When to Pack Your Hospital Bag: Get prepared with The Pregnancy Nurse

When should you pack that hospital bag? Certainly you don’t want it packed at 20 weeks, but when is too early or when is too late? Plus, some tips on what to put IN the bag, let’s get going! No bags required for this article. 😉

Don’t forget I also have a home organization course — so you know I love to pack me a good bag. 🙂

Oh, and grab my hospital packing list while you’re here, no need to take notes:

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

I would recommend to pack a small toiletry bag & your necessities at around 33 weeks (sort of a grab in emergency bag) and then I’d pack your full bag closer to 36 weeks.

BUT it is more complicated than that, let’s chat about WHEN, WHAT and WHY a hospital bag is important for your labor and delivery stay!

Do NOT miss the necessities towards the bottom. You’ll totally regret not bringing those (which I have seen a lot).

When Did I Pack My Hospital Bag?

I didn’t. I thought it was bad ju-ju. I’d heard my mom say over and over again how OVERDUE she was with me (although, frankly the story gets fishy now that I’m The Pregnancy Nurse, but I digress). So, I figured I’d be overdue with mine as well. Which I was, with all 3 kids.

I sort of thought if I packed the bag it would put off labor. Which is dumb, but true.

So, I never really packed. I did have some toiletries put together, and we’ll talk more about why that is important a bit below.

Why 36 Weeks for a Hospital Bag?

That just happens to be the time that some people go into labor. You have to remember that they came up with 40 weeks pregnancy as average time for pregnancy to last. So, if you have the basics read about a month before that, you should be covered.

I do think it’s smart to have a small bag of NEEDED items that you can grab (or your partner can) if something emergent happens but if you pack the whole thing too early you may end up with a lot of stuff that doesn’t work for you.

Personally, I have a toiletry bag I take on vacation that already has my necessities in it, so it’s ready to go anyway. If you have something like that you’re likely prepped. If you add the bottom 3 at the bottom you’re likely good to go for your stay (and the hospital can provide the rest).

Why do you need to pack a hospital bag?

It’s a good question. It really depends on what type of person you are, and if you think your partner can adequately bring the things you need to the hospital.

MOST OFTEN you’re going to be in labor for a while at your house before you go to the hospital (or you are going to have a scheduled induction, which would also give you plenty of time to gather things the night/morning of).

I honestly think that packing your bag is a GREAT activity to do while you’re in labor. Squatting to get things, and just general purposeful movement is a great way to spend early labor (read: a great distraction from the pain). It helps baby find their best way out.

However, every now and then a woman gets sent to the hospital for some testing (thinking she’ll just go home afterwards — which isn’t unusual at all either). But, the testing doesn’t go according to plan, and she ends up staying. Often, calling their partner at work and asking them to bring the hospital bag and come to the hospital.

BTW, if you’re wondering about the types of testing that could cause that, I go into all of it in my Free Beginning Prenatal Class << Join it right there.

So, I’m sure you can envision that — partner at home trying to figure out what the heck to put in the hospital bag, plus anxious with all the quick changes!

You may end up with a mish-mash of lingerie and his toiletries that might not match your needs.

Some partners just have no idea what you might want or need…. and then you end up with that.

Which, honestly, we can always work with at the hospital.

Pro Tip: The hospital actually has everything you’ll NEED for your hospital stay. This includes major toiletries, gowns to wear, underwear, pads, diapers. They should have all of it.

The problem comes-in when you try to use said hospital toiletries…. they’re, well… they’re sub-par. 🙂

Why are Toiletries So Important in the Hospital Bag?

WHY does this lady keep talking about toiletries?

Because the hospital-provided toiletries are just bad.

Like, real bad.

They’re always trying to save money, and often they have a lot of requirements from the state and what they can and can’t provide (think un-scented and gross smelling). Honestly, I don’t know why they’re so bad — I’d just say that when I did hand my patients the toiletries I apologized for their quality, a lot.

And often shared where a local CVS (or even dollar store) was close by in case dad wants to go grab a few things.

The other thing is that you might have toiletries that are super important to YOU. I need glasses and contact supplies if I’m going to be anywhere for longer than 14 hours. 🙂 Since I have curly locks if I’m going to wash my hair I NEED decent conditioner, and I love a specific lip balm when my lips are chapped.

Some women need mascara or lip gloss to feel like themselves. I bet, as you’re reading this, you’ve thought of a few things that are just important for you — and I’d grab some extras of those and put them in a little makeup bag.

Some women want LOTS of makeup and hair products. Sometimes they’re having “first peek” photos at the hospital. Although, I find this is rare. Some ladies take a lot of makeup and hair stuff but end up only putting on the basics, as standing at the mirror can be tiring after a baby.

BTW with all this talk of hospital bags you’d think it’s the most important thing for your delivery, but I don’t think that at all. Taking a quality prenatal class like The Online Prenatal class for Couples will serve you much better than any hospital bag. Plus, I talk even more on this subject in there.

