I’m writing this 6 weeks postpartum — somehow both in a haze and with just enough clarity (plus a brief moment of peace in the newborn trenches) to string a few thoughts together. If you’re pregnant and find yourself Googling “hospital bag checklist” while elbow-deep in organizing your nursery…this post is for you.
Because when I say I read every blog post, watched every video, and even screenshot Stories like it was my job — I mean it. As a type A fashion girlie, I had a long, curated list on my Notes app that I kept refining throughout pregnancy.
But here’s the thing: what I thought I’d use? Not the same as what I actually used.
Let me be honest: I thought I’d be that effortlessly chic new mom you see in curated reels. The one in a matching pajama set, with a fresh blowout, and perfectly edited caption about soaking up every moment. And there’s no shame if that’s your reality. I really thought that would be me too.
But when you’re in the thick of labor and birth, and then trying to figure out how to feed a newborn while wearing an adult diaper, you don’t care as much as you thought you would.
Comfort and just feeling somewhat human again becomes the name of the game.
So here’s my no-fluff, honest take on what I packed in my hospital bag — and what I actually used:
FOR MYSELF
Stanley Tumbler (didn’t use): My hospital provided one with a bendy straw so that actually was more convenient, but I have used my Stanley dupe everyday postpartum at home.
Nursing nightgowns (x2): I wore one each night in the hospital. Even if you plan to switch into something else the second night, bring a backup as postpartum can be messy.
Matching pajama set (didn’t use): So many people said I’d want to wear a PJ set the second night, but I didn’t. Nightgowns were more practical for changing giant pads and getting checked by staff.
Slippers (didn’t use): I brought them but wore the hospital socks the whole time. Less fuss.
Flip flops: Only wore them home as my feet were still swollen.
Going home dress: Choose a forgiving, bump-friendly dress as you don’t know what size you will be freshly postpartum.
Nursing bras (x2): I only wore one to go home as I was too tired to care about nippage.
Robe: A must as hospital rooms get chilly! Also great for walking the halls or if want to be a bit covered.
Hospital socks with grips (didn’t use): The hospital ones did the job.
Pillow and throw blanket: A 10/10 rec. Bonus tip: use a colored pillowcase so it doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital ones, and pick a blanket you can easily wash.
Extra long charging cable: Essential as outlets are never in convenient spots.
Postpartum underwear (didn’t use): You’ll be in mesh underwear and diapers for a while. No briefs needed just yet.
Boppy pillow: If you’re breastfeeding, it’s helpful so you don’t have to stack pillows every time.
Cordless nightlight: A lifesaver in the middle of the night while trying to nurse or pump. You won’t want the harsh hospital overhead light.
iPad: Helped me pass the time while my husband slept so I didn’t have to have to keep the big hospital TV on.
Bath towel: A little touch of home makes a difference.
TOILETRIES (all travel-sized)
Shampoo & conditioner
Wet Brush
Claw clips & hair ties
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Basic skincare (cleanser, moisturizer, etc.)
Deodorant
Body lotion
I kept it minimal but still felt like me.
POSTPARTUM CARE
Depends diapers
Frida Mom everything
Peri bottle (an angled one makes all the difference)
Mesh underwear (way better than the hospital version)
What I didn’t use:
Silverettes (forgot I even had them in the moment)
My postpartum “lady party” layering routine:
Week 1: Mesh undies + Depends + cooling pad + wipes + foam + Dermoplast
Week 2: Mesh undies + cooling pad or extra thick pad + wipes + foam (Dermoplast as needed)
It sounds intense, but it helped so much with healing and comfort.
FOR BABY
NB onesies in different sizes (x2): Because you just never know what size they’ll be.
Velcro swaddle (x1): Wish I brought two. Day one poonami took out the only one I packed.
Muslin blanket (didn’t use): She lived in the hospital swaddle.
Lovie (didn’t use): Adorable, but I completely forgot I brought it.
Socks: Only wore a pair going home.
Baby blanket (didn’t use): Again, hospital swaddles for the win.
Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this and prepping your own hospital bag, bring what makes you feel comfortable and a little bit more like yourself — but know that once labor kicks in, less really is more.
I overpacked and next time (if I’m lucky to have a second child) I’d pack less as the things I reached for most were simple, cozy, and practical.
So pack the lip gloss if you want. Bring the blow dryer. Or don’t. The only thing that matters is what makes you feel good in the moment.
