Ultimate Minimalist Hospital Bag For Mom, Dad & Baby

Packing a labor bag is tough because you don’t want to overpack but you also don’t want to forget anything important. 

I only packed a robe and slippers for myself. I didn’t even have time to pack anything for my baby.

Granted, he surprised us about a month early but I should have packed my bag by then. My bad. 

After rushing to the hospital wearing literally a swim cover (it was the first thing I found when reaching into my closet), I realized that you don’t need to pack your entire life in your hospital bag.

In fact, if you’re anything like me, you will just show up to the hospital completely unprepared with a crowning baby! 

However, you will save yourself a lot of stress by being as prepared as possible.

The best thing about not packing your hospital bag like you’re going backpacking in Europe for the summer?

The fact that you don’t have to unpack so much stuff and you get to you those precious moments bonding with your new baby!

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✅ IMPORTANT MUST-HAVE ITEM

If there is just ONE thing you take away from this post, it’s that you need this product in your hospital bag.

Click to Buy Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle   

What nobody tells you about is the dark, painful side of giving birth that has nothing to do with your baby.

Yes, I’m talking about the first postpartum pee.

Legend has it that it is so much worse than actually giving birth. The pain, the burning, the agony of it all. 

Literally the worst. 

Luckily, my nurse told me to a peri-bottle filled with warm water while peeing to alleviate some of the straight-up torture. 

Life. Changing. 

I continued to use this neat little trick for a long time. Pretty much until my lady parts were fully healed, but what I didn’t know at the time was that there was a magical device that took the whole postpartum peeing thing to a whole other level. 

This magnificent little bottle will come in very handy for that first postpartum pee. 

It will help so much with reducing the pain from stitches and the overall soreness from you know, pushing a baby out of your vagina. 

The Fridababy Peri Bottle holds more water than a regular squirt bottle and the curved bottle will hit you in all the right places (TMI, I know).

Seriously, this thing will be your new best friend.

Now let’s talk about all the must-have items you need to pack in your minimalist hospital bag! 

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR MOM

Extra Long Charger

Can you imagine your phone dying after giving birth? Tragic! You will take approximately a million photos of your baby immediately following his or her birth. Pack an extra-long charging cord to ensure your phone is always within reach.

Your baby will be #trending in no time. Also, these extra-long chargers come in very handy when your newborn is sleeping on you and you really need to charge your phone but you can’t move because you will wake up your baby, and then you’ll both be crying. 

Cozy Socks/Slippers

Hospital floors are cold and nasty. Pack some cute fuzzy socks for lounging or bring a pair of slippers from home that you are ready to part with. 

Robe

This robe is super cute, stylish and affordable. 

Nursing Bra

Nursing bras are life. I don’t even nurse anymore and still, wear mine. If you plan on breastfeeding, bring a stretchy, comfy nursing bra to the hospital with you. These nursing bras got like 7,000 amazing reviews so I’m just going to go buy a pack for myself. 

Flip Flops

Hospital shower floors are disgusting. Pack a pair of cheap flip-flops for the shower. You will not regret it. 

Nursing Tank

These nursing tanks are absolutely perfect for the hospital. I love that they aren’t super tight on your tummy either and the little design on the back is so cute! LOVE! 

Face Wipes

Giving birth is like running a marathon. Painful and sweaty. These Neutrogena face wipes are a cheap, classic, cult-favorite. You will not regret packing face wipes. They will feel heavenly after giving birth. 

Nipple Cream

I am legit OBSESSED with Earth Mama. All their products are the bomb. This Earth Mama nipple butter is EVERYTHING. This balm completely natural and safe for your baby to digest. It’s also perfect for chapped lips and diaper rashes. It’s seriously the best. 

Fridababy Peri Bottle

The Fridababy Peri Bottle is a necessity. As mentioned in the giant, highlighted text above. Just trust me on this one. 

Comfortable leggings

Need I say more? These $10 leggings with 6,000 positive reviews will change your life. Also, since they are only $10, you won’t feel bad if you bleed through them.

Comfortable underwear

 I gave birth two years ago and I still buy these because they are the MOST comfortable underwear you will ever own. They are also perfect for c-section moms. I promise they are the best. The hospital will give you mesh underwear that you wouldn’t dream of wearing until you’ve put them on. Honestly, they are the best invention ever and you will be grateful for them. However, you may want to bring your underwear, in case you don’t want to feel like a bag of mandarin oranges.

