Hospital Bag Must-Haves: What You Actually Need (and What You Can Skip)

If you’ve searched for a hospital bag must haves, you’ve probably found lists that make it seem like you need to pack for a week-long vacation. Your own pillow. Your own towels. A portable fan. Multiple outfits. Postpartum supplies. Makeup. Snacks. A sound machine.

After having two babies, my biggest piece of advice is much simpler: you really do not need that much. It’s the same philosophy I have about building a baby registry: start with less and focus on what you’ll actually use.

My twin sister had a baby before I did, so once again, she was my shortcut. She told me not to overpack, and I listened. For my first delivery, I brought one small duffel bag with the things I actually thought I would use.

With my second baby, I didn't have a hospital bag packed at all. My daughter unexpectedly arrived seven weeks early, so my husband and I went straight to the hospital. He and my family brought things to me afterward.

If anything, that experience reinforced what I already believed: the hospital has almost everything you truly need. Your hospital bag should be about the handful of things that make you more comfortable and prepared, not bringing your entire house with you.

You can also find all of my pregnancy favorites and resources on my Pregnancy page.

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My Hospital Bag Must Haves: What I Actually Packed

An Extra-Long Phone Charger

This might be the least exciting item on the list, but it is one of the most useful. Hospital outlets are not necessarily conveniently located next to your bed, and you are going to want access to your phone.

I bought an extra-long charger from Amazon, and it meant I could keep my phone next to me instead of constantly asking someone to unplug it or hand it to me.

Two Zipper Swaddles

This was actually a recommendation from my doula, and I am so glad I listened to her.

Hospitals have receiving blankets that you can use to swaddle your baby, but I found trying to recreate the perfect nurse swaddle myself nearly impossible. A zipper swaddle was so much easier, especially when I was exhausted and learning how to take care of a newborn.

I love HALO and Woombie swaddles. I would bring two in case one gets dirty.

Bottles and Your Preferred Formula, Just in Case

I planned to breastfeed my first baby, but my doula recommended that I research formula ahead of time and bring bottles and formula with me just in case. I'm incredibly grateful that I did.

My milk did not come in right away, and I ultimately needed to supplement. Because I had already researched formula before delivery, I was able to use the one I had chosen rather than trying to make that decision for the first time while exhausted in the hospital.

I used Bobbie with my first baby. My second baby was born prematurely and needed a specific premature-infant formula, so her situation was different.

For bottles, both of my kids have done really well with Dr. Brown's anti-colic bottles. When they were very young, I used the slower-flow preemie nipples.

You absolutely do not need to bring formula if that's not part of your plan. I was simply glad I had a backup plan because my feeding experience didn't go exactly the way I expected.

A Comfortable Nursing Bra

If you plan to breastfeed or pump, bring a comfortable nursing bra. I love the SKIMS nursing bras because they're comfortable enough to wear while you're spending most of the day in a hospital bed.

You don't need multiple bras or an entire wardrobe. One comfortable option was plenty for me.

A Cozy Robe

If I were going to choose one item to make a hospital room feel a little more comfortable, it would be a robe.

I love my Cozy Earth robe. Hospitals can get cold, and a robe gave me something cozy to throw on without needing to bring my own blanket, pajamas, slippers and everything else you sometimes see recommended.

Of course, if bringing your favorite pillow and blanket is going to make you happier, bring them. My point isn't that you shouldn't bring comfort items. It's that you don't need all of them.

An Eye Mask

This is an underrated hospital bag essential.

Hospital rooms can be bright, and people are coming in and out at all hours. I loved having an eye mask that gave me room to open my eyes underneath it. When I had an opportunity to sleep, it made blocking out the hospital lights so much easier.

Basic Toiletries

I brought a toothbrush and hairbrush. That's basically it.

If doing your hair and makeup after giving birth makes you feel like yourself, absolutely pack everything you want. If you're planning newborn photos in the hospital, you may want those things too.

Personally, I was not there to look my best. I was there to have my baby and eventually go home.

What to Pack for Your Going-Home Outfit

One thing I think first-time moms can forget is that you will probably still have a bump when you leave the hospital. This is not the moment to pack the jeans you wore before pregnancy.

Bring something loose, comfortable and easy to put on.

I love Hill House nap dresses because they're comfortable but still make me feel put together. Choose something that won't put pressure on your stomach and that you'll feel good wearing home.

What to Pack for Baby

You need surprisingly little for your baby because the hospital provides so much.

