What’s in My Hospital Bag (Mommy, Baby & Daddy/NPP Edition)

Motherhood
Written By Sarah Elle

I’m your typical Type-Z mom. I have a Type-A organizational style with a Type-B, laid-back mindset, and I somehow manage to think through nearly every best-and worst-case scenario in between. So naturally, my hospital bag is a little more comprehensive than most while still keeping that millennial-minimalist mindset.

My timelines have been so flooded with What’s in My Hospital Bag videos that they could officially qualify as research. I’ll share the essentials almost every experienced mom agrees on—the items repeatedly recommended after second and third births—and then I’ll sprinkle in a few of my own “Why is nobody talking about this?” additions that I’m absolutely bringing with me.

As an editor, my brain naturally organizes everything into outlines, so we’re breaking this guide into three sections: Mommy, Baby, and Daddy (or, as my sister so eloquently puts it, the NPP—Non-Pregnant Person).

MOMMY

Hospital Bags

Your hospital bag becomes your closet, bedside table, snack drawer, medicine cabinet, and diaper station for a few days. In other words, choose wisely.

  • Beis The Weekender — $108 USD
    They’ve thought of everything. I have yet to find a travel and luggage brand that competes with Beis. This bag is equally a worldclass traveler or a maternity ward companion.

  • Longchamp Le Pliage Energy L Handbag — $295 USD
    Pair it with a large tote organizer from Amazon, and it becomes the perfect nursery-to-nappy bag for the elevated mom.

  • Mina Baie Emmy Vegan Carryall — $229 USD
    “Made for mamas by mamas” says it all. Emmy works as a shoulder bag or crossbody before converting into a backpack, taking you from labor to stroller walks long after baby arrives.

  • CALPAK Diaper Tote Bag with Laptop Sleeve — $195 USD
    Whether it’s carrying your diapers or your baby’s, this bag earns its place. With a laptop compartment, insulated bottle pockets, a wipe compartment, and a luggage sleeve, it’s safe to say this tote is built for modern motherhood.

Documents

This is one category you’ll thank yourself for organizing before the contractions start.

Document Holder & Laptop Case

  • Lululemon New Crew Laptop Sleeve — $48 USD

  • Quince Excursion Italian Leather Tech Folio — $125 USD

  • MONOS Metro Laptop Sleeve — $100 USD

Pack

  • Health card & ID

  • Hospital paperwork

  • Birth plan (optional)

  • Wallet

Clothing

You’ll spend far more time in comfortable clothes than you think. Prioritize pieces that make feeding, skin-to-skin, and recovery easier.

Nursing & Pumping Bras

Everyone says the ugliest nursing bras work the best. Respectfully, I’m trying to prove otherwise.

Throughout my pregnancy, these two brands consistently rose to the top of my algorithm. I’ve also picked up a few inexpensive Amazon backups to compare because motherhood deserves a proper product review.

  • Momanda — All Nursing & Pumping Bras ($36–52 USD)

  • Momcozy — Nursing Bras & Pumping Packs ($37–99 USD)

Pajamas & Birthing Gowns

Pack at least two changes of pajamas—and if there’s even a chance you’ll have a Cesarean delivery, include at least one proper birthing gown.

  • Bae The Label — Maternity Sleep Collection (Pajamas, Birthing Gowns & Robes) — $49–69 USD
    Part one of top brands on my registry.

  • Legoe Heritage — Maternity Sleepwear — $77–125 USD
    Part two. Say less.

  • Eberjey Gisele TENCEL™ Collection — $140–280 USD
    If you’re blissfully ignoring the reality of diapers and spit-up for the next few months, these are absolutely worth admiring.

  • H&M MAMA — Maternity Nightwear & Loungewear — $29–59 USD
    Surprisingly good quality for budget-conscious moms.

  • GAP — Maternity Pajamas & Loungewear — $29–138 USD
    A small collection, but honestly, all you need.

  • Hush — Loungewear Collection — $72–145 per set
    Not technically maternity wear, but totally worth the hype.

