Everything I Packed In My Hospital Bag As A First Time Mom
Yay! It’s time to start packing your hospital bags, which means the baby is making his or her debut. But you’re a first-time mom, and you have literally no idea what to pack. Well, same! The resources for what to pack in your hospital bag are endless. Regardless, here’s everything I packed in my hospital bag as a first-time mom.
The items I ended up packing resulted from advice from other momma friends of mine, our doctor, and from general research of things that I felt made the most sense. I still feel like I overpacked (oh well), but better to be safe than sorry. And no worries, I plan to do another blog on things I actually used (or would have liked to have) from my hospital bag.
(PSS: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, disclosure here.)
Some Notes Before Starting:
“All you need to bring is your uterus.”
LOL, believe it or not, that is an actual quote one of the OBs in our rotation told us. The hospital typically gives you a lot (and I mean a lot) of what you need. Pads, toiletries, disposable underwear, ice packs, nipple cream, diapers, etc. Many other blogs will tell you that a lot of times, you end up needing an extra bag just for the stuff the hospital gives you. So don’t feel pressured to pack the most.Bring Your Own Pillow + Blanket
This is the TOP thing I’ve read mama’s want and finding the most useful. A comfortable pillow from home. With a pillowcase that you don’t mind getting destroyed.Black is Best
A lot of the things I packed were black. With the potential for lots of bleeding, it just seems the safest bet to protect against those pesky leaks. Ick!Don’t Forget Your Partner/Support Person!
I didn’t include it in my list below, but we also packed a change of clothes for my husband (sweats, a long sleeve, and underwear).
List & Links
The Convertible Weekender in Beige from Béis
You do not need to go out and get a special bag for the hospital. Surprisingly, I don’t have a duffel or weekender bag that I could use. I have luggage with wheels. I have always wanted this, so I decided now was a good time to splurge. I ended up getting The Convertible version (there are cheaper ones) because I thought it would be nice to be able to detach the bottom (our clothes) from the other things, like toiletries, baby’s items, etc.
PS: This bag comes with a little removable piece made for your laptop & electronic accessories. I used this to keep all of baby’s things in one place and easily accessible! You can spot it in the first blog photo at the top of the bag; look for the knit.)
Price: $118
Frida Mom Delivery & Nursing Gown
You aren’t required to wear the gowns from the hospital; you can absolutely wear your own. I got this gown as a part of the Frida Mom Labor & Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit. I have seen this on moms everywhere and have heard nothing but good reviews. I personally love it because it’s uber soft and comfy.
Price: $29.99
Socks with Grippers
If you’ve ever been in the hospital, you know it gets cold AF. I initially had some cute socks that I thought I could wear, but they were quite slippery, and the last thing I want is to fall over in the hospital. I opted for this neutral set from Amazon. The black color, almost looks navy, so don’t be fooled!
Price: $21.95
Joyspun Robe
I have never been a robe girl, but after packing the rest of my bag, I panicked a little, realizing I didn’t have much that would be good for nursing (I live on an island with not a lot of options). I happened to walk into Walmart and found this very soft, very comfy robe. I plan to wear this for the majority of my time in the hospital.
Price: $21.98
Auden Pull Over Seamless Nursing Sleep Bra
My girlfriend, a mom of three, recommended these bras and says she lives by them, so I immediately ordered them from Target. Like many other items on my list, these are also very comfy. They come in a 2-pack, and I bought all colors available: black, light pink, mauve, and white. I have been sizing up in bralettes - I am usually a medium - but I was able to get my typical size in these.
Price: $19.99
Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear
As I mentioned earlier, I got the Frida Mom Labor & Delivery + Postpartum Recovery Kit, and this pack of disposable short briefs was included, so I packed them. I got crazy targeted on TikTok last night with all the hospital bag content, and it seemed that these were also a big hit, so I’m glad to have them as an option!
Price: $15.99 (8-Pack)
Thinx Modal Cotton Briefs (Super Absorbency)
I read that many women liked to have their own underwear because it made them feel “normal” after birth. I also didn’t think I’d want to deal with the bulky feeling of a big pad, so I decided to take a chance on these Thinx period panties in super and heavy. I have tried them on, and they’re already comfy! I typically wear seamless underwear, which is very thin, so having these makes me feel a lot safer about the whole blood situation.