The main thing I would bring is a going-home outfit. I recommend packing two sizes: preemie and newborn. You don't know exactly how big your baby will be until they're here, and having two tiny outfits isn't going to take up much room in your bag.

After my daughter was unexpectedly born seven weeks early, my family sent us Magnetic Me preemie outfits while she was in the NICU. I love their magnetic closures because they're incredibly easy to get on and off a tiny baby.

And remember to make sure your infant car seat is properly installed and ready for the trip home.

What I Did Not Pack in My Hospital Bag

This list might actually be more helpful than the list of things I brought.

I did not pack my own hospital gown, towels, pillows, blankets, slippers, postpartum underwear, pads, nipple cream, breast pump, diapers, wipes, pacifiers, multiple baby outfits, a giant stash of snacks, a portable fan or a sound machine.

And I didn't wish I had.

The hospital provided the postpartum and newborn basics I needed while I was there. They also sent me home with supplies.

I had postpartum underwear and other postpartum recovery products that I loved, but I saved most of those for when I got home.

Hospital policies and what they provide can vary, so you can always ask your hospital ahead of time if there's something you're unsure about. But don't assume you need to buy and pack every postpartum item you've seen on a checklist.

This is actually the same approach I recommend when deciding what not to put on your baby registry.

What Should Your Partner Pack?

Your partner can have their own bag, and they don't need much either.

My husband basically brought a change of clothes, his phone charger and a toothbrush. We didn't pack a huge stash of food. He went to the hospital cafeteria, and we also ordered DoorDash.

Your partner is an adult. You do not need to make packing their hospital bag another item on your pregnancy to-do list.

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

After unexpectedly delivering my second baby seven weeks early without a hospital bag packed, you might expect me to tell you to have your bag sitting by the door months in advance.

I still don't think that's necessary.

I would pack it a couple of weeks before you expect to need it, mostly for peace of mind. Keep it simple and use a small duffel bag. If you unexpectedly have to go to the hospital before it's packed, you will figure it out. Your partner, family or friends can bring things to you, and the hospital already has the essentials.

My Simple Hospital Bag Checklist

If you want the short version, this is what I would pack:

• Small duffel bag

• Extra-long phone charger

• Two zipper swaddles

• Bottles and preferred formula if you want a backup feeding option

• Comfortable nursing bra if you plan to breastfeed or pump

• Cozy robe

• Eye mask

• Toothbrush

• Hairbrush

• Comfortable going-home outfit

• Preemie and newborn-size going-home outfits for baby

That's it.

Add anything that will genuinely make you more comfortable, but don't let an enormous hospital bag checklist convince you that you're unprepared because you haven't bought 30 different things.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing a Hospital Bag

What does the hospital provide after birth?

It varies by hospital, but hospitals generally provide many of the basic supplies you and your baby need during your stay. In my experience, I didn't need to bring my own diapers, wipes, postpartum pads or hospital gown. Ask your hospital what it provides if you want to know exactly what you can leave at home.

Do I need to bring diapers and wipes to the hospital?

I didn't. The hospital provided the newborn supplies we needed while we were there. You will obviously want diapers and wipes waiting for you at home, but they don't necessarily need to take up space in your hospital bag.

Do I need to bring my breast pump to the hospital?

I didn't bring mine. If you know you'll need a particular pump or have specific feeding needs, ask your care team or hospital what they recommend and what equipment will be available.

Should I bring formula to the hospital if I plan to breastfeed?

You don't have to. I personally chose to bring a formula I had already researched as a backup, and I was grateful I had it when I needed to supplement unexpectedly. Feeding needs are individual, so talk with your pediatrician, OB-GYN, midwife or lactation professional if you have questions about your feeding plan.

Do I need my own hospital gown?

I didn't bring one and never felt like I needed it. If having your own gown will make you more comfortable, bring it. Otherwise, this is an easy item to skip.

How many baby outfits should I bring to the hospital?

I would keep it very simple. I recommend bringing a going-home outfit in both preemie and newborn sizes since you won't know exactly what size will fit your baby. The hospital took care of what we needed during the stay.

What if I forget something in my hospital bag?

You will be okay. I unexpectedly delivered my second baby seven weeks early and didn't have a hospital bag packed at all. My husband and family brought me things afterward.

The hospital has the important stuff. Pack the things that will make you comfortable, but don't overthink it. Having a baby comes with enough things to think about already.

You can find all of my pregnancy and hospital bag favorites in one place on Mom 411.