Are you ready? Here’s a list of what to bring in your hospital bag when baby is on their way!

Trying to decide what to bring in your hospital bag? This photo shows some important items, like a phone charger, a notebook, clothing for you and the baby, and a bottle.

Hi friends! If you are in your 3rd trimester, you are probably starting to think about what to bring in your hospital bag. And if not, that’s ok. I got you! As you approach the end of your pregnancy, you may or may not be avoiding this particular task, but trust me, if you get started now, you are going to be SO glad you were prepared!

Packing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming, but it’s really about gathering a few comforting essentials to help you feel prepared and supported during your birth experience. Here’s a simple guide to help you feel ready for the big day:

What to Bring in Your Hospital Bag:

For You:

Photo ID and Insurance Card
Hospital paperwork
Birth Plan (2-3 Copies)
List of people to text or call
Cash or debit card for the cafeteria or vending machines
Snacks (more for your guests at first, but trust me, hospital food is not that good) and gum, if you like gum!
Music Playlist, Earbuds, and/or Speaker
Lip Balm (its wild how dry your lips get in labor!)
Electrolytes to add to your water for extra strength and hydration during labor
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for after birth (think soft pajamas or a robe)
Easily removable bra for that golden hour and for nursing
A going-home outfit that feels cozy and easy to wear (the same size you would wear in your 2nd trimester)
A labor gown with the option to open the back! Did you know you can bring your own labor gown to the hospital? Staying comfortable is going to make your birth experience SO much better! Hospitals DO provide hospital gowns, so this is just a nicety if you are able to bring one.
Flip flops for the shower
Your favorite slippers or socks with grips (to keep your feet warm and steady)
Toiletries: toothbrush& toothpaste, hairbrush, and any personal care items that bring you comfort
A small towel from home
Facewash, makeup remover, face wipes, makeup if that is your thing!
A phone charger and headphones or earbuds
Depends or adult diapers. You will be gushing out fluids throughout labor, so having a diaper on is so much more comfortable than cramming towels between your legs! Also, you will be bleeding and losing clots for up to 6 weeks after a vaginal birth, so its good to be prepared 🙂
Perineal packs. These are ice packs that are activated by shaking them. Can be really helpful if you have any vaginal swelling. You don’t necessarily need these for the hospital, because they do provide them, but I’d get them for home!
WAGON. Trust me, hauling your stuff from the car to your room, and then from your labor room to postpartum room is SO much easier when you have a wagon. PLUS, it helps keep all your stuff off the nasty hospital floor.

For Baby:

2-3 soft and cozy season-appropriate outfits (remember, their skin is incredibly soft and delicate, so think about that when choosing fabrics 🙂 )
Newborn diapers and wipes (most hospitals provide these, but it’s nice to have some extras)
A going-home outfit and a warm blanket or swaddle
Car seat (make sure it’s installed ahead of time!)
Pediatrician info (sometimes the hospital asks for it!)
Baby nail file or clippers & hand covers so they don’t scratch themselves
Baby socks or pants with footies
Size premie nipples and bottle if bottle-feeding (the hospital will provide formula, its good to bring a bottle that your IBCLC has recommended 🙂 )

For Your Support Person:

Pillow and blanket
Snacks (LOTS! Try to bring shelf-stable, protein-packed foods)
Toiletries (toothbrush/toothpaste/face wash/shampoo & conditioner/soap/towel)
Flip-flops for shower
Slippers with hard soles for the room
Caffeine. (Whatever brand of choice…they may be awake for 2-3 days straight)
Change of clothes
List of important phone numbers
Phone charger (the longer the better!)
A camera or phone for capturing special moments (unless you have hired a birth photographer! But still bring, just in case!)

For Pain Relief & Comfort:

Rebozo
Heating Pad (Bonus if its cordless!)
TENS unit
Cooling packs (can even just be a cool rag)
Aromatherapy, including A diffuser for your favorite scents and/or your favorite oils in a roller. Some scents that I highly recommend are lavender, clary sage (can potentially help your contractions to kick back in if they start to slow down),peppermint for nausea. or other scents that you feel are particularly calming.
Massage oil
Massage tools (especially for your back/lower back)
Birth Ball (Hospitals don’t often carry birth balls in every room, so its good to bring your own! Check with your labor and delivery staff to make sure this is ok! You can actually call the floor and ask any questions you want!)

For Room Prep

Twinkle lights or light projector
Diffuser/Aromatherapy
Charged Speaker for music (with charging cord)
Music playlist that helps you to get in your “zen” zone (I like the “Spa” playlists on Amazon music – but hey, if you are a metal kind of person, go with that!)
Room or linen spray (it can get a little smelly in there! It’s nice to have a fresh scent like lavender to help)
Your favorite affirmation cards to hang or have around the room

In Conclusion….

Remember: Your hospital bag doesn’t need to be perfect or packed days in advance. It’s about having what feels right for you so you can focus on welcoming your little one surrounded by comfort and care.

What did YOU bring in YOUR hospital bag?? 🙂

Here are some other blog posts that might be helpful!