When should I pack my hospital bag? What will I need? What will the hospital have? Whether you are a first time mom or a veteran, packing your hospital bag for the big day can be overwhelming!

The hospital will provide you with diapers, wipes, maternity pads, swaddles, and a manual nasal aspirator. Many hospitals also have pumps available for moms to use during their stay. Some hospitals provide more! To find out the specifics of your hospital, ask your doctor or midwife. Now, let’s talk about what you will need to bring.

Every birth and every mom is different. This list is meant to guide you through the absolute must-haves for your hospital bag. Add more individualized items as you see fit. To make sure you are best prepared for the big day, check with your doctor to find out what, if any, item restrictions your hospital has.

• ID & Insurance Card

  These two documents are crucial for delivery day! The hospital will need to verify you and your insurance so you’ll want to be sure you have both on you. Every hospital manages their registration and paperwork differently so be sure to ask your doctor or midwife about their process!

• Birth Plan

  Discussing your birth plan ahead of the big day can help you feel empowered and comforted. Knowing you and your support person are on the same page can alleviate stressors surrounding the unknown. While there are no guarantees on how your birth will go, having a documented birth plan will help your support person to advocate your wishes on your behalf while you are in the thralls of labor.

  Your medical team will do their best to follow your birth plan but may have to deviate in situations of medical necessity. Reviewing your birth plan with your doctor ahead of delivery to see what various birth options can look like will allow you the chance to ask questions and plan as much as you can, accordingly.

• Phone & Chargers

  The most common thing is the easiest to forget - and a phone charger is not something that is often lying around the labor and delivery floor. You will want to soak in and document all of the first sweet moments with your new baby - don’t leave it to chance! Be sure to pack a charger or two that will be designated for your hospital bag so you will be set for your delivery.

• Toiletries

  Not all hospitals provide toiletries like shampoo and body wash. If you plan to shower while you are at the hospital, you will want to pack a bag of your toiletries just in case. Be sure to pack your hair care items, a hairbrush, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. Many moms like to have their own toiletries so they can help baby adjust to the scents they wash with.

• Nursing/Pumping Bra

  Whether you are nursing or pumping, you are going to want a nursing/pumping bra. Both bras are built for your postpartum body and provide full coverage while offering easy nipple access. These comfortable and practical bras will be a staple item in your postpartum wardrobe!

• Loose-fitting Clothes and Pajamas

  Once you have delivered your baby, you will be able to change out of your hospital gown and into the clothes of your choosing. In the hospital, we recommend comfortable, loose, button-up pajamas or loungewear.

  Loose fitting clothes are an absolute must for postpartum recovery - think easy, breezy. Whether you have a cesarean or vaginal delivery, your body is going to need time to recover with comfortable clothing. Flowy dresses, leggings, even some of your maternity clothes are all perfect go-tos for your recovery and going home outfit!

• Car Seat

  Hospitals will require you to put your baby in their car seat before leaving the hospital so be sure to have it with you! To avoid any confusion or frustration, take time to learn to properly install the car seat before your baby is born. This allows you to feel confident in car seat use and have the car seat ready to go when it’s time for your baby to be born!

• Going Home Outfit

  Your little bundle of joy is going to need clothes to keep them warm once you are ready to leave the hospital. Pick an outfit that will keep them warm in the weather you are experiencing! Footie pajamas are a great go-to going home outfit for all seasons. In colder months, you may want to pack a car blanket to have so they stay warm in the car!

• Swaddle

  The hospital will provide swaddle blankets for your baby but you are always welcome to bring your own! If your baby is going to be using a swaddle sack or specific blanket at home, this may be a good time to get them accustomed to their new blanket. Plus, it introduces your baby to the smells of home!

Now that we have covered the essentials of packing your hospital bag, let’s talk about some items that could be nice to have!

• Breast Pump

  If you are planning to exclusively pump, bring your pump along to the hospital! While hospitals do offer pumps for you to use during your stay, bringing your own will give you time to practice using your pump in an environment where you have access to help. Lactation Consultants and nurses can assist with any trouble or discomfort while pumping and provide you with tips and resources to ease your transition into pumping.

• Blankets and Pillows

  The hospital will provide you with pillows and blankets but having your own can be nice! If you plan to pack your own blanket and pillow, you may want to have your support person do the same to help make their cot or reclining chair a little more comfortable.

• Essential Oils

  Not all hospitals allow essential oil diffusers, so you will need to check ahead of time. Essential oil diffusers are commonly used to help relax and feel more comfortable during labor.

• Personal Delivery Gown

  Many new moms are choosing to buy their own labor and delivery gown to wear in the hospital from Etsy shops, Amazon, and Target. These gowns tend to provide more coverage for a laboring mom, while still providing the necessary access for monitoring, epidural, and delivery.

While you can pack your hospital bag whenever you want, having your bag packed by the beginning of your third trimester will bring you the closest to your due date with the lowest risk of any surprises. Once your bag is packed, you can embrace all of your nesting or relaxing urges knowing that you are prepped and ready for your little one’s arrival. Be sure to pack your bag and leave it somewhere easy to find like a hallway closet or even the trunk of the car you expect to take to the hospital.