Price: $24.50 (Originally $35)
10’ Just Wireless iPhone Charger
This was another recommendation from my girlfriend. Initially, I was going to purchase a 5’ charger, but she recommended the 10’ instead. Apparently, outlets are far from the bed, so this made sense, and it’s pretty affordable from Target. I also figured it would be a good purchase for using afterward (I mean, we all know how annoying it can be to sit by a wall to charge your phone at the airport.)
Price: $25.99
Toiletries
My doctor advised me that the hospital we are giving birth at has toiletries for us, but I wanted to feel a little more “at home,” so I opted to bring our own stuff. I packed everything I would for a trip out of town: body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, skincare, etc.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
Apparently, your lips get very chapped while you’re in the hospital, which makes sense. I absolutely swear by this version of Kiehl’s Lip Balm and do not use anything else.
Ua Skincare: ʻEkolu Body Butter
Just like your lips get chapped, I’m positive my skin will also be very dry! I guess this would also be considered a toiletry, but I included it here because I am opting to use a natural body butter versus something with lots of chemicals.
Price: $24.00
Sunbeam Portable Heating Pad
I, honestly, probably will not need these in the hospital since they will be able to provide me with one. So instead, I am planning to use this on our way out of the hospital for the ride home. But, the last time my sister-in-law gave birth, she had to get a c-section. And would you believe it if I told you the hospital ran out of heating pads? TRUE STORY! She had one at first, and then she thought she didn’t need it, so they took it away. When she asked for it again, they didn’t have any to provide her with. This would have come in clutch, and I would much rather be safe than sorry - especially since I already have this on hand.
Price: $69.99
Abercrombie & Fitch Long Sleeve Cozy Rib (Sold Out)
Saying I’m obsessed with Abercrombie & Fitch’s loungewear may be an understatement. I bought this long sleeve for the colder Hawaiʻi months as maternity wear, but it was so cozy and comfy I knew I would want it for the hospital. I held off on packing this in my bag for as long as possible, LOL! I also love that it’s cute, so I can feel like a normal version of myself.
Lululemon Align™ Tank Top
Thinking on this one, I can’t really say why I packed it. But I do find these to be comfortable and supportive. I feel like it sucks me in, which I figured I may or may not want. It would also make a good nursing top (in my opinion), just because I can easily slip it to the side for feeding. Have a feeling I may end up putting this on the did not use from my hospital bag list, but we’ll find out in the next few days I suppose!
Price: $68
Lululemon Align™ Ribbed High-Rise Pant 25”
I wasn’t sure if people wore leggings post-partum, you know, with them being tight and all. For me, they are very comfortable and supportive. Apparently, they can be a good post-partum option because they are supportive (more so than loose-fitting clothing). Because of that, I decided to pack my tried and true maternity leggings - the Lululemon Ribbed Aligns!
Snacks
My husband calls me “snacks” because I always ask for a snack. I read that snacks (mainly for your partner) were a must-pack, and when I asked a few of my mom-friends, they said (and I quote), “Pack all the snacks; you’re going to be starving!” I believe the staff doesn’t want you eating once you’re checked in to the hospital and in labor, so it makes sense that after being in labor for hours and not eating, you’d be starvin’ Marvin. I packed things like these Apple Bare Apple & Strawberry Chips, but I also packed granola, candy bars, trail mix, and beef jerky.
Price: $27.00 (6 Pack)
Cash & Coins
A lot of lists say to pack dollar bills and coins for the hospital vending machines. You can never go wrong with having a little cash on hand, so we packed a little bag of dollars and quarters for this very reason.
Archies Flip Flops
For whatever reason, I REALLY want to wear my Uggs to the hospital (LOL). So I threw these in there to make sure that if I end up wearing my Uggs, I still have footwear to get around and for the shower. I love these Archies flip flops for their arch support and comfort.
Organic Waffle Kimono & Pant Set
Baby’s coming home outfit! A must-have. ;)
Price: $36.00
Organic Waffle Knot Beanie
Another part of baby’s coming home outfit. :)
Hi. Hand Knit Blanket
Yet one more piece to baby’s coming home outfit and also announcement/first photos. I also packed a swaddle so we can actually swaddle baby. But tell me this is not the most ADORABLE blankie?! The size of this thing will make you cry, it’s so cute.
Price: $32
I didn’t include everything I bought on this list
Pack what’s right for you.
As much as I can tell you we packed this and we packed that, at the end of the day, I highly suggest slicing and dicing checklists based on your own research and what feels right for you.