  • Victoria’s Secret SoSoft™ Modal Collection — $49–169 USD
    This fabric deserves its own award. Technically not maternity, but very much giving hot mom.

Going-Home Outfit

Personally, I’ll be leaving the hospital in another pair of pajamas.

But if you’re aiming for something a little more put together, you can’t go wrong with a matching set from Alo, Lululemon, Spanx, or Aritzia.

Cozy Anti-Slip Socks and/or Compression Socks

Perfect for pacing contractions, walking the maternity ward, and those first post-delivery laps to the bathroom.

Flip-Flops

  • Time and Tru (Walmart) — Under $10
    These are genuinely the only flip-flops I wear. Three years later, I finally replaced my original pair, and they’re coming to the hospital with me.

  • Havaianas — $38–190 USD
    If you’re going to do flip-flops, you might as well commit.

  • Crocs Miami Toe Loop Flip (or Jelly Flip) — $42 USD
    I never thought I’d recommend Crocs in any capacity. Yet here we are. Somehow they’re giving jelly sandals—with orthopedic support.

Slippers (Optional)

Because dirty hospital floors have never been part of the birth plan.

Recovery

This category isn’t glamorous, but it may very well become your favorite one. The important thing is that they’re there when you need them.

Pack

  • Peri bottle

  • Witch hazel or perineal healing foam

  • Cooling pad liners

    • Perineal ice packs

    • Witch hazel pad liners

    • Tucks Personal Cleansing Pads

  • Maxi pads

    • Instant ice maxi pads

Postpartum Underwear

Welcome to the most humbling fashion category of your life.

  • Frida Mom Postpartum Disposable Underwear
    Raved about for a reason.

  • Momcozy Postpartum Disposable Underwear
    Tried and tested.

  • Rael Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Underwear
    On my list, personally.

Recovery Extras

  • Stool softener
    Say less. Trust me on this one. It’s part of recovery. Start taking it as directed by your healthcare team rather than waiting until you think you need it.

  • Hemorrhoid cream
    Not all postpartum is designer, ladies. Hide this in a secret pocket and thank me later.

Nursing

Whether breastfeeding goes exactly as planned or not, having a few backup essentials packed ahead of time brings a surprising amount of peace of mind.

  • Silverettes
    I’m still trying to understand the magic behind these, but nearly every experienced mom swears by them.

  • Disposable nursing pads
    Washable versus disposable is a debate for another day. For the hospital stay, I’d simply pack disposable.

  • Nipple balm
    Lanolin or not—just bring one.

  • Manual or Electric Breast Pump
    Perfect alongside your lactation consultant during those first few days.

  • Backup ready-to-feed newborn formula
    Hospitals often provide formula if needed, but if you already have a preferred brand, pack a few ready-to-feed bottles just in case breastfeeding takes a little longer to establish.

Toiletries

Pack the products that make you feel like you.

This isn’t the time to copy someone else’s routine. It’s the time to reach for the face wash that makes you feel refreshed, the moisturizer your skin already loves, and the little comforts that remind you you’re still you.

Pack

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Face wash

  • Moisturizer

  • Deodorant

  • Lip balm

  • Prescription medications (if applicable)

  • Glasses/contact lens case & solution (if you wear them)

  • Mini hairbrush

  • Hair ties

  • Claw clip

  • Mini laundry bag or pouch for dirty clothes

  • Small makeup bag (totally optional, but if fits your “feel human” philosophy, go for it!)

  • Mini fan (one of the most recommended labor items)

Comfort

These are the little things that make a hospital room feel a little less... hospital.

  • Large water bottle
    Stanley, Owala, YETI, no-name—whatever keeps you hydrated.

  • Electrolyte packets
    One of the most consistently recommended postpartum essentials for replenishing fluids after labor.

  • Snacks
    Think protein and iron-maxxing—bars, trail mix, jerky, peanut butter packs—whatever your healthcare team has approved. And yes... keep Uber Eats ready for that post-delivery sushi order. Warm is best!

