What I Packed in my Hospital Bag

I wanted to share a quick list of things that I brought in my hospital bag that I used. I ultimately used pretty much everything and I did NOT over pack. I think that is super important. The hospital will provide you with so much and I can also list what they had available for us to use!

For Me:

  • A bathrobe

  • Bath towel

  • Pillow

  • Nightgown that buttons down the front

  • Going home outfit

  • Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, face wash)

  • Hair brush

  • A very small amount of makeup (I only used the makeup the day we were going home and I barely put any on, lol)

  • A nursing bra (only used the day we were going home)

  • Nursing pads (only used when going home)

  • Six foot long phone charger

  • Hair ties

  • Instax Polaroid Camera (I did not use this as much as I wanted, but we still got some adorable pictures)

  • Snacks

For Husband:

  • Bath towel

  • Two days worth of change of clothes

  • Toothbrush

  • Six foot long phone charger

  • Deodorant

  • Snacks

For Baby:

  • Two different sized going home outfits (We only brought newborn size & 0-3, but if you know your baby might be measuring a little on the small size I suggest bringing a premie size as well. Babies tend to lose a little weight at the hospital, so our NB size outfits didn’t fit and we wound up bringing the baby home in a onesie that was way too big for her.)

  • Two swaddles (one that matched my robe and one for pictures)

  • A hairbow for pictures

  • Carseat (have this installed prior too)


What the Hospital Had for Us:

  • Diapers

  • Wipes

  • Gowns for mom if you did not bring a robe or pajamas (I actually used the hospital gown the most because it was just so much easier)

  • Bath towels

  • Blankets for both mom, dad, and baby

  • Pillows

  • Lanolin/ Nipple Salve


If I remember correctly that was all I brought with me! I suggest starting to pack around 35 weeks because you never know when it will happen. I had started to pack around that time, but did not have some of the last things in there and wound up being on the phone with my husband making sure he had everything while he was trying to head to the hospital. Normally, during a time where COVID does not exist, your partner can leave the hospital and get whatever was forgotten or you might need, but also the hospital has so much for you, so take advantage of that! And lastly, something I think could be beneficial if you plan to breastfeed is a boppy pillow. I breastfed and did not bring mine and don’t regret it, but I think it could be a good tool for you!

Pack minimally!

You don’t want to have a ton of stuff to clean up when you get home from the hospital!

BabyKristen Bradyhospital bagComment