I wrote a highly viewed post about what to take to the hospital and have for the recovery period that no one ever talks about here. It is called 11 Secrets to Have in Your Labor Bag (That you probably haven’t heard of) – For Women ONLY. So I’ll just mention those 11 things as one bullet point on the following list… just make sure to check out the 11-item list because there are lots of important things to take with you -or make sure the hospital will provided you with. You can download the Labor Bag Checklist for free below.
For Mom:
- 11 Secrets to Have in Your labor bag items-
please see the link for important recovery and comfort items not mentioned on this list. - chapstick
- hair ties
- facial wipes
- makeup
- nursing bra
- nursing pads
- lotion
- essential oils & diffuser or humidifier- This is if you are going into labor in a very dry place… i.e. winter in Utah. I was really wishing I had taken something like a humidifier or diffuser when I had my son in December because hospitals are extremely dry and the dry cold weather made it even worse… scratchy throat, chapped lips, sinus issues etc. Thus, I’ll be packing this diffuser for our next baby (due in December as well). I’ll also be taking a combo of essential oils which really help with my nausea (peppermint, lemon, and lavender) because I get really nauseous before I have my baby. UPDATE on second labor- I loved having my diffuser there! It made the room smell really nice (especially nice for company), helped combat nausea, and put moisture in the air.
- Tums (if you battle acid reflux)
- Preggie pops or suckers to suck on if you are planning on getting an epidural and would like something to suck on (if they allow you to).
- Honey sticks (great for energy but not filling-marathon runners eat honey during races)
- Pregnancy pillow (if you think you’ll be there for awhile). I wished I had had mine because I was in the hospital for 6 days. Plus, you can sit on it on the ride home. Some readers have suggested a hemorrhoid pillow like this for the ride home from the hospital and the days afterwards. One reader said you can ask the hospital for a donut pillow or call ahead to see if they provide them.
- Cell phone
- Phone charger
- baby book- if you want to get the baby’s feet stamped in the book.
- comfortable clothes and shoes. I love having non-slip slippers for walking around the hospital because my feet swell from the IV fluids and my other shoes won’t fit.
- stay-over hygiene stuff: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, brush etc.
- Insurance cards
- Paperwork needed
For Baby:
- onsies
- swaddle blanket, You aren’t supposed to take the hospital blankets home (I love these Aden and Anais swaddle blankets)
- car seat (make sure it is not expired)
- If you are giving labor in winter or fall this car seat cover is a must have (in my opinion). We LOVED it for our son and now we love it for our daughter.
- Hat for baby
- baby gloves to prevent them from scratching themselves all over and/or nail clippers.
- Two baby ‘going home’ outfits in case of a blowout or leak right before you leave.
- Nose Frieda snot sucker… my son was always congested and this was a total life saver even when he was a little newborn.
- A few diapers for the ride home if needed (usually the hospital provides these).
- Wipes (usually the hospital provides these)
- Binkies- try a variety of kinds. My son would only take to these. But I have friends whose babies took to other brands like NUK and Avent.
- Another item I discovered recently is the Owlet Baby Monitor. It is a smart sock that monitors the baby’s oxygen just like a hospital monitors oxygen through our skin. It alerts you if the baby’s oxygen levels drop and has very plausibly saved two of my friend’s babies! It’s simply amazing! You can read an honest and unbiased review on it here. Or here. Click here to buy or to learn more about Owlet.
For Dad:
- Phone
- phone charger
- DVDs
- laptop
- phone
- camera
- camera charger or batteries
- a couple of outfits
- hygiene items
- sleepover hygiene stuff: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, brush etc.
For Siblings:
If you have other children that will be going to grandma and grandpas or the sitters it is good to have them packed before-hand as well. Of course this list will vary based on your child here are a few things I’ll be packing for our 2 year old.
- shirts
- pants
- socks
- shoes
- diapers
- wipes
- snacks
- toys
- favorite stuffed animal
- car seat
- coat
- sippy cups
- favorite DVDs
Need a list of items to have at home? Here is a baby checklist which also contains substitutions for less needed items.
Make sure to check out that post of 11 Secrets to Have in Your Labor Bag before getting packed and see if you hospital will provide the items mentioned.
A few people in the comments have said I way over packed. But I had everything on this list (besides the birthing ball) PLUS all of my kids’ dad’s overnight and my overnight stuff, and the babies outfits and things in one large suitcase. It really didn’t look ridiculous to come in with one suitcase and a birthing ball at all. We also had the car seat that he brought in later. UPDATE– during my daughters birth almost all of these items came in super handy. I was glad to have packed them.