  • Phone

  • Long phone charger or portable charger

  • Entertainment (optional)
    Personally, I don’t see myself bringing my Kindle or laptop, but labor and recovery can be unpredictable. If reading, movies, games, or journaling help you relax, bring one extra form of entertainment—and don’t forget your headphones.

BABY

Diaper Bag

Your diaper bag will quickly become your second purse. Pack it as though you’re heading out for a full three-day stay rather than just the drive home.

Pack

  • Hat

  • Muslin cloths (for burping, feeding, spit-up, cleanups, nursing privacy, and everything in between.)

  • Bibs (optional)

  • Infant electric nail file

  • Newborn diapers

  • Baby wipes

  • Diaper cream

Optional

  • Announcement sign or name plaque for pictures

  • Baby book or journal (if you’d like footprints or keepsakes)

4× Two-Way Zip Sleepers (Onesies)

I’m actually going to skip the brand recommendations for this one.

Every mom approaches baby’s first wardrobe a little differently, and I think there’s something sacred about choosing those first sleepers yourself. Whether you’re accepting cherished hand-me-downs, shopping organic, dressing your baby in designer, or filling your cart with last-minute Amazon finds, this is your time to shine, mama.

What I will pass along is the advice every experienced mom seems to agree on:

  • Choose zippers or magnetic closures over snaps whenever possible.

  • Pack one or two more sleepers than you think you’ll need.

  • Bring at least two different sizes (preemie, newborn, and/or 0–3 months), just in case.

  • Look for sleepers with built-in mittens and footies to keep those tiny hands and feet warm—and to save yourself from hunting for baby socks or mittens at 3 a.m.

Some purchases deserve extensive research. But baby’s first pajamas deserve to be chosen with the heart.

2× Pacifiers

Pulled directly from my registry, these are the two pacifier styles we’ll be bringing to the hospital. Both feature orthodontic nipples designed to support the healthy development of baby’s palate, and both happen to be on Amazon—because not every beloved baby essential needs to be designer. Any experienced mom will tell you the same thing: at the end of the day, they just need to work.

I’ll be packing one from each pack, just in case our little guy has a preference from day one.

  • Philips Avent Soothie Heart Pacifier (0–3 Months) — $10 USD (Pack of 4)

  • Philips Avent Soothie Baby Pacifiers (0–3 Months) — $7 USD (Pack of 2)

Portable Changing Pad

You probably won’t need a portable changing pad in the hospital, but this was one of those “pack it now, thank yourself later” purchases every momfluencer seemed to recommend. It’ll be tucked inside my diaper bag for the drive home, and stay there for those first pediatrician appointments, spontaneous errands, and every diaper change that happens somewhere other than the nursery.

These are the four changing pads that made it onto my radar, ranging from investment pieces to budget-friendly Amazon finds.

  • Beis The Changing Organizer — $44 USD
    Because Beis has already proven itself when it comes to designing for modern mothers. And honestly, it doesn’t hurt to feel an ounce of glam while dealing with very unglamorous blowouts.

  • Dagne Dover Joey Changing Kit — $80 USD
    A newer brand on my radar that definitely leans toward the investment side—especially for something that will, quite literally, be covered in poop. But it’s incredibly functional, with room for diapers, creams, and wipes, while the durable, wipe-clean material makes a convincing argument.

  • Alatino Portable Diaper Changing Pad — Under $25 USD
    Another Amazon find pulled directly from my registry because I appreciate budget-friendly poopie pads just as much as I appreciate designer ones. It’s highly rated, comes in a wide range of colors, and folds down small enough to fit inside my already overpacked hospital bag.

  • Azaria Vegan Leather Baby Changing Mat — Under $25 USD
    While we’re on the subject of designer looks without the designer price tag, let’s talk about Azaria. It’s giving Mina Baie meets NUNA mom—and that’s an IYKYK if I ever knew one.

