I’ve packed a hospital bag three times, and each time I packed less and less because despite what the internet at large says, I found that you don’t need much! I learned from my first stay that rummaging through bags and trying to keep track of everything is the opposite of what I want to do after just delivering a baby. I do my best to keep things simple and I brought that same energy to packing my final labor and delivery hospital bag.

Quick caveat here: this list is based on my experience of delivering vaginally in a hospital, which means I can’t speak to what might be necessary for a un/scheduled C-section or birth center delivery. I’ve also chosen to breastfeed my kids, so your list might include other feeding essentials if your baby will be bottle-fed!

FOR ME

(I haven’t included any postpartum essentials because the hospital should send you home with what you need to get you started.)

Robe — I love my Parachute Home robe and plan to bring it with me for the day or two we’ll be in the hospital after delivery. It’s not a need at all, but it’s a nice comfort I enjoy having.

Warm socks — Again, not a need, since the hospital will likely have socks for you if you want them, but I just like the comfort of wearing my favorite socks.

Lounge dress — Another comfort item! I used this dress after delivering Luna. It’s so wonderfully soft and comfortable plus easy to nurse in, which is what our bodies deserve after bringing a whole human into this world!

Nursing bra — I’m a big fan of the crisscross-style bras for those early days (and nights). There are no snaps to worry about, which I can find kind of fussy, especially as I get the hang of nursing my baby.

Going home outfit — I highly recommend bringing something loose. I’ll never forget packing compression leggings as my going home outfit with my oldest…and being stunned that they didn’t fit over my postpartum belly. A flowy dress or loose jumpsuit would be my pick because they won’t put pressure on your belly, which is more comfortable regardless of how you give birth. Personally, I’ll wear my trusty brown linen overalls and a tank top when we bring Zoey home.

TECH

Chargers — To keep the tech on.

Camera — I’ll be bringing my point-and-shoot camera as well as an instant camera (with film).

TOILETRIES

Spray bottle — To refresh my curls during our stay.

Moisturizer — So I feel like I’m still taking care of myself.

Hair Clips — Gotta keep that hair out of my face and off my neck sometimes!

Deodorant — Obviously.

Lip Balm — They constantly offer you fluids in the hospital so this is because I make it a habit to always carry lip balm.

Boy Brow + Concealer + Mascara — The three basic makeup items I need to feel like myself. I’ll save the mascara for the day we leave.

Contacts/Solution/Glasses — So I can see my beautiful baby.

Toothbrush + Toothpaste — Obvi.

SNACKS

For some reason, I decided to make it a point to pack a well-rounded assortment of snacks for this labor and delivery. The hospital will provide you with food during your stay, but not your partner. I expect to be there for about three days so I’ve packed some comfort snacks that will also keep me and my husband relatively satiated.

Kodiak S’mores Protein Bars — I stumbled upon these at the grocery store and became obsessed! I love that they have a good serving of protein while being a sweet treat.

Nutella To Go Pretzles — I’m a sucker for salty/sweet snacks so I’m so excited to enjoy these.

Ritz crackers — One of my favorite crackers and snacks since childhood.

Peanut butter to go — I’m opting for convenience with these single-serving cups that I can pair with crackers or apples.

Dried mango — To give a non-chocolate sweet option that will also aid in that first trip to the loo (TMI? IDK we’re talking about birth here).

Apples — For something fresh and crunchy.

Mandarin Oranges — I love oranges and these are so easy to travel with.

Cashews — A salty, crunchy option that packs some protein.

FOR BABY

The hospital will more than likely provide diapers, wipes, swaddles, hats, nasal aspirators, and probably even a bodysuit or two while you’re there. While I can be a bit picky about which diapers my kids use (and even packed my own diapers for my firstborn) I always ended up using the diapers at the hospital.

Car seat — I’m going to take this opportunity to encourage you to get a travel system when you buy your stroller. Yes, you can buy adapters to save some money (that’s what I did for our Maxi Cosi car seat and Uppababy Cruz), but simply buying a car seat and stroller that are designed to go together will make your daily life infinitely easier. This third time around, we’re using the Uppbaby Mesa infant car seat since it seamlessly clicks into the Vista and it’s already a much smoother setup.

Going home outfit — I get really sentimental about the GHO. Picking one out is one of my favorite parts of getting ready for baby! I went with a sleep gown and bonnet set from Lou Lou & Co. They’re so soft and come in lots of gorgeous prints and colors.

Alternate outfit in case of a blowout — Baby blowouts happen at the least opportune moments, so I always pack a backup outfit just in case.

Zipper Sleep and Plays — We’ll likely be at the hospital for two to three days, so I’ve packed some simple wrap bodysuits and pant sets as well as some sleep gowns for baby girl.

Hair Accessories — Knotted hats! Bows! Bonnets! The options for cuteness are endless and I’m ready for it.

Receiving blanket — I’m unsure if we’ll be swaddling Zoey but I am packing a blanket for her for the ride home.