Hospital bag essentials: What you actually need
Hospital Bag Essentials: What You Actually Need
Packing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming — especially when everyone seems to have a different opinion on what you must bring.
After supporting hundreds of postpartum families, I can confidently say this:
you don’t need everything — you need the right things.
This simple, realistic checklist focuses on comfort, recovery, and feeding support — without overpacking.
🧳 For Labour & Delivery
Health card / ID / wallet
Birth preferences (printed or saved on your phone)
Phone + long charging cord
Hair tie or clip
Lip balm (hospital air is very dry)
Comfortable socks (grip socks if preferred)
Refillable water bottle
Light snacks (can never have too many snacks on hand)
Glasses or contacts (if applicable)
🌿 For Postpartum Recovery
Comfortable pajamas or nightgown
(front-opening if plan to breastfeed)High-waisted underwear or disposable underwear
Nursing bra or soft bralette
Slippers or easy slip-on shoes (also ones you can wash or dispose of)
Toiletries (toothbrush, face wash, deodorant, moisturizer)
Medications (if prescribed)
Loose, comfortable going-home outfit
Flip-flops or shower sandals (optional)
Peri bottle (with extendable tip) — not needed but nice to have
Tip:
Most hospitals provide pads, peri bottles, and basic postpartum supplies. Ask what’s included before packing multiples.
🍼 For Feeding (Breast, Bottle, or Combination)
Nursing pillow (optional but helpful)
Nipple cream (lanolin or plant-based OR expressed colostrum)
Breast pads
Breast pump only if recommended or previously discussed (with proper fitting flange insert)
One baby bottle (hospital may also supply)
Tip:
Support with positioning and latch matters far more than equipment. Many feeding challenges can be eased with hands-on guidance and support.
👶 For Baby
Going-home outfit (weather-appropriate)
Extra sleeper or onesie (otherwise baby will mainly be in a diaper and doing lots of skin to skin)
Hat (if required by your hospital)
Swaddle or blanket (optional — often provided)
Infant car seat (most hospitals require you to leave with baby in the car seat).
🤍 For Your Support Person
Change of clothes
Snacks
Toiletries
Phone charger
Pillow or blanket (optional) — recommended
🚫 Items You Can Skip
Large amounts of diapers or wipes
Multiple outfits for baby
Full makeup kits
Excessive postpartum supplies
(check what your hospital provides first)
✨ Optional Comfort Items
Eye mask or ear plugs
Small speaker or calming playlist
Essential oils or grounding scent (check hospital policy)
Journal or notes app for reflections
Pen to fill out baby’s legal birth paperwork (health card)
Baby nail clippers (it is crazy how long their nails are when they are born)
🌸 A Gentle Reminder
Your hospital bag doesn’t need to be perfect.
Preparation, education, and support matter far more than what’s inside your suitcase.
If you’d like help preparing for postpartum recovery or infant feeding, I cover this in my prenatal workshops and 1:1 preparing for postpartum appointments.
👉 Want this checklist as a printable PDF? Download it here.