What I Actually Used in My Hospital Bag

You really don’t need to pack a ton of things when it’s delivery time. The true variables will be the things you want, your own personal creature comforts. Most hospitals provide every last necessity down to pairs of socks, but everyone is different. So with that in mind, below is what I packed, what I used and what simply took up space in my hospital bag.

My Petunia Picklebottom Hospital Bag

No, this post isn’t sponsored, but I really loved my bag so I’m going to sing some praises!

This is their Live-for-the-Weekender Bag and Travel System. I got both the bag and the insert and love both pieces! The insert allows you to organize things into compartments for an easier time locating and keeping items organized. A picture of the open bag is just a quick scroll down.

Full disclosure, I’m now a Petunia Picklebottom affiliate and links to their products do earn a small commission if you decide you love them as much as I do!

What I Packed in My Hospital Bag

Let’s start by going over what I packed in my bag. This photo isn’t the best because it was taken from my Instagram story, but it gets the point across. It also gives you a look into how the Inter-Mix Travel System organizer insert works! Spoiler: it works like a gem.

Items Packed for Baby

Two newborn outfits
Extra baby bow
Two swaddles (for the newborn announcement photo I wanted)
Pacifier
Wood stat coin and sharpie
Baby book, to have nurses get their foot prints upon arrival

Items Packed for Mom

Toiletries
Shower shoes
Non-slip socks
Nipple cream
Matching mommy robe
Swimsuit (for hydrotherapy)
Going home outfit

What I Used in My Hospital Bag

Even though I kept my hospital bag pretty minimalist, I still didn’t even use everything I brought. Here’s what actually got used and how, as applicable.

Items Used for Baby

Essentially all of the items I packed for baby were used in one way or another. I was so happy about everything I packed for her and didn’t feel like I forgot anything.

One newborn outfit (but glad I packed two in case of an accident)
Two swaddles, one for under her and one to wrap her
Extra baby bow
Pacifier (only used for photos)
Wood stat coin and sharpie

The only item I brought for baby that did not get used was her baby book. Several moms had recommended bringing it though, because their nurses put their foot prints in their books directly. However, our hospital does them on stickers and just made several copies so we ended up adding them in later.

Doesn’t hurt to ask your doctor ahead of time in case they know, or just bring your baby book incase! It’s a lot easier to have the nurses make a quick second set while they’re doing it for official records. Plus they’re pros at getting a squirming newborn’s prints!

Items Used for Mom

Toiletries
Shower shoes
Non-slip socks
Matching mommy robe
Swimsuit (for hydrotherapy)
Going home outfit, pick a comfy one, I was SO glad to get into mine!

Virtually every last toiletry I packed got used. Everything I packed in that bag was a basic essential i.e. toothbrush, shower gel, etc. I didn’t bring any shampoo or conditioner because I know myself, and I know I’d have no interest in dealing with wet hair. I saved the hair wash for the first night home and was glad I did!

If it’s been a while, now is the perfect time to ensure your travel toiletries are up to date. You’ll be glad you did in the hospital, and next time you go to travel you don’t have to do it again!

What I Didn’t Use or Need in My Hospital Bag

As mentioned, while a light packer, I still ended up with items I didn’t use at all. Here’s what never left the bag:

Matching mommy robe, I stayed in my hospital gown the whole time
Nipple cream, my milk did not come in during my stay
Swimsuit, my contractions went from nothing to bad all at once, no time for a costume change or hydrotherapy!
Baby book, as mentioned our hospital does the prints on stickers instead
Pacifier, only used for photos, so could have done without it

Birth Announcement Photo Inspo — Read about baby girl’s arrival here.

Things I’ve Been Told to Bring But Left at Home

Below are things I saw on lists or was recommended to bring. However, after thinking through what I imagined my process to be, I opted to leave these home and have zero regrets.

Baby Nail Trimmer
- Someone told me the nurses could help us figure out how to use this, but honestly, that’s not their job. I figured ours out on my own and had all her nails done in five minutes the first time at home!
Nursing Pillow/Boppy
- You can use a spare hospital pillow, save yourself the extra luggage.
Shower Shoes
- At first, I packed sandals but as my bag was filling up they got the axe. In my opinion, a hospital shower should be sanitary anyway. Save the room for something else! I showered without shoes and lived to tell the tale.
Stroller Fan
- Initially I had one packed. I wasn’t sure if I’d regret leaving it, but they keep the rooms nice and cool. Totally not necessary!
Breast Pump
- I’m sure it would’ve been nice to get an in-house tutorial, but I wasn’t into the idea of packing this whole system. A lot of insurance plans cover in-home pump consultations too, so look into that and maybe plan ahead to have someone come to your house afterwards to show you how to use your system if you plan to pump.

While everyone’s hospital bag will look different, I hope my hospital bag lists have helped you better understand what a labor and delivery stay may entail. When it boils down to it, make the best choices for you. If you’re not terribly far from home, you can always send your other half or a family member back for anything you forget!

Other Maternity and Pregnancy

This post contains referral/affiliate links. A small commission may be earned if products are purchased through my links. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

This post contains referral/affiliate links. A small commission may be earned if products are purchased through my links. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.