Packing Your Hospital Bag with Confidence
You’re nearing the finish line, mama — and it’s time to get that hospital bag ready!
Packing your hospital bag is one of those milestones that makes everything feel real. Whether you’re nesting early or down to the final weeks, having your essentials ready brings peace of mind and comfort for labor, delivery, and the trip home.
This list includes tried-and-true hospital bag must-haves — for both mom and baby — that make those first few days smoother, cozier, and stress-free.
Hospital Bag Essentials for Mom
A small portable stroller fan clips easily to your hospital bed and keeps cool air circulating right where you need it.
You can also bring it home and attach it to your baby’s stroller or car seat later on. I used this during postpartum recovery and glad I packed it.
A portable heating pad can be a game-changer during early labor or postpartum recovery. I used this during postpartum when the hospital room got SUPER cold. My body temperature runs cold and I’m SO glad I packed this.
You can also use it during the colder months, during my period for those cramps, or warming up any baby blankets before use! This one has 6 different heat settings and a timer with an auto shut off for safety!
Silverettes are small silver nursing cups that help protect and heal your nipples naturally after breastfeeding. They can reduce soreness, cracks, and irritation — especially in those first few days when your baby is learning to latch.
I literally put these on after EVERY feeding the first couple weeks and it saved my girlies. It’s a gentle, reusable, and chemical-free way to support healing.
Leaving the hospital is such a special moment — it’s the first time you and your baby step into the world together. This is such a cozy, soft 2 piece outfit that makes you feel comfortable and cute for the ride home.
I wore this during pregnancy, for my going home outfit, and many times after postpartum. It’s super comfortable and so affordable for being a two piece outfit!
A labor comb may sound simple, but it’s one of the most underrated tools for pain management. Gripping a comb in your palm during contractions uses acupressure points that can help distract from pain.
I was squeezing this the whole time from when I started contractions at home up until when my baby was born — it’s small, affordable, and surprisingly effective. Plus, it easily fits in your or your partner’s pocket!
Hospital Bag Essentials for Baby
Newborns are often born with tiny but sharp nails, and they can scratch their faces easily.
A baby nail trimmer or electric file is much gentler and safer than traditional clippers. It’s quiet, easy to use, and you’ll be using this a couple times a week sometimes because those small nails grow so fast!
Keep all your baby’s important paperwork organized — birth certificate forms, hospital discharge papers, pediatrician records, and insurance information.
A simple plastic file folder or accordion organizer ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle. You’ll thank yourself later when you need those documents at your first newborn check-up.
That first photo of your little one will be a keepsake forever — make it extra special with a “Hello World” sign to introduce your baby to the world. (It’ll also be a memento keepsake!)
Pack a cute outfit for your baby’s first big moment — the trip home! (Pack a newborn and 0-3 months just in case!)
This one’s non-negotiable — hospitals won’t let you leave without a properly installed infant car seat. Make sure it’s installed and adjusted before you go into labor so there’s no stress on discharge day.
We chose this one that had an infant car seat + stroller combo! We really wanted a stroller that can be used as an infant pramette where baby had freedom of movement (important for those long walks/outings) and into toddlerhood.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
Check out my Youtube video for my full hospital bag list
