Packing For The Hospital: Everything You’ll Need For The Birth & Beyond!

The many lists on social media, the plethora of internet information, and input from family and friends about what to pack for the hospital are endless. Often overwhelming and excessive, filled with frivolous items you may or may not actually need during your stay at the hospital during and after your baby is born, this information can be unhelpful to say the least. The reality is that you will pack much more than you truly need, regardless of what list you follow, because being over prepared is part of human nature.

That being said, here is a list of the basics for the birthing parent and baby for a typical stay at the hospital following the welcoming of your baby to the world! You want to pack 3-4 days worth of items just in case, especially if it’s your first birth or if you’re being induced!

Do Pack:

Clothes: This will largely be dependent on your preferences. Consider if you are planning on breastfeeding, if you are allowing visitors, if your body temperature tends to run warmer or cooler, and what is most comfortable for you during one of the most potentially uncomfortable few days you’re bound to experience in life. Some birthing parents will spend the majority of their hospital stay completely nude, while other birthing parents stay completely clothed. EIther option is completely fine, and rest assured all staff members and medical personnel are totally okay with whatever option you decide works best for you!

With that being said, packing 3-4 comfortable outfits is sufficient. The easier they are to get off, the better! Bathroom breaks, skin-to-skin time with your new little one, and breastfeeding are so much easier when your clothes aren’t restrictive to remove or constantly in the way!

Bonus Tip! Button-down shirts are a saving grace! Snagging a lightweight cotton button-down with easy-access snaps or a zip-front shirt is a great piece of clothing to have in your go-bag!

EXTRA Bonus Tip! Slippers or slip-on shoes are so worth packing! Avoid those cold hospital floors, ensure you’re comfortable and safe from slips and falls during trips to the bathroom, and bring a touch of home comfort to your hospital room. While hospitals provide socks with gripping soles, there’s nothing like your favorite pair of slippers!

Extra EXTRA Bonus Tip! If you’re being induced, bring your favorite pillow and throw blanket. Inductions typically lengthen your stay, so you want to be sure you’re as comfortable as possible during that time!

Snacks: Often, hospitals will have a limited stash of food to access while the kitchen is closed, but it is exactly that - limited! Pack a few of your favorite comfort snacks just in case. Some good snacks to have on hand include bone broth, electrolyte drink, coconut water, nut butters, and cut up fruit. These will help you replenish all you’ve expended in the process of birth, and if you don’t use them, your partner will!

Bonus Tip! Pack something that you haven’t been able to eat during your pregnancy - soft cheeses, tinned fish, lunch meat. Many new parents will have a craving for something they weren’t allowed during their pregnancy, and those few days in the hospital is a great time to indulge as a reward for all the hard work you did!

Electronics: and extra-long charging cords! You will want to keep your electronics charged and in reach, so make sure you have at least a 10ft charger cable so it can reach your bed. You will want to keep yourself entertained during your stay, so other electronics that allow you to watch movies/shows may also be desirable (iPad, portable DVD player, etc.) Don’t forget the sound machine to help combat 2nd night syndrome!

Bonus Tip! Most hospitals have TVs with HDMI imports, so feel free to connect your laptop to the TV or other devices that will connect to a TV to access your desired media!

Minimally for the baby: For the majority of your stay, your baby will be swaddled in hospital receiving blankets, so you only need to pack 1-2 outfits for photos and/or their going-home outfit. It may be worth packing one outfit in newborn size and another in 0-3 just in case your baby doesn’t fit in one size or the other! Or, if you end up going into labor before your due date, having a set of preemie clothing on hand is helpful. Other than that, the hospital will provide you with diapers, wipes, anything necessary for feeding, or any other needs during your stay!

Bonus Tip! Most hospitals do not allow you to leave with their receiving blankets, so if you would like to use one to introduce your fur babies at home to your new baby’s smell, pack your own!

Photo props: if that is your thing! You do not have to go overboard on this (we’re not talking backdrops and ring lights here!) but you may regret not snagging pictures those first few days! In regards to photos, it’s also a good idea to have a conversation with your partner, friends, family, and others about your policy for sharing your baby’s image on social media/online. In this digital world, it’s a good idea to have those boundaries clearly drawn before the baby is born!

Bonus Tip! Get a picture of your new family, a picture of the birthing parent and baby, a picture of your baby in their car seat for the first time, and your baby with your favorite hospital staff at a minimum.

Don’t:

Worry about underwear: Most hospitals will provide you with mesh underwear for postpartum. If you bought special postpartum underwear or adult diapers (which are worth it!), save those for when you are at home. Some hospitals will even let you take extra if you need them!

Bonus Tip! A nursing and pumping combo bra is worth getting as part of your going outfit. Don’t worry about a bra in the hospital; It just gets in the way!

Worry about towels: Hospitals will have towels for you for the bathroom. Granted, they’re not going to be luxurious by any means, but they are clean and will do the job just fine. If you have a specific towel preference, feel free to pack your own. Otherwise, a towel takes up space and isn’t necessary!

Forget to install your car seat: Give yourself ample time to make sure it is installed correctly. It’s a good idea to have your car seat already installed before heading to the hospital if possible, but if not, there are usually folks at the hospital who can help make sure it’s done correctly as well!

Of course, the best way to know what to pack is to ask the hospital or birthing center you’re at what they will have available, and plan from there. If you’re planning a home birth, working with your support team (partner, midwife, doula, etc.) to ensure you have all the items and comforts you’ll need for the big moment is imperative.

If you’d like to talk with someone about how to best prepare yourself for the birth of your new baby, reach out and contact us! We’d love to help you go into this life-changing moment with the confidence that you are as prepared as possible on all fronts!