What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag (Second-Time Mom Edition)

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WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE HOSPITAL

THE COMPLETE LIST

The first time I packed a hospital bag, I packed like I was moving in. I brought everything. Curling iron included. (Did I use it? Absolutely not.) This time around, I’m packing smarter. I know what the hospital provides, what I actually used, and which “extra” comforts were worth the space. So if you’re looking for a realistic hospital bag checklist, not the too over-the-top version, here’s exactly what I’m packing as a second-time mom, plus what my husband is bringing too. But for what it’s worth, if something brings you comfort, bring it. Who cares. Labor is not the time to prove how low-maintenance you are.

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WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE HOSPITAL

FOR MOM

The essentials:

• ID + insurance card

• Phone

• Long phone charger (10 ft preferred)

• Portable charger

• Extension cord

• Birth preferences (if printed) 

For Comfort:

• Robe 

• Slippers or slide sandals

• Flip flops or shower shoes (for shower) 

• Socks

• Hair ties and claw hair clips

• Headband

• Lip balm

• Facial mist

• Pillow from home

• Pillowcase - I recommend not white

• Donut Pillow

• Small blanket from home

• Portable sound machine

• Diffuser

• Essential oils

HYDRATION + FUEL

(Check hospital policy for eating during labor)

• Applesauce pouches

• Honey sticks

• Electrolyte drinks 

• Crackers

• Gum

• Water bottle

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WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE HOSPITAL

FOR MOM: post-birth (recovery)

CLOTHING

• Nursing nightgown

• Button-down pajamas

• Nursing bra - Not nursing? You will still want comfort and support. Try this bra.

• Disposable underwear

• Loose going-home outfit - Having a summer baby? Go home in comfort in this dress

• Extra socks

toiletries

• Packing cubes

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Face wash

• Body moisturizer

• Hand cream

• Deodorant

• Hairbrush

• Dry shampoo

• Minimal makeup bag - Include just the basics: this complexion stick, this mascara, this setting spray

RECOVERY + NURSING SUPPORT

• Nipple balm

• Nursing pads

• Not nursing? Try this cream to help your dry out without sticking cabbages on your chest.

• Stool softener

• Tucks pads

• Relief spray

• Peri bottle (backup for home)

• Nursing pillow

postpartum fuel

• Protein bars

• Trail mix

• Nuts

• Chocolate

• Coconut water

• Granola bars

TECH BAG

• Tripod 

• Phone mount

• Extra charging cables

• Extension cord

• Portable charger

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WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE HOSPITAL

FOR BABY

• 2 newborn outfits  - I bought this one for baby girl with her initials, and this boy outfit for Conrad. Here is another option that comes in several color variations and prints.

• 1 backup 0–3 pajama/ outfit

• Going-home outfit (weather appropriate)

• Swaddle blanket 

• Hat & mits

• Pacifier 

• Burp cloths

• Car seat installed

• Baby blanket

• OPTIONAL: Name announcement sign

*Hospital will provide: diapers, wipes, formula (if needed), and blankets

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WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE HOSPITAL

FOR your partner

• 2 changes of clothes

• Pajamas / lounge set

• Hoodie/cardigan for skin to skin

• Toiletries

• Phone charger

• Pillow

• Blanket

• Reusable water bottle

• Snacks

• Wallet

Optional but wise:

• Flip flops for shower

• Eye mask

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WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE HOSPITAL

NURSE BASKETS

• Individual snack packs

• Candy

• Gum / mints

• Under-eye masks

• Hair ties

• Lip Balm

• Hair clips

• Handwritten Thank You notes

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Thanks for reading!

I’ll report back after delivery with what I actually used, what I didn’t, and whether anything surprised me. I’ll update this post or share a follow-up with the honest recap. If there’s something you swear by for labor or postpartum, leave it in the comments. I always love hearing what worked for you! You can find more from this pregnancy (and everything motherhood-related) under the “Motherhood” tab of the blog.

xx CMK

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