Swaddles

I’m personally packing one swaddle. The hospital will provide the infamous newborn blanket, but every baby has their own preferences—and you won’t know your baby’s until they’re here.

  • Kyte Baby Swaddle Bag Cloud 0.5 TOG — $45 USD
    I’ve heard so much about Kyte Baby, and I’m humbled to say most of our little guy’s wardrobe already comes from this brand.

  • The Ollie® Swaddle — $102 USD
    Consistently recommended by my mom friends. It feels like an investment, but bestsellers usually become bestsellers for a reason.

  • Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap (2-Pack) — $55 USD
    Bamboo, zip-up, and practical. These made their way onto my registry in more than one color.

  • Nest Designs Avocado Bamboo Sleep Bag (1.5 TOG) — $56 USD
    From newborn through six months, this may be the single most recommended sleep bag across my algorithm.

Receiving Blanket

Hospitals are famous for those white blankets with the blue and pink stripes, and honestly, I could style a hundred editorials, but nothing is quite as iconic as the hospital blanket. Every baby gets one, and somehow it’s become part of the universal plot.

Between the hospital blanket and the swaddles I’ve already recommended, I’ll only be packing one personal receiving blanket.

Of course, you can skip this category entirely. Or you can spend an afternoon falling down the rabbit hole of finding the blanket your baby will drag around the house for years to come.

  • Saranoni Receiving Blankets — $19–45 USD
    I can’t say enough good things about their reviews, color palette, and incredible variety. Whether you’re looking for classic, neutral, or seasonal, Saranoni has become one of my favorite discoveries.

  • Etsy
    If there’s one place I’d recommend for personalized baby keepsakes, it’s Etsy. Beyond this hospital bag, I’ve already purchased several custom nursery pieces from independent makers there. Their receiving blankets easily made it to the top of my registry because there’s truly something for every style, budget, and aesthetic.

  • Bleu La La Whimsy Collection — $35 USD
    I stumbled across this one on Amazon, and it might be the item I’m most excited about on baby’s shopping list. The prints are beautiful, the fabrics look incredibly soft, and if you could kindly avoid selling them out before my child arrives... I’d really appreciate it.

Car Seat (Installed)

Nothing humbled me more than researching travel systems.

Car seats, bassinets, and breast pumps quickly became the holy trinity of decision fatigue. I don’t think I’ve ever spent more time comparing engineering specs, safety ratings, and fabrics in my life. But these are the three systems that ultimately made my shortlist.

  • Cybex Callisto G 360 — $749 USD
    Swivel... and say less. Engineering and aesthetics finally met.

  • NUNA PIPA™ RX + RELX Base™ — $550 USD
    Recommended by nearly every mom friend who wished they’d bought it sooner. It’s notoriously difficult to find in stock, which almost had me calling my Amex Concierge.

  • Maxi-Cosi Mico™ Luxe+ Infant Car Seat — $320 USD
    Lightweight, travel-friendly, and taxi-compatible with or without the base. For frequent travelers like us, that flexibility made it impossible to ignore.

DADDY (NPP)

Dad can steal this entire section from Mom.

Just pack the non-pregnant equivalent of whatever makes you feel like a functioning human after a long day. Labor can last hours—or even days—and you’ll be living at the hospital right alongside her.

The only difference is that you probably won’t need Silverettes or postpartum underwear... and frankly, let’s keep it that way.

Pack

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Face wash

  • Moisturizer

  • Deodorant

  • Prescription medications (if applicable)

  • Glasses or contact lens case & solution (if needed)

  • Water bottle

  • Phone

  • Long phone charger or portable power bank

  • Bluetooth earbuds

  • Laptop or entertainment device (optional)

When I asked all of my brothers-in-law what dads should actually pack, every single one remembered what they didn’t have far more than what they packed.

After long hours of labor, uncomfortable hospital couches, vending machine dinners, and those unforgettable first days with baby, these were the items they wished they’d thrown into the bag.

