed — uber-loose, snap-friendly clothing is going to make your life that much easier. In those first few days, I suggest forgetting pants altogether. I found this dress on Amazon and proceeded to wear it around the house for weeks postpartum because of how easy to put on and take off — it also comes in a variety of prints. It has over 5,000 five-star ratings, so plenty of women seem to agree with me.
Plush post-first-shower robe: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite HE Ribbed Robe
That first post-birth shower never leaves your mind. There is seriously nothing as refreshing as rinsing off after your body goes through hours of labor and childbirth. You’re not going to regret splurging on an extra-cozy robe to step into and dry off. I’ve still had a hard time finding any fabric as plush and dreamy as Cozy Earth. A fold-back shawl collar also allows a little extra coverage when you want some.
Grippy socks: CTHH 6 Pairs Pilates Socks
In line with finding the right slippers, you’ll also want grippy socks — and more than one pair. These pilates socks are unmatched (I’ve tested plenth of sock brands) and perfect for pacing around a hospital room while in labor. They’re also designed with mesh ventilation on the instep, which will help your feet stay at the perfect temperature in any condition (even when you’re drenched in sweat).
Natural acupuncture: Arrozon Birth Comb for Women Labor
The secret weapon of fighting through labor pain: a simple comb. A friend recommended I try this ‘labor comb’ which is designed to target pressure points and reduce the sensation of labor pains, using the gate control theory of pain. I won’t say this came close to the effect of my epidural — but for a steal of just $7.99, I don’t regret using it as a distraction.
Nursing or pumping bra: Bodily The Everything Bra 3-Pack
The Everything Bra is the ultimate maternity bra, built with quick-access clips for nursing and a five-row back closure for added flexibility as your body changes through pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. The wide underband is exceptionally smooth on the skin, so much so that it’s easy to forget this bra is there at all. Things get messy in the delivery room, and I recommend bringing more than one.
Disposable underwear: Frida Mom Disposable Underwear
It’s all the talk of parenting. Diapers, diapers, and more diapers! You’re probably already well-read on the baby diaper brand debate, but few new mothers consider (or realize) what sort of diapers (disposable underwear) they’re going to be wearing in the hospital and post-delivery. Frida Mom’s boy shorts don’t disappoint — they’re advertised as “more flexible than your prenatal yoga teacher,” and I can attest to that. The higher waistband is C-section-friendly as well.
Pads for down there: Birchwood A.E.R Witch Hazel Towelette Pads
Prepare to get very familiar with these new postpartum wipes, especially if you were given stitches. Witch Hazel is filled with incredible healing powers that are known to reduce inflammation, burning, itching, swelling, scar irritation, and the soreness associated with perineal tears. The hospital may send you home with a few packs, but you’re going to want to stock up on at least a dozen.
Spray for down there: Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Relief
Dermoplast is another postpartum essential. Most hospitals will already have these pain-relief sprays on hand, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a few of your own and keep some at home for your return. This spray uses hospital-strength Benzocaine with Aloe, lanolin, and Menthol to soothe and moisturize skin and provide an immediate cooling effect to counteract burning and itching.
Nipple balm: Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream
For those who choose to breastfeed, Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter will be your saving grace. This formula combines herbs and oils traditionally used to soothe and moisturize dry skin — including petroleum, preservatives, lanolin, and calendula cream. It works wonders on dry or cracked skin around the nipples. Apply generously.
Water bottle with straw: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState
Hydration is key through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends drinking up to 2.8 liters of water during pregnancy, and 3.8 liters per day if you choose to breastfeed. I recommend bringing a spill-proof, extra-large water bottle with a long straw to the hospital so you can easily drink while lying down.
Peri bottle: GOLDEN DEER 2 Pack Peri Bottle
These squeezable tubes can be filled with water and used in place of toilet paper to promote healing of the perineal area without causing more irritation. This set of two has angled tips which makes application that much easier. You may be given Peri bottles at the hospital, but it’s smart to come prepared with these in case they do not have them, and then leave one of these in every bathroom of your house so they’re ready when you need them.