Did I miss anything? If so, leave a comment below!
Are you more of a minimalist? If yes, this post is for you.
If you haven’t yet, you’ll want to check out this post about 11 secrets to have in your labor bag here.
Having a C Section? If so, this post is for you.
For other ‘rich living’ and pregnancy/postpartum tips, please subscribe, like me on Facebook, and follow me on Pinterest and Instagram.

Young pregnant blonde with suitcase ready to travel
I would add Gatorade was a life saver after delivery as you are so dehydrated!
Wonderful idea! I was so weak after my labor first was 4 days long second was 6 days long (active labor was about 10 and 14 respectively). I would’ve LOVED to down a bunch of Gatorade, I needed those electrolytes. Great idea, thanks!
Your list is a godsend! Thanks for creating such a thorough list. I’m due with my first in April and I felt so unprepared, but this list took the edge off. I feel so much more prepared now. I printed the list for my hubby and I and I am perusing Amazon (love that site!) as well. Thanks again!
For the DAD/Coach: Gotta have some super comfy shoes, handful of snacks and a water bottle for HIM. Guys get cranky when they are not fed. Trying to support you and stay happy and helpful will go much smoother if they are hydrated, snacked up and their legs are not turning to mush!
Great list!
Thanks Wendy! Yes I totally agree. My husband had to leave to get food while I was in labor multiple times (since my first I labored for four days). When he was gone during painful times I was wishing he were there. Having snacks and food for them is smart!
Love this list! I also noticed that the content to “11 secrets to have in your labor bag” is missing? Just wondering if that will be reposted? I had pinned it several weeks ago and came back to it today to write everything down. Not due till October so I have some time. Thank you!
Here is the link. https://livelikeyouarerich.com/11-secrets-to-have-in-your-labor-bag-for-women-only/ I’m so sorry it wasn’t working on the pin you pinned.
I really wish someone would make a list customized just for people having pre-arranged cesarean. It’s been difficult for my friends and I to read tons of lists on what to bring and have to ditch over half the items because they don’t apply.
Thanks an amazing idea! Thanks Ashley. I’ll do just that!
Hi! I just found your list of items to bring that most don’t really know about, & I LOVE that you made that post! I am pregnant now with number 2 after 3 1/2 years, some of those slipped my memory, but now I remember how much ALL of those things come in handy! I’ll definitely be getting stocked up soon on them now, instead of having my husband have to make all of those last minute target runs! 🙂 you definitely are helping a ton of women with these lists! (They’re SO much more realistically helpful than 95% of any others I’ve read recently!)
Thanks so much Jessica! I really appreciate your kinds words. Congratulations on baby #2!! Yay! Yes I wrote that post almost in anger that no one told me about many of the things you need to heal at home with. So thank you so much for your comment!
FYI for breastfeeding moms: the peppermint can decrease your milk supply!:)
Thanks for the FYI!
Thank you so much for this list!!! I’m prepping for my first in November and had absolutely no idea what to pack!! Now my Amazon cart is full and ready to order!
Oh good. I know it was so nice to have these items. Congratulations!
Great list…thank you so much! I’m also going to take baby nail scissors, as I found clippers terrifying to attempt with my first child. These Piyo Piyo scissors are great (but cheaper elsewhere): https://www.amazon.com/Piyo-Yellow-Baby-Nail-Scissors/dp/B004DFO57M
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you so much for posting this list! I’m a first time mama with a little one due in the next few weeks. Your list was super helpful.
I was wondering if your owlet code is still viable or has that expired?
Thank you! 🙂
If you click the link it does work and I do get some credit (at no cost to you) but the discount is over and I have removed that portion from the blog.
I’m having my 3rd and my kid(s) come to the labor (2 years and 4 years old). I would bring for them clothes, special snacks, a portable dvd player, and a bag of toys they have never played with. I don’t have family in the area and I know there are many other in my situation, fortunately the hospital doesn’t care about siblings in the room
I was only in for 45 minutes with my last birth before I had my daughter, I waited super last minute so my son who was 2 didn’t have to get out of hand. But not everyone can do that; it’s a painful car ride
Whew! I didn’t know there is a lot to put in that labor bag. I’ll be sure to share this list with my wife. Birth, for men, is a total mystery already. The biggest question for me is “how not to pass out” during that day. Thinking about it gives me jitters.