Packing Your Hospital Bag

What to Bring for Mom and Baby

Taking a Sacred Step Closer to Meeting Your Baby

Packing your hospital bag is beautifully symbolic, in a way. It's one of the final hushed acts of preparation before everything shifts — before you hear that initial wail, grip the first tiny hand in yours and step into motherhood in full. It's not just cramming clothes into a duffel. It's a time of intention, of recognizing that your journey is at a threshold. Packing each item is a little love letter, a reminder to yourself: I'm preparing for my baby, and I deserve comfort and calm along the way.

So, take this moment slowly. Allow yourself to settle into the rhythms of the preparation. You can pack it away bit by bit. Maybe today you pack your stuff, tomorrow, baby's. Perhaps you light a candle, sip some tea and allow this task to feel gentle, unrushed. Packing is a meditation, a breath between the planning and the birth; and every item you choose can reflect your needs, your values, and your desire for a birth experience that's as supported as possible.

Let's take this in, step by step, so you feel held and ready.

Essentials for Mom 💗

When deciding what to bring think comfort, familiarity and ease. Hospitals offer the essentials, but your personal effects add warmth and grounding to a sterile environment.

For Labor:

• Birth plan or preferences sheet — A written guide for your care team to understand your hopes (with the understanding that plans may change, but your voice is important).
• Labor outfit – A loose gown, sports bra, or anything you can move in comfortably. Some mamas want to have it their way, not the hospital's.
• Socks or grippy slippers – For keeping your feet warm and for post-care walking in early labor.
• Lip balm + face mist — Hospitals are dry and labor can leave you parched.
• Essential oils (if permitted at your hospital) — lavender oil for calming, peppermint oil for nausea. (Bring a roller or a diffuser with permission.)

For Recovery:

• Nursing bra or tank tops — Soft, non-wired, easy to manage for skin-to-skin and feeding.
• Loose robe or cardigan — Layers are good for temperature differences.
• Postpartum underwear — High-waisted and stretchy. (Hospitals provide mesh, or you can bring your own.)
• Toiletries — Natural and gentle: toothpaste, face wash, dry shampoo, hairbrush and deodorant. A little bit of home can make a lot of difference.
• Phone + long charging cord — Outlet access can be tricky, and you'll want to capture memories or stay connected.
• Snacks — Trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit to help sustain energy once permitted.
• Water bottle with straw — More straightforward to sip in any position.
• Going-home outfit — If you were 5–6 months pregnant (soft leggings, tunic, or a maxi.

Essentials for Baby 🌸

Your baby will be covered in love from the minute they arrive. The hospital will provide plenty of basics like diapers and wipes, but you'll want some personal touches:

• Newborn onesies – Bring 2-3 of each (NB + 0-3M), babies are unpredictable!
• Swaddle or receiving blanket – for snuggles and swaddling.
• B as in baby: hat + mittens — To help with temperature control and prevent scratching.
• Soft socks or booties — Tiny toes get cold.
• Going-home outfit — Something simple, soft, and easy to put on.
• Car seat — must be installed, needed for discharge

Optional, But Lovely ✨

These aren't the basics, but they can enhance your experience and make you feel more comfortable and supported:

• Birth affirmations — Cards, with phrases like "I am strong" or "Each wave brings me closer," written or printed.
• Music playlist + your speaker or headphones – Set a mood, either soothing or upbeat.
• Massage tools — stuff such as a tennis ball, handheld roller or just your partner's loving hands.
• Personal blanket or pillow — Extra comfort (with color pillowcase so not confused with hospital bedding).
• Journal or baby book — To get early thoughts or moments down.

A Grounded Reminder 🌾

Mama, this isn't about owning everything — it's about owning what brings you joy. Hospitals can give you much of what you'll need, but these items offer a bridge between home and hospital, between who you've been and who you're becoming.

Breathe, no rush, trust yourself. You know more than you think. Become more prepared than you think you are.