What is one thing you wish you had packed in your hospital bag? What would you recommend to other expecting mothers?

Question

Preparing for a hospital stay can be overwhelming, but having the right items packed can make a significant difference in comfort and convenience. This comprehensive guide, informed by expert recommendations, outlines essential items to include in your hospital bag. From practical necessities to personal comforts, these tips will help ensure you're well-prepared for your hospital visit.

Dr Zeeshan Afzal · Answer

A high-quality water bottle is often something I hear new mothers tell me they wish they had packed. Labor, delivery, and the accompanying recovery period are extremely dehydrating, and while hospitals do offer water, having your own bottle makes it far easier to take regular sips and stay comfortable. Hydration supports energy, healing, and breastfeeding, if you decide to take that route, so it's a small thing but can be very helpful.
Overlooked but equally valuable is a pocket-sized charger. Phones are crucial during hospital stays — for reaching loved ones, timing contractions, and even playing soothing music. Hospital outlets aren't always convenient, and a charger will ensure your device remains within reach when you need it most.
The last thing to pack is something very personal for comfort: a comfy robe or pair of slippers. Hospitals can be cold, unfamiliar places; having something snuggly from home can provide warmth and comfort through what is often a challenging and emotional experience. A little bit of comfort can help mothers feel more at ease.

Jennie Hardman · Answer

For me, the one thing I wish I had packed was something that felt grounding and familiar. In my case, that would have been a soft blanket from home. Hospitals can feel so sterile and overwhelming, and having something that carried a sense of comfort and safety would have made a real difference during such a vulnerable time.
In my opinion, the practical items absolutely matter, but what many women overlook is how much the emotional environment shapes the experience. I often recommend that expecting mothers pack something small but meaningful, such as a journal, a photo, or a piece of home that reminds them of who they are outside of the medical setting. Those little touches can create a sense of calm and connection at a time when so much feels uncertain.
What I've seen again and again is that birth is not only about physical preparation but also about feeling emotionally supported. So yes, bring the essentials, but also bring something that makes you feel deeply yourself. That piece can carry you through in ways you may not expect.

Ashley Kenny · Answer

We spent months planning for the hospital stay and birth of our children—two joyous events that somehow made time feel like it sped up. Looking back on both births, I vividly remember the details: the darling little outfits I purchased and packed for the first 20-minute ride home, and the neat stack of paperback books I was sure I'd love to read during the quieter healing moments... none of which I actually opened!
What I wished I'd done? Packed less for the baby, and more for myself. The hospital had plenty of baby supplies—diapers, wipes, baby clothes—so there was no need to bring extras. Instead, I should've focused on my comfort: older, easy-to-care-for clothes, not stylish outfits, I wouldn't care about if they got a little messy. No runway-ready robes or matching slippers—what I needed were soft grippy socks to comfort my swollen feet, stretchy sweatpants, and tops that tolerated spills and stains.
And one key reality: delivering a baby doesn't instantly revert your body to its pre-pregnancy size. Be kind to yourself and bring maternity-sized clothes without an ounce of guilt. Your top priorities? Comfort and safety, above all.
And, if you insist on "reading a good book", make it the audio version, with earphones for a comfortable pre-nap reward.

Dr. Maria Knöbel · Answer

A nursing-friendly tank or bra is something that expecting mothers need to include in their hospital bag. The reason for this is that during the initial days after birth, anything that will ease feeding is super important. These clothes are created for the purpose of being easily accessible, so you will be able to feed your baby without the hassle of dealing with complicated straps or inappropriate outfits.
The early hours are usually overwhelming for a woman who has just given birth, and comfort plays an important part in how confident she feels. Supportive bras or tanks alleviate pain, particularly when the milk supply is just getting started and the body is in the stage where it is adapting. They are also a source of modesty and security when there are visitors or staff present.

