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Around month eight of pregnancy, you’ll want to start getting your list of delivery must-haves together. Gather any medical paperwork your need, your ID, your insurance information, your birth plan, necessary medication and have them together in one spot—that much is obvious. But what about the other stuff? It’s good to have a hospital bag checklist at the ready so you don’t forget anything important.
Hospital stays can range from 24 hours to nearly a week for c-sections—so you’ll definitely need items to keep you comfortable, entertained and stress-free. You’ll also be coming home with a whole new human, so you’ll want to pack the essentials for your new baby, too. If you’re feeling a little lost on what to pack, here are some general suggestions of great items for mom, partner and baby to have on hand.
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1 of 20 Image Credits: Hatch
For Mom
Hatch The Nesting Robe
Pack a lightweight robe to wear before and after delivery—hospital gowns can be uncomfortable, to say the least. We love this gorgeous Hatch maternity robe made of super-soft fabric.
2 of 20 Image Credits: Dearfoams
For Mom
Dearfoam Slippers
Most hospitals will provide you with skid-proof socks for walking the hallways, but bringing along a pair of your own slippers might make the experience feel a little more luxurious. If you’re really looking for something luxe, these shearling slippers definitely fit the bill.
3 of 20 Image Credits: BuyBuyBaby
For Mom
Boppy Original Nursing Pillow
A nursing pillow is great for the obvious reason—it helps you position baby to nurse comfortably post-delivery. You can also use it to help yourself get a little more comfortable in the hospital bed while you wait for baby’s arrival.
4 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
For Mom
Native Union Wireless Charging Pad
Remembering to charge your phone? Not likely during labor. Be prepared ahead of time with this wireless charger. When you’re finally feeling ready to snap some pictures or respond to all those well wishes, you’ll be relieved to not be hunting down a charger, too.
5 of 20 Image Credits: BuyBuyBaby
For Mom
Belly Bandit Bandita Nursing Bra
This maternity and nursing bra can be worn to the hospital and back home. This soft, stretchy bra offers support and coverage, and has clip-down straps to make nursing your new baby easy.
6 of 20 Image Credits: BuyBuyBaby
For Mom
Motherhood Maternity Fold-Over Maternity Panties
As much as you may want to live the rest of your life in the mesh undies provided by the hospital post-delivery, you’ll have to transition back to something more traditional eventually. These postpartum recovery underwear are great to pack along for the trip—they form to your changing body, are thick enough to handle bulky postpartum pads and are high-waisted enough to make them comfy for c-section mamas as well.
7 of 20 Image Credits: BuyBuyBaby
For Mom
Washable Organic Nursing Pads
The first few days after delivery comes with tons of changes, including your breast milk coming in. Soak up leaks by placing these washable nursing pads in your bra—they’re made of soft organic material and super absorbent.
8 of 20 Image Credits: Target
For Mom
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit
This postpartum kit has everything you need to treat yourself to a little TLC after delivery. The kit includes cooling maxi pads, perineal healing foam, dsposable underwear and a storage caddy.
9 of 20 Image Credits: Etsy
For Mom
Mama You Got This Makeup Pouch
Pack lip balm, a toothbrush, hair ties and other toiletries in this makeup pouch made especially for mamas. This pretty pink cotton zip-up bag has the perfect motivational graphic text on front, and is big enough to hold all of your essentials together.
10 of 20 Image Credits: Ulta
For Mom
Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
Labor can be a long process, and procedures like c-sections can require extra time spent in the hospital. Who wants to spend extra time post-delivery washing and styling hair when you could be bonding with your baby instead? Pack along this Drybar Detox dry shampoo to ensure great looking and smelling hair without the hassle.
11 of 20 Image Credits: Bed Bath & Beyond
For Mom
Innovative Technology Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
Waiting patiently for baby to arrive can get boring at best and stressful at worst. Soothe yourself with a calming playlist or pass the time by listening to your favorite podcast or audiobook. These wireless headphones won’t get tangled up in your stuff and charge inside the portable compact case.
12 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
For Mom
Blanqi Everyday High Waist Postpartum Support Leggings
You may not be ready to jump back into your pre-baby jeans when you leave the hospital, but you can head home in a pair of postpartum leggings that help you look and feel your best. Pack along these supportive Blanqi post-delivery leggings to head home in.
13 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
For Baby
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat
You’ll need an approved infant car seat for baby to head home. To meet safety standards, you’ll need something rear-facing and designed to accommodate a tiny newborn. This Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus infant car seat is the perfect fit, super comfortable for baby and easy to install.
14 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
For Baby
Fawn Design the Original Convertible Diaper Backpack
Pack up diapers, wipes and your own necessities in a spacious diaper bag. This diaper backpack from Fawn Design Co is a great choice for tons of reasons—it can be carried on your back or on your shoulder, has tons of room and is made of durable, easy-to-clean faux leather.
15 of 20 Image Credits: BuyBuyBaby
For Baby
Copper Pearl Soft Swaddle Blanket
Copper Pearl makes incredibly soft swaddle blankets for babies. Swaddling your little one is a life saver in those first few days and weeks, as it helps newborn babies feel safe and secure and prevents their startle reflex from upsetting them. Copper Pearl has tons of adorable patterns, prints and colors to choose from.
16 of 20 Image Credits: BuyBuyBaby
For Baby
Aden + Anais Comfort Knit Gown and Hat Set
Pack a few more outfits for your little one than you think you’ll need—blow outs, spit up, and longer hospital stays can catch you off guard. This knotted gown is made from soft cotton, knots at the bottom for a comfortable fit and easy diaper changes, and comes in several colors and styles for both boys and girls.
17 of 20 Image Credits: Walmart
For Dad
Canon EOS Rebel
Dad can be on camera duty to catch those beautiful first moments of your new baby’s life and document the days following. Something as simple as a cell phone camera can do the trick, or you can invest in a lightweight DSLR camera like the Canon EOS rebel to pack along for more professional quality photos.
18 of 20 Image Credits: Nordstrom
For Dad
Nike Hooded Sweatshirt
Make sure dad packs plenty of comfy clothes for himself, since he’ll be spending a lot of time tending to you and baby in the delivery room. No matter the weather, have him bring along an extra layer, like this cozy Nike hoodie—hospital rooms can be notoriously chilly.
19 of 20 Image Credits: Bed Bath & Beyond
For Dad
Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow
Did we mention all that time dad will spend hanging around the hospital with you? Whether he’s sleeping on a guest cot or catching a quick snooze in the chair next to you, a portable travel pillow will make him a little more comfortable.
20 of 20 Image Credits: Bed Bath & Beyond
For Dad
Samsonite Serene Hanging Travel Kit
This toiletries bag may be designed for travel, but it also makes a great take-along kit for baby delivery. It's made with enough room for shaving cream, soap, body wipes and mroe—so dad can look, smell and feel his best when he meets the newest addition.