What Should You Put In Your Hospital Bag?

Heads up! 👀 There may be affiliate links in here – I might earn a smidge with your click. No cost to you, just good vibes! Check my boring stuff for deets.

I don’t want to get too deep into the weeds on this one. But, I actually recommend 4 different bags. Yes, I’m extra — but hear me out.

{I have posts on all 4 bags on my sister site which I will be linking to here}

Labor Hospital Bag

This is the smallest of the bags. It would include essential toiletries (like my contacts/glasses situation), and my top 3 things — which we’ll talk about more below (DO NOT MISS THOSE — keep reading).

You’ll want to be honest with yourself about what you’ll want to wear during labor. Most people, honestly, wear the hospital gown. We often end up changing it frequently due to fluids, and it’s sure nice to toss it in the hospital laundry. Other options are tank tops, own “hospital gowns”, or even naked. Honestly, we don’t care. Amazon has some cheap’ish hospital gowns that you wouldn’t feel horrible about throwing away.

Some women know they will only be comfortable with a bra on. In these cases I would recommend wearing a bra without a wire (they can be problematic in emergency situations), and bonus points if it’s a nursing bra so you can easily get baby on the breast after delivery.

BTW, if you just realized you’re going to need to feed baby after birth, be sure to check out my friend Katie’s breastfeeding classes. They’re great!

It may also include some amusement items as labor can sometimes be a hurry up and wait type situation (this COULD be combined with dad’s bag, which I’ll talk more about, if you’re comfortable with that).

This bag normally isn’t very big.

Mom’s After-Baby Bag

This bag has more of the specifics that you’ll need after baby. During labor we really provide almost everything you need, but after labor often you want you own clothes, or robes, or slippers. There are just less unknowns after baby, and you’re looking for a little bit more of the comforts of home.

I recommend couples leave this in the car until baby is delivered (and you’re in your postpartum bed). Then, you can bring it in when you’re you room after baby. This tends to be more of the carry-on suitcase variety.

Pro Tip: Some hospitals keep your in the same room for delivery and after baby is born. Most hospitals move you to a postpartum floor and a new room after baby is born. I’d recommend taking a tour, or getting any information from your hospital on what to expect. If you’re going to be in the same room the whole time, an after-baby bag may just be combined with the labor bag.

Dad’s bag

This also pretty important (or, partner bag — but I find dad’s need the most help visualizing what on earth they’d need for their partner’s hospital stay). Often, they stay at the hospital with you the majority of the time that you are there.

If dad plans to leave after baby is born (also not unusual with other kids he needs to take care of), it will be smaller, but still important.

Things for this bag:

• Smell-free snacks like trail mix, granola bars etc. mom might not be in the mood to eat, but she likely won’t want you opening a giant box of KFC in front of her. Small snacks keep your blood sugar up, without getting any ire from your birthing partner. 🙂
• Layers! The hospital staff will regulate the room’s temperature according to mom’s needs. That means you could be hot one minute, and cold the next. So, layers will keep you comfortable. Don’t ever hesitate to ask for a blanket from the staff either, they’re happy to provide that. We want partners comfy too!
• Are you big on showers? Some guys take showers morning and night, and most often you’re welcome to shower at the hospital (just tell the staff so nothing awkward happens). If so, you’ll want some supplies for that. However, there’s nothing wrong with popping home for a quick shower and to check on things there as well (unless home is far, far away). I actually recommend that. Often gives you some time to stretch your legs, breathe and take it all in on your own.
• Amusements. While labor is a lot of work, it can also be a lot of waiting. A few things for you to enjoy (bonus points if your partner can enjoy them with you, like playing cards) are smart. Just plan on being attentive to mom’s needs and only using them if you’re bored out of your mind.

And finally I recommend a…

Baby Bag

I actually recommend this is just your diaper bag. You’ll likely need to haul quite a lot of things in this bag all the time. Necessities in this bag:

• Baby take-home outfit (and probably another spare outfit in case)
• Diapers & Wipes
• A blanket to tuck around them (after they are buckled into the car seat)
• Things to support feeding (bottles, or breast pads etc.)

Often, couples will stop by a pharmacy or dad will pop into a store on the way home, so you may need this bag to sustain you for a few hours with baby.

And you’ll find that those supplies are more than you thought they would be. 🙂

The hospital should have everything you need to take care of your baby while at the hospital. SOme parents like using their own clothes or swaddles, but most just use the hospital supplies (which we’re fine with).

Of course, you also need the car seat. I actually recommend at least putting the base in the car once you’re headed towards to your due date. You don’t want your partner having to figure it all out on your own (and don’t think the nurses know how to install your car seat, that is NOT our area). I’d look for a car seat technician and make an appointment to know what to watch for with your specific car seat and car.