Ydette Florendo · Answer

A long phone charging cable would have made a significant difference during my hospital stay. Standard outlets were inconveniently placed, and keeping a phone nearby was essential for staying connected with family and capturing those early moments. Having a longer cord would have eased the stress of managing communication while also keeping everything within reach from the bed.
For other expecting mothers, I recommend packing a small comfort item from home, such as a favorite pillow or blanket. Hospitals can feel impersonal, and bringing something familiar adds warmth to the experience. Beyond the practical items, a personal comfort piece helps with rest and reduces anxiety, making the stay feel less clinical and more supportive during an already emotional time.

Eric Do Couto · Answer

I wish I had packed a pocket notebook and pen. Apps work, but batteries die at the worst times. The first thing I check is whether I can log feeds, medications, and questions in one place. Time stamps help nurses help you. What matters most to me is staying clear when you're short on sleep. I also bring a travel sound machine with a 12-hour battery for steady white noise.
Write three lists on Page 1: "Ask the nurse," "Next feeding," "To bring from car." Update at every shift change.
"Write it down and use notes and white noise to buy you calm when everything's new."

Victoria Powell · Answer

Bring whatever makeup makes you feel pretty, and a pretty top or silk robe that you can feel gorgeous in for the photos in your hospital bed holding your new baby. These photos will be cherished forever, so consider buying something new if you'd like for that special day.
Since your husband or the nurses might not be the best photographers during those vulnerable hours, and you might also be exhausted, it's best to think ahead about feeling pretty right away! In the 1950s, ladies had what were called "bed jackets" – a waist-length lacy or elegant button-front top that would be perfect for this occasion.
(I'm the mother of four.)

Rose Kurian · Answer

Looking back, I wish I had packed my favorite pillow. It sounds small, but the hospital is such an unfamiliar place, and that bit of comfort would have helped me feel at home while I met my baby for the first time. To all expecting moms: bring one little thing that feels like 'you.' Whether it's your pillow, a blanket, or even your favorite playlist, it makes a world of difference in the middle of all the newness.

Anna Zhang · Answer

I'd add a wide-mouth water bottle with a straw, preferably 40 oz if possible. Hydration makes a big difference after delivery. The first thing I check is whether mom can sip hands-free while holding the baby. One thing I always notice is how often staff remind you to drink. I also wish I'd packed nipple balm and high-waisted underwear for comfort.
Set a 30-minute timer to sip and a 2-hour reminder to stretch and walk. Pack a small self-care pouch with essentials like face wipes, hair ties, and gentle lotion. "Hands-free hydration and small comforts turn recovery from hard to manageable; pack for ease, not just photos."

Ben Bouman · Answer

I missed bringing a small, quiet USB travel fan, which can be a lifesaver during long labor or in warm postpartum rooms. The first thing I check is whether it can run for 10-12 hours off a 20,000 mAh power bank. What matters most to me is my mom's comfort while things progress slowly. I also bring electrolyte packets and lip balm; dry air can sneak up on you.
Set one small fan on Mom, and one on the bassinet for airflow (not pointed at the baby). Keep a folding phone stand so video calls don't tie up your hands. "Comfort is a stamina pack, a quiet fan, and power so you can care, not fumble."

Nicolas Breedlove · Answer

I wish I had packed non-slip shower sandals and a full-size towel. Hospital floors can get wet, and traction matters when you're tired. The first thing I check is whether mom can move safely from bed to shower. One thing I always notice is how a soft, oversized towel boosts my mood after a long night. Bring two zipper onesies (NB and 0-3 months) so you're covered in both sizes.
Add a swaddle with Velcro and a plain blanket; the swaddle should be changed every 3-4 hours to help soothe the baby. Keep a small laundry bag to separate used items. Think safety, warmth, sound footing, and a real towel make a big difference.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Table of Contents

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Pack a High-Quality Water Bottle

Bring Comfort Items From Home

Prioritize Comfort Over Style

Include Nursing-Friendly Clothing

Add a Long Phone Charging Cable

Carry a Pocket Notebook and Pen

Prepare for Photo-Worthy Moments

Pack Your Favorite Pillow

Bring a Wide-Mouth Water Bottle

Include a Small USB Travel Fan

Pack Non-Slip Shower Sandals

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