What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

So, what do you need to pack?

Today we are sharing our top suggestions and favourite brands to help inspire you as you begin putting yours together.

A Multi-Purpose Bag

Let’s start at the very beginning (a very good place to start), because you’ll actually need something to put everything in! We have lots of bags to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for a diaper bag, or something even bigger to get you to the hospital with all your must-haves, our wide selection of bags are sure to please and are large enough to fit everything for mom and baby, and versatile enough to that you’ll want to keep using it for years to come. Going on a babymoon? A nice big bag allows you to get some use out of it even before baby comes.

Breast Pump + Nursing Pillow

We know that there is nothing better than fresh baby snuggles, but you’d be surprised how quickly a little 7 or 8-pound babe can weigh down on your arm! Stay supported with a nursing pillow as you learn to take on the journey that is breastfeeding. A nursing pillow helps to keep baby up nice and high – and it saves your back especially while you are learning all about proper latch and positioning.

Now, why bring your breast pump with you? For many different reasons, you may be separated from your wee one for a period of time after birth. This is why we suggest bringing along your breast pump, so you can keep the milk supply pumping (pun intended) for a time until you are reunited with your little babe. Not just that, but having a pump on hand can help to establish your milk flow in those early days – even if baby is suckling just fine at the breast. We love the Medela Freestyle Handsfree Double Electric Breast Pump for its compact design and USB-chargeable battery, so you can take it anywhere but there are many other options to choose from.

Want to get educated on all things breastfeeding before baby comes? Check out our Podcast, 40 Weeks to Forever – in “Episode 2: Is Breastfeeding Supposed to Suck?”, where we dispel myths and share some tips and tricks for getting started.

THE BIG STUFF

Toiletry Bag of Postpartum Essentials

You never can predict how long you may need to stay in the hospital after birth, so we suggest being prepared with items for both labour and after delivery to keep you feeling fresh. Put it all together in a fabulous On The Go Pouch like the ones from Pehr Designs!

Think about all the regular items you would pack for overnight – plus some great products that are specifically designed for postpartum use. We love everything from Earth Mama and the frida mom line — all of their items were thoughtfully created with you in mind.

• Toiletries like deodorant (self-explanatory), hair brush, shampoo, body wash, lip balm, toothbrush, and toothpaste
• Peri bottle like this one we love from frida mom
• Soothing perineal spray
• Nipple cream  or lanolin cream  (trust us on this one!)
• Breast pads (our selection of disposable or washable nursing pads can be found here)
• Small bottle of olive oil (for perineal massage in labour/ baby’s bum after)
• Large overnight pads, large underwear
• Cleansing body wipes or gentle soap (because pushing out a whole human can make ya sweaty!)
• Advil and Tylenol, both in Extra Strength  

LITTLE NECESSITIES

frida mom Essentials

frida mom offers a few excellent postpartum care kit options that will cover your bases and offer excellent value for money:

 frida mom - Post Partum Recovery Kit  

• Disposable Postpartum Underwear (4 pairs) - Size Regular, Waist 28" - 42" 
• Instant Ice Maxi Pads (4 pads) 
• Perineal Cooling Pad Liners (24 witch hazel liners) 
• Perineal Healing Foam (net 5 fl. oz.) 
• Toilet-top storage caddy 
   
  

frida mom - Labour & Delivery Recovery Kit  

• Delivery and Nursing Gown (1 gown) - One Size, fits XS-XL  
• Labor and Delivery Socks (1 pair)  
• Upside Down Peri Bottle (1 peri bottle)  
• Disposable Postpartum Underwear (4 pairs) - Size Regular, Waist 28" - 42"  
• Instant Ice Maxi Pads (4 pads)  
• Perineal Cooling Pad Liners (24 witch hazel liners)  
• Perineal Healing Foam (net 5 fl. oz.)  
• Toilet-top storage caddy and carry case 

frida mom - C-Section Recovery Kit  

• 1 Upside Down Peri Bottle for bathroom trips 
• 4 Disposable C-Section Postpartum Underwear 
• 1 Postpartum Abdominal Support Binder 
• 10 Skip The Shower Wipes 
• 4 Silicone Scar Patches 
• Bathroom essentials 
• Bag Grip Socks 

For information about frida mom's product line, be sure to check out this full in-depth review.