Cesarean Bag

If you’re planning on a cesarean section, there are a few things that can be really handy to bring to the hospital. Also, your stay will likely be longer (so you want a few more comforts of home.

The #1 things I recommend for cesarean moms is an abdominal binder (some hospitals also provide these, but it depends — you can always call and ask)– but also, check out that article to see what else I recommend.

The MOST Important Things for Your Labor Bag:

Ok, you’ve already heard my obsession with my contacts/glasses, but that’s just me. But I do have 3 things that almost EVERY pregnant person asks for at some point during labor.

Pro Tip: Make sure your partner knows where these items are within the bag. Nothing worse than them pawing through your whole bag (disorganizing it) for these simple items. I recommend having them in a small pocket in the bag or in a small (easily found) bag on top.

Hospital Bag Necessity #1: A phone charger &/or external battery.

I actually recommend to have both of them. Sometimes plugs in the hospital are in high demand, so a nice external battery can be helpful. Just make sure you bring something to charge that with as well.

No, the hospital does not have chargers for your phone. Don’t plan on it. Every now and then a nurse will dig out their own charger, but don’t plan on it.

And remember any necessary cables as well. 🙂 It’s complicated, right? I love this external battery.

Hospital Bag Necessity #2: Hair Ties

Labor is WORK (surprise) and you often want that hair OUT OF YOUR FACE.

So be it a tie for a braid, or clips to keep it out of your face, or a wide headband. You’re just not going to want your hair in your face.

Hospital Bag Necessity #3: Lip Balm

There is a LOT of breathing that happens with labor (even if you’re getting an epidural) and that naturally dries your lips.

Plus, somehow hospitals must pump out ANY moisture in the air, because my lips just often feel parched as a nurse too.

So, bring your favorite lip balm — and maybe put one in each bag so you always have one at hand.

This one is my favorite of all time, but I bet you have a favorite — and that’s fine too!

Ok, now that you have those three items. Make SURE your partner knows where they are for easy access!

10 Things to Think About Putting In Your Hospital Bag

I’ve already linked to my full posts on hospital bags, but I want to just share 10 things you should consider putting in your bag from an expert.

Pro Tip: Absolutely anything that comes to the hospital can easily get soiled — so I never recommend bringing something you absolutely love. It’s just a lot of fluids, everywhere. So keep that in mind as you pack.

• The 3 necessities above. I’m serious, they’re important.
• Nursing Bras — you’re not wearing them now, but your boobs are going to start to “turn on” right after that baby is born. They often feel heavy and can be painful without a bra — so bringing some bras that make for easy breastfeeding are important. Get some highly-rated ones here.
• A Robe — while you might be fine to wear our gown, having something to cover your backside when you get up from bed can feel great. I actually got mine at goodwill so I could just throw it away if necessary and not feel bad. There is a decent chance you’ll bleed on this — so I wouldn’t spend a ton on it. This one is at a good price point (and the terry will wash well)
• Nursing Pillow — if you’re planning to breastfeed, a nursing pillow can be handy. I would leave this in the car until baby is born. However, if you’d rather keep yours clean at home, the hospital has lots of pillows to help you with as well. This is the one most moms love.
• Your Own Gown — now, I rarely recommend wearing a nice gown in labor due to the unpredictable nature of labor. However, after baby is born, those gowns start to feel itchy. Bringing your own can be handy — and this one has openings for easy nursing (or opening in the back so you don’t bleed on it).
• Your go-home outfit — you won’t be the same size as you were when you walked into the hospital. But, your uterus is still going to be pretty big. Think of something that felt very comfortable at about 5-6 months pregnant.
• Comfy Shoes — your feet may be swollen from the delivery process, so make sure you have comfortable shoes (or flip-flops) that you can make it to the car in.
• Your own pillow/blanket — Often people just feel better with their own pillows. Hospital pillows must be sanitized between patients, so you can imagine that they are not that comfy. A fuzzy blanket can feel good too. You may go through periods of being cold or hot after baby is born. Just don’t bring the blanket your grandma knitted you. Again, ANYTHING in this area could get real dirty.

In general you want to keep any bags to a carry-on size if possible. Hospital rooms aren’t that big (and postpartum rooms are much smaller than labor rooms) and having less will be a blessing as you’re trying to get up and move around the room (or your nurse is trying to assess the both of you).

Like I said, Dad’s bag and mom’s labor bag can easily be combined if you’re into things like that (I am not, I’d want my own bag).

SO much thought and care about the hospital bag. Have you thought about taking a high quality prenatal class? Gone are the days when you have to schedule it months in advance with the hospital. Now you can take it on your own timeline, with someone you can trust.

The Online Prenatal Class for Couples can be done in just a few hours and has 3 price points for any budget! Come join me in it! If you loved all the pro-tips and good advice in this article, you’re going to LOVE that class where I have stuff like that for ALL of labor (and after baby is born).

Want to do a vibe check before diving into the whole thing with me? — check out my free labor pro tips. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.