Once you hit that third trimester, the days and weeks can feel paradoxically long and short: on the one hand, it feels like you’ve been waiting to meet your little one forever, but on the other hand, it feels like you suddenly have a lot to do before he or she arrives! One of the most important things to do earlier than you think is to pack your hospital bag.

Many of my close mom friends told me that my first baby would be in no rush to arrive and that I had plenty of time to pack my bag. However, once that first contraction hit at 38 weeks, I realized I had better stop procrastinating. With this being my first baby, I honestly had no idea what to pack and felt completely stressed out. I threw so many things in my bag that I assumed I needed, and I completely overpacked my hospital bag—ok, bags, plural.     

We asked our Real Moms what they packed for themselves, their partners, and their new babies and what they actually used during their hospital stay. So many also echoed my cries: pack that bag long before you think you’ll need it!

My hope for all of you expectant mamas is that no matter when your baby makes their debut, your hospital bag is already packed, and you’re prepared for anything! Wherever you are on your pregnancy journey, you can create a list, start stocking up on necessities, and be ready for that wonderful day when you get to meet your baby!

For Mom

Let’s first talk about the items you already have and will want right by your side while you’re in the hospital. Our Real Moms agree: your own pillow and a favorite blanket are a must! Hospital sleep won’t be the greatest, but hopefully, it can be a little more comfortable with the help of your familiar favorites.

Real Mom Katie B. also adds, “A heating pad– I had terrible back pain and cramping after birth. It helped so much!”

Don’t forget your toiletry bag filled with essentials like a mini shampoo and conditioner, face wash, lip balm (a must, as your lips get so dry while pushing), and scrunchies. Some moms didn’t bother with makeup while at the hospital; howeverver, after taking that first shower post-delivery I was so happy to put on moisturizer and mascara.

New moms often want to know if they really need to pack real clothes for the hospital. Our Real Moms all say yes! Be sure to pack a comfortable going-home outfit for when you leave. Real mom Sofia packed her own hospital gown that had buttons going down the back and easily detachable straps for skin-to-skin and nursing. Real mom Grayson packed button-down pajamas that are comfortable and have great nursing ability.  My personal favorite item that I packed was my pumping/ nursing bra. I struggled to nurse my first baby so having easy access to the pump made the process so much easier.

Real mom Rachel G. shares that her favorite thing she packed in her hospital bag was her matching robe and baby’s pajamas. She said, “The matching robe was not only practical while at the hospital but made for super cute pictures.” A robe also makes nursing a breeze.  

Speaking of breastfeeding, Real Mom Allison L. suggests bringing a nipple shield and Real Mom Sara H. added nipple butter and a Boppy to her list of must-haves. The boppy was crucial to support your tiny new baby learning how to nurse and support your freshly postpartum body.

 For Dad

My husband is the procrastinator between the two of us and ended up haphazardly throwing a bunch of stuff into a backpack when he realized it was time to head to the hospital. So when I asked him what he wished he had packed, he mentioned warm clothes, because those hospital rooms get chilly! Slippers and a few pairs of socks are a must for Dad! Add in some comfy jogger sweatpants, a few t-shirts, and of course, all the regular toiletries and your hubby will be set.

Real Mom Alivia J. suggests packing healthy and filling snacks like nuts and granola bars (especially for Dad!), and I couldn’t agree more. If you deliver late at night, you might not have access to the hospital cafeteria, and your hubby won’t want to leave your side to venture out for food.

Also make sure dad packs earbuds and extra long charging cords, says Real Moms Sara H. and Amy P. My husband was glad he brought his laptop, too, so he could begin the process of adding the baby to our insurance.

Another tech item to add to Dad’s bag: a small portable speaker. Real mom Cheryl says, “We loved being able to play relaxing music during my labor.”

 For Baby

When it comes to outfits for your baby, you don’t need to pack a ton as the hospital does give you a little onesie shirt to have them wear. But you may consider adding a few special outfits for photos and coming home! Real Mom Chelsea B. says that she was so happy to have brought cute personalized swaddles, pajamas, and bows for all the newborn photos she snapped at the hospital.  She even brought this super cute name sign to the hospital to be a part of birth announcement photos.

Real Mom Sara H. adds that any newborn sleepers you choose to bring should be zip-up (we couldn’t agree more- no snaps/buttons!) and come with mittens on them. Sweet babies often want to touch their faces, and with those long nails, scratch themselves. Sleepers with built-in mittens are easier than buying separate mittens that inevitably fall off of tiny hands. I also personally loved having knotted gowns for my baby while at the hospital. The nurses loved them for easy access to the baby and made diaper changes so easy.

While the hospital will provide a blanket, we loved bringing our own bamboo swaddle blankets, which we found a little easier to get nice and tight.

Looking for a one-stop shop for those cute hospital photos? Look no further than A Newborn Nest! A Newborn Nest is a complete linen set for your baby’s hospital bassinet. (Scratchy, faded hospital blankets & clothes are reused thousands of times!) All the pieces can be used at home too. You’ll have the most adorable “Hello World” first photos to introduce your little one! Shop their ready-to-go sets of bassinet sheets, gowns, blankets, and hats here.

Pro Tip: Whatever consumables are opened at the hospital can’t be reused. Real Mom Terra M. recommends packing an extra bag for all those diapers, wipes, disposable underwear, and ice packs. These items were all so nice to have in the first few days at home!

Regardless of what you remember or forget to pack for yourself, dad and baby, remember that you’ll have what’s most important right in front of you: a sweet newborn who thinks the world of you. And when friends and family offer to visit at the hospital and pick things up on the way- let them help! (I was so grateful my best friend stopped at the store to get deodorant for my husband because he’d forgotten to pack it!)

Our Real Moms offer some of the best advice, so check out a few of our other posts for new moms here. Still need help with your baby registry? We’ve got great checklists to get you started. And don’t forget to point your family and friends to all your registries right in one convenient place at RegistryFinder.com.

*Featured image from LoverlyGrey