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Looks like it’s time to pack for the hospital! How exciting! Congratulations momma!
Some mommas want to be prepared for everything, while others seek out a more minimal approach. This list is designed for minimalist mommas. I thought I was traveling light for my first birth, and yet still didn’t use half of what I packed.
I’m breaking down what to pack based on mom, partner, and baby.
If you stick with me to the end my best general packing tips will be there.
First, let’s kick it off with momma.
Mom: Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum
Packing for momma is most important. You are the main event…until the baby comes. You need to consider what you will need before, during, and after delivery.
Things you will likely need include:
- ID
- Insurance Card
- Birth Plan
If you choose to write a birth plan present it to your labor nurse. Ideally, you have already gone over it with your doctor, but bring a copy for them to review. Try to keep your birth plan to one page if possible. Also, consider putting it on card stock and light-colored paper. A light pastel green or pink will stand out more than a piece of blanket white paper.
Check out other lists beyond the birth plan and packing lists in Be Prepared for Labor: My Top 10 Must-Have Lists.
- Phone and Phone Charger
- Flip Flops
Flip flops are great for walking around your room or the halls while laboring. They are also great for showering post-birth. If they are weather appropriate you can also wear them home. After that, I would probably toss them though. Just knowing they spent that much time on hospital floors is gross to me.
- Shoes for Going Home
If you don’t plan to wear your flip flops home you need at least one pair of shoes to do so. Try to find something loose-fitting. If you are given fluids during your labor you will likely be swollen.
- Makeup
Don’t do anything crazy here. Keep it to your norm or even more basic. Some mommas will skip makeup altogether. It’s a preference. Remember you may be looking rough from delivering a baby and these are pictures you will cherish forever. Are you the type of momma who wants to look like a million bucks or are you ok with owning the I-just-had-a-baby-look?
- Basic Toiletries
These are your everyday items such as deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair tie, hairbrush, travel shampoo, and conditioner. Also throw in some facial wipes and dry shampoo. Try to keep it simple here. You won’t be at the hospital all that long.
- Hospital Specific Toiletries
These are items that you want to have specifically because you just gave birth and are in that dry hospital air. These include lip balm, eye drops, lotion.
The lip balm and lotion are for the dry air.
The eye drops are because you may have been laboring through the night, been up with a fussy baby, and crying your eyes out in exhaustion or joy. Either way eye drops can be a lifesaver.
- Clothing Post Birth
Some quick suggestions include yoga pants, a nursing bra, an over-sized shirt, a front open shirt, pajamas, and socks. For pants, I suggest very loose and comfortable or even still maternity. I had some awesome maternity yoga pants that I continued to wear for a while after giving birth.
- Dirty Clothes Bag
- Disposable Underwear
I liked disposable underwear when recovering from birth. I suggest packing two to three pairs. Use up what the hospital gives you first then consider moving on to these. Technically speaking you probably do not have to pack your own. They will give you plenty and you can always ask for more. However, you may not like them. Weigh your options here for what you think will be best for you.
Pro-tip: The hospital pads I was given were huge! Turns out I could have asked for a smaller size…see if that’s an option for you.
- Journal/Pen
You will forget so much! Time will be warped.
Take a journal or something of this nature to take notes on what is happening. I did most of the note-taking until the very end then my husband quickly wrote down a few things, such as when I started pushing.
Later, when looking back on what the heck even happened during your whirlwind birth you can piece together exactly how it went down.
Birthing Partner
- Phone and Phone Charger
- Clothes
Clothes can include: sweat pants, basketball shorts, T-shirts, jeans or shorts, underwear, socks
- Pillow and Blanket
During your hospital tour, ask how accommodating they are for dads. Will they give your partner a pillow and blanket…or not so much? Ideally, you don’t need to bring this, but I don’t want them to be completely neglected.
- Basic Toiletries
These are your everyday items such as deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair supplies, travel shampoo, and conditioner.
- Sandals
Your partner probably won’t want to be in closed-toed shoes the whole time or walking round in their socks. Keep in mind that you both will be getting up during the night with your baby so easy slip-ons are a great idea.
- Going Home Shoes
If your partner doesn’t plan to go home in sandals they will need another pair of shoes. These should be weather appropriate.
Baby’s Bag
- Going Home Outfit
Make sure your baby’s going home outfit is weather and car seat appropriate. Knotted gowns are quite common right now; however, these will not work for a car seat. Your baby must have two separate legs.
