What You Actually Need In Your Hospital Bag

Like most things parenting-related, some people tend to go a bit overboard when it comes to prepping for the hospital. Yes, you need to think about your hospital bag and birth plan (I also filled out a hug plan), but it shouldn’t be complicated or overwhelming. Birth is a natural process and the things you take with you are all just there to add a level of comfort for you and baby. That being said, there were a few items in my hospital bag that were truly useful so I thought I’d share the list for those of you getting ready for the big day. In my opinion, here’s what you actually need in your hospital bag….

1. Diapers For Baby 

Some hospitals provide diapers, others don’t. But even those that do won’t give you enough! Little L went through seven in his first day. I’m glad I had a dozen or so Huggies Little Snugglers stuffed in my hospital bag because the last thing I wanted to do is chase the nurse down the maternity ward. I love Huggies because they are fragrance and lotion free and have a wetness indicator so we knew exactly when Little L needed to be changed (a nice feature for new parents)!

2. Diapers For You 

Lol OK not really diapers… Technically speaking they are called incontinence briefs, but these are so so so soooo helpful post-delivery. I used the Depend Silhouette Briefs for Women in an XL and am BEYOND happy I had them on hand. Most hospitals will give you ice packs to apply and the briefs will hold them in place while the superabsorbent material keeps you protected. Do NOT hesitate, put these in your bag. Oh and you can’t see that you’re wearing them so I took full advantage and sported mine for an entire month. Comfort is #1 priority as you heal.

3. Wipes For Baby 

Make sure you pack the type of wipes you like best otherwise you’ll be limited to what the hospital provides. I’m convinced that Huggies Natural Care Wipes are the best on the planet — they are ideal for newborn skin, made with a pure and gentle formula (99% water that is filtered three times) and hypoallergenic. Exactly what you need for that brand new baby bum…

4. The Momwasher

Speaking of healing, perineal care is super important from the moment baby comes out. Many moms in my circle swore by The Momwasher and I can now see why. It’s essentially a water bottle that works upside down! Genius. The hospitals will give you a regular bottle, but it can’t defy gravity so it’s pretty much useless lol. The Momwasher is perfectly designed and something I used for weeks post-delivery to keep the entire area clean.

5. Clothes For Baby 

Onesies, socks, hats, gloves etc. These are probably the first things most parents throw into a hospital bag. Everyone is excited to welcome a new baby so I get it! Remember that hospitals can be really cold and if you have your baby in the winter like I did, take a bunting/jacket so their journey home is a pleasant one. Oh, and make sure everything is newborn size (not 0-3 months) because most babies are teeny tiny when they come out.

6. Toiletries For You And Your Partner

The delivery process is unpredictable so make sure you pack all the toiletries you need to make you and your partner comfortable during your time at the hospital — however short or long it may be. Toothbrushes, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, body wash, cream (it gets really dry), floss, deodorant, chapstick (I didn’t use any, but my friends all did) etc.

7. Snacks

So important. You’ll feel hungry ALL the time so pack your favourite snacks: some healthy (like nuts, dried fruits, energy bars) and others just cuz they make you happy (for me it was chips and chocolate). Don’t forget food for your partner — they’ll be beside you the entire time so they’ll need fuel too.

8. Clothes For You

The hospital will give you a gown, but if you get cold like I do you’ll want to bring cozy socks (not your faves as they may get stained), a robe (to cover your behind as you walk the halls) and maternity clothes — yup, you’ll still be huge after delivery so don’t even think about packing your old clothes in the bag. Bring loose-fitting items so you can be comfy.

9. Slippers/Flip-Flops

You’ll need shoes that you can easily slide into. There’s no way you want to bend over to tie shoelaces or put on complicated footwear post-delivery. I took a pair of slippers I got from a hotel — they finally came in handy! It’s nice to take something disposable since hospitals are a playground for germs and you don’t want to bring them home with you.

10. Laptop

You may be in the hospital for longer than you think so take your laptop with you for entertainment. Squeeze in the last few hours of undisturbed streaming as you “wait to hatch.” Oh, and pack your headphones because you may be in a semi-private room and you definitely don’t want to disturb another mama (earbuds may also save you if your neighbour is loud/snores).

I took a dozen or so other items and didn’t even bring them out of my bag. Speaking of bag, I suggest using a carry-on roller bag — much, much easier to lug around since it has wheels. I hope you found my list helpful as you prepare for your big day. Wishing you all a normal, healthy child birth!

This post was sponsored by Huggies® Canada as part of my partnership with them as a #NoBabyUnhugged Mom. As always, all reviews and opinions are my own. If you’re a mom or dad-to-be, I highly encourage you and your partner to visit nobabyunhugged.ca to download the Hug Plan for free to ensure your baby receives hugs as soon as he/she is born!