What to Pack for the Hospital: A Labor & Delivery Nurse's Take

As a labor and delivery nurse, I've seen the full spectrum of hospital bag packing. From parents who roll in with three suitcases and a stroller to those who arrive with just their car keys and a hopeful attitude. I've watched dads make multiple trips to the car, arms loaded with pillows, blankets and enough snacks to survive a weekend camping trip. And you know what? If those things bring you comfort... bring them! Birth is a big moment and whatever helps you feel more at ease is absolutely welcome.

As a mom of two myself, I'll admit it, I've overpacked even when I knew better. The truth is, most hospitals will provide you with all the basics: toiletries, mesh underwear (yes, the famous ones!), baby diapers and more. So don't stress if you forget something, chances are we 've got you covered!

At the very minimum, here is what you really need:

• Toiletries for both mom and support person

• A going home outfit for you, baby and support person

• An installed car seat (don't forget to familiarize yourself with your carseat prior to baby's arrival, nothing is more stressful than trying to figure out what to do with all the straps when you are tired and have a crying newborn)

Of course, there are a few nice to have items that can make your stay more comfortable and will also be useful once you're home and settling into life with your little one! Without further ado... here are my top 10 nice to have hospital bag items!

1. Baby Nail Scissors, sounds silly but this is the one thing I ALWAYS tell my friends to bring to the hospital. Newborns come out with the longest and sharpest nails! I have parents ask me for nail clippers all the time, we sometimes have nail files but its very difficult to file a newborns nails as they are paper thin and they don't like it! I bought the Frida Baby Nail Scissors with my firstborn in 2020 and we still use them almost weekly for both my kids. Find it here!

   
   

2. Egg Light, these little lights are a lifesaver! They're the perfect amount of light for those middle of the night moments in the hospital, bright enough to see what you're doing, but soft enough that they don't wake everyone up. They're amazing at home too, ideal for nighttime feedings and diaper changes. We even take it camping, and my 5-year-old uses it as a nightlight in her bedroom. The battery life is great too, we've never had any issues. Highly recommend! Find it here!

   
   

   

   
   

3. Travel Sound Machine, we still use ours and my kids are 3 and 5 years old! Perfect in the hospital to drown out the sounds from the nurses station or the room next door and plenty of uses at home. When my kids were little we used it in the car seat and stroller. We still bring it camping and on road trips for naps in the car. We often try and imitate home when traveling and this little sound machine helps us do that! Find it here!

   

   
   

4. Long Charging Cables! A standard phone charging cable is 3 feet, typically any outlet close to the hospital bed where it can be plugged in and you can comfortably use it will need at least 6 feet. You will find yourself up in the middle of the night in the hospital texting family and friends, wishing your cable would reach! I still use my long charging cables, especially sitting in the back seat with little kids and still being able to charge my phone. Find it here!

   
   

   

   
   

5. A Personal Fan was one of my must-haves during labor and postpartum. It was a lifesaver for those intense hot flashes, especially when everything felt overwhelming. It kept me cool in the hospital and during those early postpartum days. The best part? It’s still super useful, I clip it to the stroller for walks, bring it camping, and even keep it in the car for quick cool-downs. Definitely a small item that makes a big difference! Find it here!

   
   

   

   
   

6. Water Bottle - if you're like me and always looking for a reason to get a new water bottle, I think having a baby is as good an excuse as any! It's nice to have your own water bottle in the hospital and this one is perfect for new moms. The spill proof lid and easy carry handle make it a game changer, especially when your hands are full (which, let’s be honest, is always). Find it here!

   
   

   

   
   

7. This Lounge Set is perfect to wear after delivery, both in the hospital and at home. It's incredibly comfortable, and the button up front makes it ideal for skin to skin and easy breastfeeding. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, with options for shorts or pants to suit your style and the season. I've had a pair for three years, they are super durable and still feel like new! Find it here!

   
   

   

   
   

8. Packing Cubes are a game changer when organizing your hospital bag. They keep baby items, mom essentials and clothing neatly separated, so everything is easy to find when you need it most! After delivery, they transition perfectly into everyday life. Stash one in your diaper bag for outfit changes, keep one in the car with emergency supplies, or use them to stay organized while traveling. Bonus? They are not just functional... they are cute too, so staying organized feels a little more fun! Find it here!

   

   
   

9. Swaddles - Don't forget to pack a few swaddles in your hospital bag! Let's face it, wrapping your baby in those stiff hospital blankets is no easy feat (even if us nurses makes it look effortless). When your newborn is crying in the middle of the night, these swaddles are a life saver. Easy to use, incredibly soft and made from 100% cotton. They come in adorable colors, are priced just right and with over 10,000 five-star reviews, it's clear why so many parents swear by them! Find it here!

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

10. Baby Memory Book - bring your baby book to the hospital is a great way to capture those first precious moments, most hospitals will stamp your baby's footprints right in the book, and it's the perfect place to jot down your birth story while it's still fresh. You can even write about how you're feeling during labor, creating a meaningful keepsake for years to come. I personally love this baby book, after finding my first one way to way too detailed and hard to keep up with, I bought this for my second and loved it so much, I ended up replacing the original with it too. Simple, sweet and easy to actually finish! Find it here!