- Nail clippers/ Socks or Mittens
I always thought mittens were stupid. I still do. Just use socks. Then you are at least using something for multiple purposes.
We did not put anything on our little H’s hands and she majorly scratched her face. At first, it didn’t bother me. Scratches go away. But if you look for it you can still see one of the marks a year later. This absolutely tears me up. I honestly didn’t think a scratch would be a big deal.
- Anything Picture Related
These items could be swaddles, hats, bows or props such as blocks, or a name tag. You only have one chance for these itty bitty newborn pictures. Remember to get pictures of the three of you as a family, as well as each spouse with the baby.
- Sleeper
Your baby will likely be in a diaper and swaddled up most of the time. The only outfit I suggest (other than the going home outfit) is one footie sleeper. These are the best at keeping baby cozy, comfy, and warm.
- Swaddle
We were gifted a Velcro swaddle by the hospital and knew this going in, so we didn’t actually need to pack one. If we were not given one, we would have packed one for sure.
General Packing
- Camera
Most people will use their phones, but if you have a nicer camera this is the time to use it. Take chargers or extra batteries if necessary. If you use your phone for pictures consider using Portrait Mode. This setting will blur out the background of your photo. That way medical devices, screens, and tubing are not the focus of your picture.
- Video Camera
Have this charged ahead of time.
- Snacks
You don’t need a ton of snacks, but it’s always a good idea to have a few things on hand. I gave birth at 11 pm so I didn’t get a real meal until it was breakfast time. And let me tell you I was hungry. I was not about to send my husband away from our new baby to go get me food.
- Car Seat
When you initially go into the hospital you don’t necessarily need to take the car seat in with you. You will however need to be checked before leaving. This can be done out in your vehicle if you have the convertible car seat that stays in the car. If you have the infant car seat with a base you can get checked in the room.
How to Pack
Packing Cubes
I highly recommend packing cubes. I’m not much of a spender, but I insisted on purchasing packing cubes before delivery. I selected a four-pack that came in two different sizes and came in four different colors.
I wanted to easily be able to tell my husband to grab me an item and be able to direct him to whatever cube I knew it would be in. For example, can you get me the sleeper for baby H, it’s in the purple cube.
The cubes I purchased were two large and two small. I used the two small cubes for momma. One was for labor and delivery and the other for postpartum. Dad got a large cube and baby got a large cube.
Items like shoes and hoodies floated randomly in our large duffel rather than going in a cube. My sister gifted me with a huge duffel bag that fit everything inside. It was enormous. This way when we had to switch rooms my husband wasn’t juggling multiple bags.
The packing cubes also are an item I continue to use. For long trips, I will use them for items like underwear and socks. I especially still use them for baby H and will continue to do so. They help manage all of her tiny little clothes.
Variety over Multiples
Don’t pack multiples of the same items. For example, don’t pack three long sleeve shirts for momma. I would suggest packing different types of shirts because you don’t know what will work best. Maybe you like an oversized T-shirt, or maybe you prefer a button-down shirt. Choose to pack variety.
Going Home
The most important outfit for momma is the going home outfit. The rest of the time you can stay in your gown if you would like. When it is time to leave though you need to at least be presentable enough to walk the halls and exit the building.
I’m just going to say it. Stay safe and wear black pants. This is not time to take a fashion risk.
We had a winter baby so I struggled with what to wear. Keep in mind that you will potentially be swollen…everywhere. Shoes for example need to be loose-fitting.
Pictures Last a Lifetime
Dad should consider what he is wearing during the birth. Momma will be in a gown, but pops will be wearing whatever he showed up in. I’m not saying wear a three-piece suit to meet your little bundle, but make sure you don’t wear a shirt you will regret having in those newborn pictures. Maybe skip the shirt with the funny movie quote.
Time to get Packing!
Find out exactly what your hospital will provide and during your stay don’t be afraid to ask for anything you need. You may be surprised that they have it. Take advantage of the free diapers and postpartum care items.
Remember babies don’t need all that much. Spend this time focusing on getting to know each other rather than on what you are wearing. You will never get these moments back. Breathe them in.
And once again congratulations momma!
You will do great!
Check Out My Articles
Your Baby’s First Doctor Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare
A New Parent’s Guide to Packing the Perfect Diaper Bag: Tips and Tricks
My Birth Plan Didn’t Go as Expected: What I Wish I Had Known
Be Prepared for Labor: My Top 10 Must-Have Lists
How to Make the Most of Your Third Trimester to Get Prepared for Baby