Essentials

  • Protein snacks

  • Compact pillow & blanket

  • Slides or flip-flops

  • Compression socks (because support people need support too.)

  • Eye mask (for those institutional hospital lights.)

  • Empty duffel bag (for hospital supplies, paperwork, gifts, and all the extra baby gear you’ll somehow leave with.)

  • Cash or coins for vending machines

  • Wet wipes

Clothing

NPP deserves to be comfortable too.

So, pack enough clothes for a couple of days because you never really know how labor will unfold.

Our household favorites are Oakley, Arc’teryx, Lululemon, Hurley, RVCA and... of course... he’s a Kappa daddy.

Zip-Up Sweater

I’ve noticed millennial dads have collectively adopted the zip-up hoodie. It makes skin-to-skin contact infinitely easier than pulling a hoodie over your head with a newborn sleeping on your chest. Grab an ol’ reliable, or add this to your NPP registry because daddies deserve a little “hot dad” moment, too.

  • On Focus Tech Zip Hoodie — $160 USD

  • Lululemon Ease The Day Full-Zip Hoodie — $137 USD

  • Oakley Reserve Momento FZ Hoodie — $165 USD

Things I’m Leaving at Home

Despite what social media might have you believe, I’m intentionally not packing a curling iron, a full makeup kit, a ring light, a sound machine, or a week’s worth of clothes.

I don’t need my hospital room to look like an influencer apartment. I need it to feel calm, comfortable, and ready to welcome our son.

Will we use every single item?

Who knows.

Will I inevitably discover ten more things I wish I’d packed after delivery?

Certainly, darling.

But if this guide saves one“I wish someone had told me that” moment— then my algorithm has officially served its purpose.

So, ladies... save this, share it, pack well, and leave a little room in your bag for the unexpected. Here’s to healthy babies, smooth deliveries, and overqualified hospital bags.

I’ll meet you in the maternity ward. 🤍

Save yourself one more tab.

→ Download the Complete Hospital Bag Checklist (PDF)

EDITOR’S PICKS

Mommy

Hospital Bags

  • Beis The Weekender — $108 USD — https://beistravel.com/products/the-weekender

  • Longchamp Le Pliage Energy L Handbag — $295 USD —

https://www.longchamp.com

Document Holder & Laptop Case

  • Lululemon New Crew Laptop Sleeve — $48 USD —

https://shop.lululemon.com

  • Quince Excursion Italian Leather Tech Folio — $125 USD —

https://www.quince.com

Nursing Bras

Pajamas & Birthing Gowns

https://www.gap.com

Flip-Flops

  • Time & Tru Women’s Flip-Flops — Under $10 USD —

https://www.walmart.com

Recovery

  • Frida Mom Postpartum Disposable Underwear —

https://frida.com

  • Momcozy Postpartum Disposable Underwear —

https://momcozy.com

  • Rael Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Underwear —

https://www.getrael.com

  • Silverettes —

https://silveretteusa.com

  • Haakaa Manual Breast Pump —

https://haakaausa.com

Baby

Pacifiers

Portable Changing Pads

https://www.dagnedover.com

Swaddles

  • Kyte Baby Swaddle Bag Cloud 0.5 TOG — $45 USD —

https://kytebaby.com

  • The Ollie® Swaddle — $102 USD —

https://theollieworld.com

  • Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap (2-Pack) — $55 USD —

https://momcozy.com

  • Nest Designs Avocado Bamboo Sleep Bag (1.5 TOG) — $56 USD — https://nestdesigns.com

Receiving Blankets

https://www.etsy.com

  • Bleu La La Whimsy Collection — $35 USD — Amazon

Car Seats

  • Cybex Callisto G 360 — $749 USD —

https://cybex-online.com

Daddy (NPP)

Zip-Up Hoodies

Subscribe for editorials, registry edits, and practical guides for modern moms.

Sarah Elle

Once a bestselling publisher—now writing in silk. Womanhood, unpublished. Words for the well-dressed mind. 

https://www.proseclub.com
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