Breast Pads

Leaky breasts will happen, whether or not you choose to breastfeed. These Lanisoh breast pads will prevent your clothes from being constantly soaked once your milk comes in. They are very comfortable and you won’t have embarrassing milk stains in all of your pictures. Yay! 

Water Bottle

Most hospitals give you a tall cup with a straw but if you have a large bottle at home or just something you love and carry with you everywhere, throw it in your bag. Hospital air is dry, and you will need to stay hydrated.

Loose Blouse or Top

Bring a loose, comfortable top because wearing fitted tops might be uncomfortable (you will still have a bump) and difficult for nursing.

Comfy Shoes

Your feet might swell. After I gave birth,  I could only wear Uggs. Bring shoes your swollen feet will fit in when you’re leaving the hospital.

OPTIONAL:

Heavy Flow Pads / Depends

You will bleed for a good while after giving birth. My hospital did not provide too many pads so check with your hospital to make sure that you don’t need to pack extras. Bring the heavy duty kind or buy full-on depends. There is no shame in the postpartum game!

Tuck Pads/Dermoplast/Witch Hazel/Painkillers 

You will be sore in places you didn’t you could be sore. Tuck pads and witch hazel are supposed to be lifesavers. Throw it in your bag if you worried about the pain during recovery.

Heating Pad

 See above regarding pain.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

So many women that I know swear by this tea, including myself because it helps speed up labor while reducing labor pain. Raspberry Leaf Tea is known to make the uterus stronger, which can help make labor easier. Pack a few teabags in your bag and sip the tea before and during labor. It just might speed things along and reduce your pain. I drank this tea and had ridiculously fast labor. I am confident that this tea helped induce labor for me.  Here is my step-by-step guide on how to induce labor using Raspberry Leaf Tea.

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST ACCESSORIES 

Underarm Wipes: Like face wipes, these underarm wipes will come in very handy. These wipes are natural, infused with coconut oil and free of parabens and they will make you feel super refreshed before you take that first postpartum shower. These are also perfect for c-section moms that can’t shower.

Deodorant: Like the underarm wipes, also super handy. You will be leaking milk and other bodily fluids, so deodorant is probably a good idea. 

Dry Shampoo: You might not be in the mood for a full-on wash and dry but will obviously still want to look amazing in your pictures. Dry shampoo is the perfect solution for a quick touch-up. is Also essential for c-section moms and moms in general because after the baby is born, washing your hair will be strictly reserved for special occasions. 

Hairbrush: Your hair might get a bit matted from the sweating and stress so it might be best to throw one in your bag.

Toothpaste/Toothbrush: Travel-sized is perfect. 

Chapstick: Seriously, pack something to moisturize your lips. Hospital air is dry and giving birth will make your lips super dry. Pack all the chapstick. Alternatively, use the Earth Mama nipple butter we talked about because it’s probably better than all the chapstick combined. 

Hair ties: Because hair can be annoying when it’s in your face while you are trying to bring a human being into the world.

Your Towel: Your soft, plush towel is so much better than any hospital towel. Worth the extra space it will take up in your bag.

Face & Body Moisturizer: No need to bring the entire jar or bottle, just some travel or sample sizes will work.

Glasses: I was in no mood for contacts after giving birth. Glasses are so much easier if you are visually impaired like me.

Optional:

Makeup: This is a very personal choice because only you know what makes you feel pretty and confident. No need for the latest designer eyeshadow palette and contour kit, although I would be extremely impressed if I saw a mom doing her full face in the hospital right after giving birth. A bit of concealer, mascara, eyeliner and a touch of gloss can work wonders, especially after feeling like you’ve been run over by a train.

Blow Dryer and Hair Straightener: If you need to have your hair done to feel comfortable and fresh, then absolutely go for it. The hospital blow-dryers are entirely useless, so you might as well bring your own if you plan on doing a little something-something to your hair.

This little travel hair dryer packs a serious punch and you can’t go wrong with the price.

This mini portable flat iron under $20 can be used to straighten or curl your hair and will have you looking like one hot mama! 

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR BABY

Footed Sleepers with a Zipper: I just love these organic cotton sleepers with those cute prints!

Newborn Onesies: Onesies come in super handy depending on how hot or cold the hospital is. These organic onesies are super soft, free from harmful chemicals and SO CUTE!

Soft & Breathable Baby Blanket: Muslin blankets are life. You can’t go wrong with this set of perfectly soft, super adorable, Organic Bamboo Muslin Swaddle Blankets. 

