What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag And What To Leave Home — Shop Now

Jun. 6 2022, Published 5:16 p.m. ET
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Getting ready for a new bundle of joy entails a long list of to-dos, including packing your hospital bag. With so much happening during the final weeks of pregnancy, it can be easy to forget important items that can help make your delivery experience easier, which is why we’ve rounded up some of the internet’s favorite products for new parents, plus must-have items you may not have realized you needed. Read more to discover hospital bag essentials.
What Should You Pack In A Hospital Bag?
The time has finally come: your due date is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start prepping your hospital bag. A hospital bag is simply an overnight kit to help you feel comfortable throughout the labor and delivery process. While everyone's needs are different, there are a handful of tried-and-true products that moms and new parents swear by. Now, you don’t need to pack the kitchen sink, but having a few of these items can certainly bring a world of comfort. Here’s a quick list of items to considering bringing with you:
- Personal IDs
- Insurance information
- Carseat/Stroller
- Comfortable and breathable PJs/loungewear
- Blanket/Pillow from home
- Extra long charging cord
- Portable speaker/sound machine
- Toiletries
- Slippers
- Portable fan
- Going home outfit (you and baby!)
These are just some of the basics you’ll want to have ready to go in your bag. In addition to these, you’ll more than likely want to bring other items tailored specifically to postpartum care like the following
- Breast pump/kit
- Nipple cream
- Postpartum underwear
- Chilled pantyliners
- Photo props for birth announcement
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but a collection of recommendations from parents. The hospital will provide you with supplies — in fact, there’s quite a bit you shouldn’t pack, as some items are provided by the hospital. If you’re interested, you can contact your hospital to determine any necessities that won’t be provided to make sure you have all of your bases covered.
What Not To Pack In Your Hospital Bag
Welcoming a newborn is an exciting time but can often bring feelings of anxiety. First, take comfort in knowing that you are just as prepared as you need to be and the rest will fall into place. Second, as much as you can prepare, there is such a thing as overpacking and making the final weeks of preparation harder than need be. Unfortunately, it’s not well known that much of the supplies you’ll find stocked in your delivery room will be tossed after you leave for sanitary purposes. So if possible, check with your nurses to see what supplies can come home with you. Additionally, because the supplies are included in hospital costs associated with giving birth, you’re technically missing out on items you’re paying for. Pack an extra bag or reusable grocery sack to fill up any leftover items that will otherwise be scrapped after you check out.

Hospital Packing Bags By Lucky Love retails for $26.99 at amazon.com.

Hospital Non-Slip Cozy Socks by Breslatte retails for $12.99 at amazon.com.

3-Pack Full Bust Seamless Nursing Bralettes by HOFISH retails for $25+ at amazon.com.

2-in-1 Postpartum Perineal Ice Maxi Pads by Frida Mom retails for $19.97 at amazon.com.

Organic Nipple Butter for Breastfeeding by Earth Mama retails for $11.29 at amazon.com.

Women’s High Waist Cotton Underwear for Postpartum by Cauniss retails for $20.99 at amazon.com.

Hospital Postpartum Kit by Frida Mom retails for $99 at amazon.com.

OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Cambridge Soundworks retails for $22 at amazon.com.

Hushh Portable White Noise Machine For Baby by Marpac retails for $20.99 at amazon.com.

Mini Hand Held Personal Fan with Flexible Tripod Base by WiHoo retails for $20.39 at amazon.com.

Knit Throw Blanket by JOOJA retails for $28.99 at amazon.com.

Clip 3 Portable Speaker by JBL retails for $39.95 at amazon.com.

10-Foot Extra Long iPhone Charging Cord by BSTOEM retails for $11.89 at amazon.com.

Upside Down Peri Bottle by Frida Mom retails for $15.97 at amazon.com.

Swaddle Blanket 3-Pack For Newborns by Comfy Cubs retails for $22.90 at amazon.com.