This Wilderness Our Home

With my first two babies, I hardly packed at all — and honestly, it was fine. The hospital provided what I truly needed, and I got by without much. But with my last baby, I wanted a different experience. I didn’t just want to “get by.” I wanted to feel comfortable, cared for, and prepared.

So, I researched and read through countless hospital bag checklists and blog posts. Some items were overhyped, some didn’t matter at all — but a handful of things truly made a difference. This list is what actually helped me feel more like myself during my stay. I’ve also included a free printable checklist you can grab at the end to make your own packing stress-free.

 👜The Bag Itself

It doesn’t have to be fancy — just something roomy, sturdy, and easy to carry.
I used [this weekender bag → Waterproof Weekender], and it was the perfect size — structured enough to hold its shape, but soft enough to tuck into tight spaces.

Here’s what worked best for me:

A medium weekender or duffel bag for clothing and essentials

A smaller tote or backpack for toiletries, snacks, and tech

A separate folder or pouch for paperwork and IDs

 ✨Pro tip: Pack the smaller tote inside the main bag so you can grab it quickly once you’re admitted.

Hospital Bag Must-Haves for Mom

A Labor & Delivery Gown

I packed [this gown → Ruffle Strap Labor and Delivery Gown]. I didn’t get to use it during labor like I planned, but it ended up being perfect for the rest of my hospital stay.

Cozy Socks and Slippers

I was glad I had both. [These socks → GripJoy socks 3 pack] kept me warm in bed, and [these slippers → EverFoams soft curly slippers] made hallway trips easier.

An Extra-Long Phone Charger

The outlets are never close to your bed. [This charger → 10Ft USB-A to USB-C cable] meant I could FaceTime and scroll without unplugging everything.

Gum & Lip Balm

Small, but a big deal. Gum helped with dry mouth (and after a C-section, chewing gum can even support digestion), and [this lip balm → Earth’s Daughter Tinted Variety pack] was always in reach.

Disposable Underwear

The hospital provides mesh, but I packed extras. [Frida Mom underwear → Disposable Boyshort and [Always Discreet → Postpartum Underwear] felt more secure.

Toiletries (Mini Pamper Kit)

That first shower is a luxury. I used [this bag → BagSmart Toiletries bag] and I packed:

[Compressed washcloths → affiliate link] [Rose oil cleanser → affiliate link] [Travel bottles → affiliate link] with shampoo/conditioner/lotion Mini razor + shave cream Deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste Hair ties + mini brush

A Comfortable Going-Home Outfit

Loose lounge pants, [a nursing tank → Maternity Camisole with built in Bra], and a layering top kept me covered and comfortable.

Belly Band

[This belly band → 3 in 1 belly band] gave me extra support after surgery.

A Folder for Paperwork

So simple, but so helpful. I kept everything together in [this folder → Clipboard Folio Folder].

A Small Speaker

[This mini speaker → Bose Soundlink] made the room feel calmer with music/white noise.

iPad or Laptop

Perfect for streaming, journaling, or just breaking up downtime.

Electrolyte Coconut Water Mix

I mixed [Ultima mocktini powder → Hydration Packs] with coconut water + ice. It was refreshing, tasted amazing, and helped with hydration and recovery.

🚫What You Don’t Need in Your Bag

A lot of “hospital bag checklists” make you think you need to bring half your house. In reality, the hospital has most of the basics covered, and some items are better left at home. Here’s what I skipped (or packed and never touched):

Peri bottles, witch hazel pads, numbing spray, and postpartum pads — all provided by the hospital. Breast pump — if you need one, most hospitals have them on hand. Save space and wait until you’re home. Diapers and wipes for baby — the hospital will stock you up. (Take a few extras home in your bag — they expect it!) Multiple outfits for mom or baby — one comfy going-home outfit for each of you is enough. Excess makeup and hair tools — I brought lip balm, dry shampoo, and a mini brush. That was plenty. Books and magazines — between nurses coming in, feeding, and resting, I never had long stretches to read. Lots of snacks — a few favorites are nice, but you can always send your partner or use Target pickup or Amazon delivery once you’re discharged.

✨ Pro tip: Instead of overpacking, plan on making a quick order before you leave the hospital. We grabbed prescriptions, snacks, and a few comfort items on the way home, which worked out perfectly.

Grab the Free Printable Hospital Bag Checklist

I made a printable checklist of everything I actually packed (and used). No fluff, just the essentials. Grab it here → [Hospital Bag Checklist]. Print, check, and you’re ready.

Related Posts

Baby’s Hospital Bag Checklist

Birth Plan Template & What I Learned

Partner’s Hospital Bag Checklist

Looking back, I don’t regret packing light with my first two babies — it worked. But choosing to be intentional the third time around completely changed my experience. Instead of just surviving, I felt comfortable, supported, and even a little more like myself.

You don’t need to pack everything, but you also don’t have to settle for the bare minimum. The sweet spot is a handful of things that make a difference. That’s what this list is about. To make it easier, grab the free checklist here so you can focus on what matters most — welcoming your baby.