Labor & Delivery Hospital Bag Must-Haves


When I was packing our bags for the hospital, I did a lot of research to see what was recommended. Looking back there were some items I packed that we didn't need/use, but I'm still glad I packed for the ease of mind. Ultimately, I think the only thing I would do differently the second time around is bringing less recovery products (the hospital gives you everything you need plus more!) and less clothing for little baby. Just a couple of pajamas would do just fine.


I packed enough for us to be at the hospital for two days, and I'm so grateful I did. I spent a lot of time in a hospital gown and then sweatpants, but Jackson was changing outfits like normal. We ended up staying at the hospital for two days after giving birth to make sure I was recovering okay (read our birth story HERE), and so I'm thankful I packed enough for us during that additional time at the hospital.


For organization I used packing cubes. Jackson's things were all in navy blue cubes, mine were in beige bags, and Beckley's were in pink ones. THESE are the packing cubes I ordered on Amazon, and THESE are the bags I ordered to bring everything in. Click HERE for our diaper bag (highly recommend).


Here is the list of things I packed in our hospital bags...


Jackson's & Beckley's Bag:

Jackson's packing cube:
  • Sweatpants
  • Jeans
  • Button-down shirt
  • Athletic pull-over
  • Socks
  • Boxers
  • Undershirt
  • T-shirt
  • Pajamas
Beckley's PACKING CUBE:
  • 2 Newborn onesies
  • 2 Newborn zip-up pajamas (Old Navy has the best ones I've found)
  • Bows
  • Swaddles (didn't use any of these, the hospital gives out velcro ones that are AMAZING)
  • Socks
  • Mittens
not in a packing cube:
  • Slippers
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • iPad & charger


My Bag:

My PACKING CUBE:
  • Sweatpants
  • Belly Band
  • Maternity Leggings
  • Flannel Button-down
  • Socks
  • Underwear (not necessary post-birth but what did I know? Lol)
  • Comfy cardigan
  • Button-down pajamas
mine & jackson's toiletry bag:

Basically for this I raided the minis section at Wal-Mart.

  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Makeup remover
  • Face wash
  • Lotion
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Nail clippers
  • Shampoo & conditioner
My post-delivery recovery packing cube:

Keep an eye out for a future post on postpartum recovery and what I found helpful.

Also, keep in mind I didn't touch this packing cube AT ALL while at the hospital. The hospital gives you EVERYTHING you need. I brought these things purely for ease of mind & to feel prepared.

  • Maxi pads
  • Disposable underwear
  • Dermoplast spray
  • Tucks cooling pads
  • Nipple cream
  • Nipple pads
  • Perineal spray bottle
  • Peppermint essential oil
NOT IN A PACKING CUBE:
  • Slippers
  • Pillow cases
  • Blanket
  • Neck pillow
  • Card games (UNO & SkipBo)
  • Snacks
  • Phone chargers
  • Elvie Pump & chargers


Beckley's Diaper Bag:

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Changing Pad
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Blanket
  • Burp cloths
  • Sound machine & charger


Additional Items:

  • Carseat
  • Winter carseat cover (Beckley was born in February)
  • Boppy pillow