Preparing for your hospital stay can be overwhelming. You want the necessities and the comforts of home, but not the kitchen sink. The average woman delivers between 37 and 40 weeks gestation. You should start packing between 32-35 weeks. We have created this simple hospital packing list as a guideline and included links to some of our favorite items!
How do you know what to pack:
The first thing you should do is find out what your hospital already provides. Do they offer a tour or a birth navigator program? Find out what opportunities you have to visit before you deliver. Be sure to ask what comfort and hygiene items are available. Ask what personal items you need to bring. There is no need to purchase or pack what is already included in your hospital stay. Though the hospital provides many items, some items you may prefer to bring your own. Most women who deliver vaginally stay 24-48 hours. Women who deliver via cesarean typically stay 48-72 hours. A good rule of thumb is to only bring what you need, and you won’t need much.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure here for further information.
Mom
There are different items that you need from the moment you check in to the hospital to the moment you are discharged.
- Administrative- It is important to bring your ID, your insurance card, and any prescription medications you may be taking. If you have a birth plan, bring multiple copies. Don’t forget your pediatrician’s information.
- Hygiene-Typically the hospital will provide travel-size items like soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, but many people prefer to bring their own. They should also provide perinatal care items like mesh underwear, feminine pads, and perinatal bottles. You will likely need deodorant, a hair brush, hair ties, and dry shampoo. If you are a full glamour gal, bring a hair dryer, a curling iron, and makeup. I always pack some lip balm and lotion. The hospital tends to be dry so you’ll need lip balm for all that deep breathing in labor. I prefer Aquaphor for my lips and this Aveeno lotion for myself and baby. You may or may not need nipple creams or breast pads during your stay. Some hospitals will provide these items but just in case I loved Bamboobies reusable nursing pads.
- Nipple creams are not necessary and not preventable but if you wish to try one Earth Mama has this organic, lanolin free option
- Clothing- If you’re satisfied to live a few days with ties and buttons and your bum hanging out, feel free to stick with the hospital gown. Some women feel that real clothes immediately after delivery just feel like a restriction. For others, it’s more comfortable to wear baggy grey sweatpants, nursing bras or tanks, and an oversized cardigan. I loved these inexpensive nursing tanks and these sports bra style nursing bras.
Don’t expect to fit into your pre-pregnancy pants just yet! Give your body the time it deserves to recover. You may be most comfortable continuing to wear your maternity clothes. Whether you sport the hospital gown or clothes from home, a pair of flip-flops or non-skid slippers are nice to have.
- Extras-
- A small clip-on fan can help keep you comfortable during labor and soothe those hot flashes post-delivery. So many women love these stroller fans.
-
- There is less downtime than you might think before delivery. But just in case, bring an audiobook, magazine, or any other device and chargers you might want.
- Sleep can be hard to come by between the feedings and free fundal massages. Pack a sleep mask and earplugs or download a sound machine app on your phone. When I travel I always use the myNoise app. Apple users can find it here:
-
- The hospital will have food but nursing mothers tend to be more hungry than most. And how much do you truly enjoy hospital food? Pack your favorite healthy snacks like protein bars or trail mix and a reusable water bottle.
- Unless there is a medical reason to do so, you do not need to start pumping your breast milk in the hospital. If there is a medical reason to pump, the hospital should loan you one during your stay. If you prefer, you can bring your personal pump. Ask the lactation consultant on staff to properly size you for flanges and teach you how to use your pump.
- Nursing pillows are not necessary for successful breastfeeding. If you have a pillow, pack it, and practice using it in the hospital. I love the breast friend because it is more firm and supportive than other nursing pillows on the market.
-
- Lack of sleep can make us lose track of time, so bring a nursing journal or download an app to keep track of feedings.
Baby
Truly, babies do not need much. Hospitals will stock your room with diapers and wipes and creams, oh my! If you have a specific brand that you prefer to use, then pack it!
A few onesies, full sleepers, and a going home outfit are what most people find necessary for dressing the baby. Make middle-of-the-night diaper changes a piece of cake with newborn gowns like these from Carter’s. Keep baby safe and warm with a Halo sleep sack.
Most hospitals will have the standard striped receiving blankets and burp cloths. Swaddle blankets like these from Aden and Anais are also great for wrapping the baby and keeping them cozy.
If you bring wipes, lotions, or diaper creams from home, remember to keep them gentle and unscented. And don’t forget to install the car seat and base into your vehicle before coming to the hospital.
Support person
Make extra copies of your packing list to share with your support person so they can also prepare. They should pack clothing, money and ID, snacks, a water bottle, entertainment, electronic devices, and chargers. Generally, hospitals have sleeper sofas or pullout chairs for family supports to stay. Bring extra blankets and pillows from home to make yourself more comfortable.
Of course, not all of these items are necessary. Our list is just a guideline for your own hospital packing list. Contact your hospital to see what items will be provided during your stay and only pack what you need. When it is time to go you won’t want to lug around multiple suitcases. When you come home, you’ll already have an extra person with you! Organize your go bag by using these packing cubes.
Print our free hospital packing list and follow us for more helpful breastfeeding info on social media.