For baby
Safe infant cart seat: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat
The number one big-ticketed item for delivery is a car seat. This is a non-negotiable. Most hospitals will check that you have one (and know how to use it correctly) before they let you leave the hospital. This infant car seat from Graco has received glowing reviews on Amazon for good reasons — it’s lightweight, easy to install in the car, and clicks right into the matching Graco stroller for a complete travel system.
Set of swaddles: Keababies 3-Pack Soothe Baby Swaddle Sacks 0-3 Months
If you haven’t already nailed down your swaddle strategy, I recommend starting now. You’re going to be swaddling your newborn frequently, starting in the hospital. The Keababies swaddle set is designed with ultra-strength, non-scratch hook and loop fasteners to keep your baby secured. Cotton has temperature-regulating properties, which makes these swaddles ideal for all seasons. Plus, the print is pretty darn cute.
Bottles: Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Baby Feeding Set with Slow Flow Nipples
Even if you’re planning to breastfeed, it’s a good idea to have some bottles on hand. It’s not uncommon for some babies to have trouble learning to latch, and bottles may be necessary to ensure they’re receiving adequate nutrients post-birth. If you haven’t already settled on a bottle brand — Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic bottles are recommended by many pediatricians. Be sure to select the slowest-flow nipples for newborns.
Onesies and going-home outfit: The Head to Toe 7 Piece Set
You don’t need to bring your baby’s entire wardrobe to the hospital, but it is a good idea to have a few outfits picked out. Consider choosing a couple, of practical soft onesies to sleep in, as well as a ‘cutesie’ outfit to meet the family and snap photos in. I love that this set from Babylist is made with soft 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is particularly gentle on an infant’s skin. The outfits feature adjustable cuffs to prevent fingernail scratches and snaps along the bottom and lap shoulders for easy on and off.
Pacifier: Bibs New Baby Try-It Pacifier Collection
No baby is the same, and no nipple is the same. It’s always a good idea to let your baby try out a few shapes and sizes to find the pacifier that works best for them. This kit from Bibs features four options: a round natural rubber latex nipple, a round silicone nipple, an anatomical nipple in natural rubber latex, and a symmetrical nipple in silicone. All the pacifiers in the Try-It Collection are the smallest size for newborns.
Diaper bag: Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Medium Travel Duffle Bag
There are an array of wonderful diaper bags on the market, but this one from Vera Bradley was among the favorites I used postpartum. The interior features three elastic mesh pockets for easy (and visible) storage, and the exterior offers one zip pocket and three additional sleeves. I love that it can be worn cross-body or carried by hand, and there is a generous amount of space for diapers, bottles, clothing, and more.
Other essentials
Portable charger: Portable Charger Power Bank
A portable charger bank is a great idea, considering all the phone calls you’re going to be making and pictures you’re going to be snapping during your hospital stay. This bank offers five to seven rounds of charge with two USB ports, so you can double up and get juice for two photos at the same time. It also comes with a Micro USB cable.
Bluetooth sound system: Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
Ease the nerves in the room with some of your favorite tunes with this compact Bluetooth speaker that provides 24 hours of sublime music listening. The best advice I received before labor, was to create a comfortable, relaxing environment around me. Hospital rooms can be a bit of a buzz-kill, and adding your favorite playlist makes a world of difference.
Projector: JUZIHAO Star Projector Galaxy Light
Bring your baby into the world in style. On the topic of creating the right environment — consider this epic projector to turn the white hospital room walls into an epic picture of the universe. The Galaxy projector displays moving stars and rotational moving ocean waves, creating a mesmerizing ambiance to help your body and mind remain grounded and focused.
Polaroid : Fujifilm Instax Mini 7+ Camera
There’s not one right way to do it. Some might choose to hire a professional birth photographer, while others will stick to a classic iPhone photoshoot to capture their babies’ first moments. There is, however, something very special about vintage style, polaroid-quality images. The Fujifilm Mini pops out credit-card-sized prints, so you can carry precious pictures of your little one in your wallet and have them with you all the time.
Extra-long phone charger: 10 Foot Extra Long Fast Charger
In addition to a power bank, consider an extra-long charger to keep your phone accessible at all times. This 10-foot charger is extra-fast (charging three times faster than a regular cord) and marked down 35% on Amazon.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
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