Comfy Cozy Clothing

As a parent, you learn to be over-prepared – and the same goes for your hospital bag. We recommend making sure you have some comfortable extra items on hand, such as:

• Birthing attire (sports bra, skirt, bathing suit) 
• Postpartum underwear (like these disposables that we love from frida mom, or their C-Section specific undies) take it from us – this is so much easier and more convenient in the first week or so as you body is healing.
• Nursing bras because your melons are about to get even bigger than you thought possible
• Nursing tank or maternity shirt (be cute, comfortable and still feel covered in this Classic Nursing Cami from Bravado Designs)
• PJ’s that open in front for nursing, a comfy robe, and slippers
• Socks
• Flip Flops (you'll want these in the hospital shower)
• Stretchy loose pants – cesarean birth
• An outfit to go home in, you’ll want something comfortable and loose to wear after you’re released from the hospital (you’ll still have your belly, so plan to wear maternity clothes home)
• …And don’t forget a headband or a scrunchie for your first official “mom bun”

COMFORT IS KEY

Water Bottle + Snacks

It goes without saying, bringing a baby into the world is hard work, and you’ll want to stay hydrated during your hospital stay, plus reward yourself with your favourite snacks when the tough stuff is out of the way. Bring along a water bottle with a straw so you can stay hydrated throughout the process and a few electrolyte drinks like gatorade. Snacks like granola/protein bars and dried fruit are always handy.

Tech + Entertainment

Trust us, there will be LOTS of pictures, videos, and FaceTime calls happening, so you’ll want to make sure you pack you electronics and chargers to stay connected with the ones you love in order to share the wonderful news of baby’s arrival. We know you’ll want to just stare at baby all day – but nothing wrong with bringing your iPad for a little Netflix binge. Grab another convenient pouch for all of these cords, or dedicate a pocket in your bag to act as their home so that your partner can easily grab them for you when required.

You may also want to bring:

• Headphones  
• Portable speaker  
• Light reading  
  
  

For Baby

• While baby will be skin to skin most of time in hospital, we recommend bringing a couple of sleepers for baby to wear while there and for the journey home. We love this Pip + Phee Sleeper, plus you can purchase a matching Bow and Hat.
• Newborn hat and socks. Newborn babies get cold. Even during skin-to-skin contact they’ll be able to wear these pieces  
• Burp cloths 
• Small package of newborn diapers   
• Diaper balm  
• Swaddles – love soft muslin  
• If not breastfeeding: Bottles / Formula
•  Your Infant Car Seat – You won’t be allowed to leave the hospital without it! It’s a great idea to have your base installed in the car ahead of time to avoid the chaos of doing so with a newborn in hand.
  
  

For Your Partner

• Snacks and entertainment
• A couple of shower towels
• Extra clothes
• Zip up / button down for skin to skin
• Extra pillow / blanket  
• Portable sound machine (if you use one) 

Admin

• Your birth plan (if you have one). Review with partner and provider before your birth. Bringing extra copies will prevent you from panicking if someone new becomes involved in your birth.
• Your ID/OHIP card  
• Wallet / cash money
  
  

Don't Forget

• Eye mask and earplugs – it can be hard to get some much-deserved rest post-birth or in the downtimes of labour when you’re in a busy maternity ward.
• If you have a favourite pillow or blanket at home, don’t be afraid to bring it with you. You deserve to be as comfortable as you can be!
  
  

Final Thoughts

Most importantly, enjoy the experience!

Once it's over, your whole world is going to be completely changed. Your heart now lives outside your body. Good luck mamas and support systems. Snuggle Bugz is rooting for you.

For more to help you navigate through delivery and the 4th trimester, check out our Related Content below!