Newborn Hat: Your baby will probably get a hat as soon as they are born but it will have blood and bodily fluids (I know, TMI) all over it. These perfectly soft newborn hats will keep your munchkin’s head nice and warm while looking super cute! 

Simple Swaddle: If you don’t have the swaddle skills of the maternity nurses (I certainly don’t), bring a simple swaddle with you. It will make your life so much easier, and you don’t have to worry about the swaddle covering your baby’s face. I wish I found these soft cocoon swaddles when Leo was born! I always found swaddling him impossible. These are just so cute and look so snug and cozy.

Going Home Outfit: It’s always fun to pack something special for baby! Stick with something simple and comfortable.

OPTIONAL:

Diapers and Wipes (Depending on Hospital):  If your hospital doesn’t provide the essentials, then bring a small pack of newborn diapers and a pack of sensitive wipes. I love Pampers Pure diapers. These are the only diapers that Leo hasn’t reacted to, and they are super absorbent. I highly recommend them to every new mom.

Baby Vaseline: Baby’s first poop (meconium) can be very sticky and sometimes difficult to wipe off. Baby Vaseline is mild and suitable for sensitive skin. It is safe to use for wiping and creates a bit of extra protection on your little’s bottom.

Here are some quick tips to help you get started on packing only the essentials in your hospital bag. 

PRO HOSPITAL BAG PACKING TIPS

✅  Print your hospital bag checklist and tape it to your bag so you can give it a glance before heading to the hospital.

✅ Leave your hospital bag by the door at 32 weeks in case your baby decides to come earlier than expected. 

✅ Pack a “maybe need” hospital bag with a few extra clothes and diapers in case you end up having a c-section or end up staying at the hospital longer than expected.

Keep this bag in your car. 

✅ Pack your important papers and ID and keep it in a folder in your hospital bag. 

Make photocopies of your ID, your health card, your insurance card, and birth plan and any other important documents and stick it in your hospital bag so that someone else can check you in if you’re dying from labor pains!

✅ Install the baby’s car seat and base when you hit the third trimester. Do not wait until after giving birth, as I did. 

✅ Keep your toiletries in a clear gallon-sized ziplock bag to prevent leakage and so you can find your toothpaste easily.

✅ Bring an empty bag for dirty items that need to be washed when you get home. 

✅ Separate your clothes, undergarments, and your baby’s essentials into separate smaller bags so you can just grab what you need instead of digging through your bag in the middle of the night.

These packing cubes are perfect for keeping all of your essentials neat and organized. 

This list covers the essentials so I will talk about the things that are the most necessary items to pack in your hospital bag so that you have all the base items covered and can add other items as you see fit. 

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR DAD

Camera and charger/battery: Dad will probably take a lot of photos. Have him pack the “real” camera if you have one and a charger or extra battery.

Change of clothes: Bringing a change of clothes is a good idea in case dad needs to spend the night.

Snacks: Watching your labor can be stressful for dad. Labor can also be very long, and you might want to steal a bite or two from his stash. A few snacks in his bag will keep the hunger pangs at bay while he stays by your side. Also, not everyone enjoys vending machine snacks. You’re better off packing what you know you will both love.

Water Bottle: Dad will probably start sweating just watching you in labor. A handy water bottle will be a lifesaver.

WHAT TO SKIP

Formula: Most hospitals provide you with formula if necessary. Call your hospital to find out if they will have samples on hand should you need formula.

Breast Pump: Most hospitals provide breast-pump rentals.

Nightgown/Fancy sleepwear: Skip the cutesy stuff unless it has easy access to your breasts. It is very awkward to lift a nightgown or t-shirt while trying to feed your baby. Same goes for button-up pajamas. You will not want to fiddle with tiny buttons when you have a screaming, hungry newborn. Easy to pull-down tanks or t-shirts are your best bet.

Too many clothes for baby: Your baby will mostly be sleeping or nursing. Outfit changes will likely not be a top priority. As cute as those tiny outfits are, save them for home. You will both be much more relaxed and comfortable for all the baby photoshoots when you’re out of the hospital.

I know this list is still quite comprehensive but you are bringing life into the world and you will need to prepare yourself!

Regardless of what you pack or how prepared you think you are, the moment you meet your baby for the first time will take your breath away! There is no better feeling. In the meantime, get yourself ready for that incredible moment by packing your hospital bag. Yay!

Happy packing!

P.S. I would love to know what items you would pack in your hospital bag. Is there something that you absolutely have to bring to the hospital with you? Is there anything you think that I missed on this list? Let me know in the comments below!