If you are planning to have a hospital birth, it is best to start packing your hospital bag between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy. Here is an ultimate hospital bag checklist to help you prepare for bringing your little one into the world!
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My Story: Transferring from a Midwife to an OB Mid-Pregnancy
I am approaching my third birth. My first birth was in a hospital with a doula. I was planning on delivering at a birthing center with a midwife for my second. However, I found out that I had some health conditions and a high-risk pregnancy. I transferred to an OB and was induced a week early.
Overall, I had a positive second birth experience even though it was not what I had originally planned. I will be induced for my third birth as well if I make it to 39 weeks. Even though I did not have the birth experience that I originally planned for, I was able to have a positive birth experience with my second birth due in part to packing preparation!
A hospital isn’t always the most relaxing place; however, you can bring some things to help it feel more relaxed! Due to my experiences, I decided to compile an ultimate hospital bag checklist for a relaxed birth.
Disclaimer About this Checklist
Some of the items on this list are optional and others are also included by the hospital. Pick and choose what you think you will need and want!
Most hospitals will cover what you really need. However, some of the items on this list are helpful to have and may make you feel more at home!
The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for a Relaxed Birth
Here is the ultimate hospital bag checklist! I am not packing all of these items, but I wanted to include as much as possible so that you can pick and choose what you need!
Many hospitals include many of these items. Check with your hospital or birth center prior to delivery about what they provide. I put an * next to the items that may be provided by your hospital.
Shop these items all in one place HERE.
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- Insurance/ID
- Wallet
- Birth Plan
- Phone
- Phone Charger
Although many hospitals allow you to pre-register, it is always helpful to have your wallet, insurance, and ID at the ready! Your hospital may already have your birth plan on file, but it is always helpful to have an extra one on hand!
Toiletries
- Toothbrush*
- Toothpaste*
- Shampoo*
- Conditioner*
- Deodorant
- Face Wash
- Contacts Solution
- Extra Contacts
- Glasses
- Medications
Some hospitals will provide some toiletries if you ask, but it is always nice to have ones that you like and are familiar with–especially if you have certain products that you prefer!
Labor
- Labor Gown*
- Bathing Suit
- Water Bottle*
- Lip Balm*
- Non-Slip Socks*
- Electrolyte Drink
- Bone Broth*
- Honey Sticks
- Sugar-Free Candy
- Birthing Ball*
- Affirmations
- Combs
- Hair Ties
- Essential Oils
- Diffuser
- Shower Shoes
- Journal
- Book
- Entertainment
- Soft Lights
- Playlist
- Speaker
- Headphones
- Crockpot
- Hand Towels
- Heat Pad
Yes, the hospital will provide a labor gown, but it can be nice to have your own if you want something that covers more! For my first birth, I was allowed to leave the room and walk around the hospital, and it is nice to have something that you feel comfortable and covered in! I also wore non-slip socks to keep my feet warm when walking around.
Although my hospital did not allow a water birth, I was able to labor in the tub and shower. I felt most comfortable wearing a bathing suit for more coverage!
Keeping Your Energy Up
Lip balm and water bottles are nice to keep parched lips hydrated! With my induction, I was only able to drink liquids. Bringing electrolyte drinks and bone broth can give you some energy while water will keep you hydrated!
I am also packing honey sticks and sugar free candy to enjoy during labor!
Creating a Relaxed Environment
While music, essential oils, lights, and affirmations are not necessary–they can make for a more soothing environment.
Many hospitals provide birthing balls, but if you prefer to bring your own it can be helpful!
Pain Management Ideas
Many moms who have natural births or who wait to get an epidural use combs like this to help get through contractions.
I know a crockpot sounds a little out-there, but my doula recommended heating hand towels in warm water and it provided a lot of comfort and relief for my labor!
You could also try a plug-in heat pad if you don’t want to bring a whole crockpot into the hospital!
If you are getting induced or if you have an epidural, you may have quite a bit of down time. Bringing some entertainment such as a book, magazine, or show can help pass the time!
Postpartum
- Nursing Pads
- Nipple Butter
- Pads*
- Breast Pump* (often covered by insurance)
- Bath Towel*
- Hairdryer
- Hair Styling Tools
- Makeup
- Makeup Remover
- Nursing Bras
- Comfy Pants or Shorts
- Nursing-Friendly PJs
- Robe
- Slip-on Shoes
- Going Home Outfit
- Postpartum Underwear*
- Peri Bottle*
- Natural Perineal Spray
- Tucks Cooling Pads*
- Pillow
- Nursing Pillow
- Blanket
- Gift for Staff
Preparing for After Birth
Most hospitals provide the postpartum care items that you will need and allow you to take home the extras. However, if you prefer to use your own products–it can be helpful to bring your own.
Gifts for the hospital staff are not necessary, but some snacks and drinks are a thoughtful gesture for the people who will help bring your baby into the world!
Makeup and hair styling tools are definitely not a must; however, if you are hiring a birth photographer or just want to feel more like yourself after delivery–you might want to pack them just in case! I personally love Toups & Co Organics makeup.
Shop these items all in one place HERE.
For Dad Or your birth partner
- Insurance Card
- ID/wallet
- Phone
- Phone Charger
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Water Bottle
- Massage Oil
- Entertainment
- Pillow*
- Cash
- Change of Clothes
- Camera
- List of People to Update
- Comfy Shoes
- Toothbrush*
- Toothpaste*
- Deodorant
- Shampoo *
- Conditioner*
- Other Toiletries
- Medications
If you have a partner, make sure they pack a bag, too! Also, some people spend multiple days in the hospital. So, it can be helpful for Dad or your birth partner to have some personal items plus some tools to help support you through labor!
For Baby
- Extra Outfits (consider bringing different sizes – preemie, newborn, 0-3 months)
- Diapers*
- Scratch Mittens
- Hat*
- Swaddles*
- Burp Cloths
- Baby Blanket*
- Going Home Outfit
- Baby Shampoo*
- Baby Lotion*
- Diaper Cream
- Car Seat
If you are looking for a beautiful, classic, artisan-made going home outfit for your baby, I highly recommend Gris Petalo. I am ordering a knit set from this brand for my third baby. Use my code THEMILLERACRES to save 10%!
Or, if you prefer a personalized look, I recommend these hand-embroidered sweaters made by my friend Molly!
Where to Find These Items
I was unable to link all of the items above, but I made an Amazon storefront page with many of the items on this list!
Remember, not everything is necessary and your hospital may provide many of these items. But, I hope that this list can be helpful for you as you prefer for birth!
Shop these items all in one place HERE.
Pack What Will Make You Feel Relaxed
As I mentioned above, not all of these items are essential, but many of them are nice to have! I will not be packing everything on the list, but I’ll pick and choose the items that I need and want to have.
If you, like me, had hoped for a non-hospital birth but were unable to for some reason or another–there are ways to make the hospital feel more comfortable and restful.
However your baby is born, you are an amazing, strong, capable mother. I hope that this hospital bag checklist helps you feel prepared for your birth so that you can focus on bringing your baby into the world!
Some of these photos were taken by Kyra Noel Photo.
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