15 Comforting Essentials To Pack In Your Hospital Bag, According To New Moms (2024)

Preparing to give birth is equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. There’s so much that’s out of your hands: When exactly do contractions start? Or how many hours of pushing—two or 10!—before the baby is out? With so much uncertainty, it’s nice to have control over the little things, like what you pack in your hospital go bag. These familiar items make you feel safe and can play a key role in helping during labor and postpartum.

Whether you’re having a vagin*l or C-section delivery, you’re going to be spending at least one or two nights in the hospital or birthing center, and you can make it more pleasant by surrounding yourself with some favorites that make you feel good. While the days after delivery are a dizzying, sleepless blur, these small comforts make a huge difference.

Experts recommend packing your hospital bag at around 35 weeks, in case your little one decides to make an early appearance. In addition to the practical stuff (baby’s going home outfit, ID, wallet, toothbrush, copies of your birth plan, phone and charger), bring the items that will uplift you physically and mentally as you’re recovering. To help inspire your packing, we asked some new moms for the must-haves that they included in their hospital bag. Read ahead for the goods that pampered them and kept them sane and strong during labor, postpartum and beyond.

Comfortable Clothing and Accessories

A Perfectly Curated Hospital Kit

Too busy to pack? Hatch will take care of it for you: This well curated set includes all the cozy basics that are worthy of a spot in your hospital bag. “The lightweight dress [makes] it much easier to care for myself down there, which [happens] pretty often the day after,” says Melissa Duren Conner, Partner at Jennifer Bett Communications, and soon-to-be mom of three. “The robe just made me feel so cozy and more ‘put together.’ And while I prefer the hospital socks for delivery, the day after you want to feel yourself again and the ones in the Hatch box are Italian-made and the comfiest ever.”

A Multitasking Bandana

For those who can’t stomach the sight of needles, take the tip that Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director of Verywell Family, got from her doctor. “I was worried about having an IV in my arm for so long,” says Levinson, who received an epidural. “So my OB-GYN suggested wrapping a bandana or scarf around the IV so I didn’t have to look at it. This actually helped me.” Later, you can roll the bandana into a headband to hold back sweaty, post-labor hair, suggests Levinson, who is expecting baby number two.

The Coziest Robe You’ll Never Want To Take Off

Levinson gave birth in New York in December when temperatures were frigid, and Naked Cashmere’s oversized cashmere cardigan robe became the MVP of her hospital wardrobe. “I slept in it and wore it to some of the Baby 101 classes my hospital offered,” she says. For those giving birth in warmer seasons or climates, nothing beats a light silk robe like Helena Quinn’s gorgeous floral options.

Indoor Slippers That Can Relieve Swollen Feet

Be warned: The shoes you wear to the hospital may not fit when you leave, so have something versatile on hand. “My feet became more swollen from the IV meds than pregnancy,” says Levinson. “I was happy to have a comfy pair of shearling slides on hand that can also be worn outside thanks to a sturdy sole.”

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An Airy Romper You’ll Live In

Whether in the hospital or taking care of a newborn at home, new moms need easy-breezy outfits. PR Director at Citizens of Humanity Jessica Camacho lived in Lunya’s Cool romper during her pregnancy with her son last year, at the hospital, and through postpartum. “The super high-quality and breathable fabric will last, making it worth the splurge,” she says.

A Stylish Underwear Set That’s Also Comfy

Tight bras are terrible, but especially so postpartum. “ARQ’s matching bra and underwear set make for the perfect foundational pieces for any new mama wanting comfort as her body transitions,” says Camacho. “It also made me feel like I was coordinated at a time when everything else in life felt a bit out of order.”

Rubber Slippers To Make Walks and Showers More Pleasant

Even the cleanest hospitals are, well, hospitals, so you wouldn’t want to cruise around with bare feet. For those much needed walks and trips to the bathroom, rubber slippers are great. “I swear by Havaianas and wear mine around the house daily,” says Allison Bouis, Brand Partnerships and Event Manager at Shopbop, who is expecting her first. “I find that they are more anti-slip than grip socks and alleviate any of my lower back pain, and I can shower with them while in the hospital.”

Cozy Sleepwear and Bedding

Plush Pillows For An At-Home Feel

Take the time to upgrade your hospital bed, since you’ll be spending a majority of your day in it. “I always bring my own pillow. Nothing is more comforting when you are going through labor than smelling your own home and knowing you are connected to your safe place,” says Duren Conner. “I highly recommend it for first time moms who have no idea what to expect when they get into the labor and delivery room.”

Chic PJs That Play Double Duty

Functional (and chic!) clothes are key to feeling good during the whole process. “My all-time favorite sleep shirt is perfect for pre and postpartum,” says Bouis. “It’s unbelievably soft and I love that it has buttons for nursing.

Soft Towels For A Luxe Feel

“The first shower after delivering a baby is next level, but it can quickly suck when you reach for that scratchy, hard hospital towel,” says Duren Conner. Her advice: make it a more spa-like experience by packing your own towels. “Parachute is my linen brand of choice. Their Classic Turkish Cotton towels are plush and quick drying.”

A Sleep Mask That Fights Wrinkles

Rest is so important for new moms, even if that means trying to sleep in a bustling, bright hospital. “Don’t expect your room to come with blackout curtains,” says Levinson. When she gives birth again in December, Levinson is planning on bringing the Dr. Harris silk sleep mask. “It features strategically placed silicon dots that help the muscles on your face relax,” she explains. “Not only does it feel soothing, but it also prevents wrinkles—obviously this is not a concern during birth, but it’s not a bad perk!”

Beauty and Self Care Favorites

A Hydrating Face Mist For A Fragrant Pick-Me-Up

Just like you would for any trip, try to pack your regular skincare routine. “Sticking to your routine contributes to your mental health while going through one of the wildest experiences of your life,” says Duren Conner, who especially loves spritzing on a face mist throughout labor. “It’s really nice since you likely aren’t getting out of the bed often,” she says. “This True Botanicals Nutrient Mist is perfect for when I need a quick jolt of freshness.”

A Go-To Beauty Fix

Quick beauty fixes like dry shampoo are a lifesaver. “It’s likely the most effort I’ll put into my appearance for the foreseeable future,” says Bouis about spraying her locks with Living Proof Perfect Hair Day. “This one smells so good I consider it perfume as well.”

Gorgeously Scented Haircare To Wow The Senses

Nothing quite beats that first shower after delivery. To make it even more soothing, Camacho brought her favorite Nature.Lab Tokyo’s Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner to the hospital. “I love the light and refreshing Yuzu scent,” she says.

A Stylish Reusable Water Bottle

There’s so much single-use waste in hospitals, help cut it down by bringing your own bottle. “I go everywhere with my reusable water bottle and like that I can avoid wasting any plastic cups or bottles during my hospital stay.” says Bouis.