I’ll be honest – I had my hospital bag half-packed by 32 weeks during my first pregnancy. I was READY. This time? I’m 38 weeks pregnant and... let’s just say I know exactly what to pack, I just haven’t done it yet. 🤷♀️ But hey, I’ve got everything in a pile near the door, so if labor starts, I can panic-pack like a pro.
Since I’ve done this before (and learned what I actually used and what just took up space), I thought I’d help you out. Below is everything I’m packing for my second birth – including my favorite real-mom hacks, what I’d do differently if I knew it would be another C-section, and why you might want to pack a hair comb for contractions. (Yes, really.)
👇 Want a pretty printable version of this checklist (C-section version included!)?
When should you pack your hospital bag?
Ideally, you should have your hospital bag packed around week 35 or 36, but definitely aim for no later than week 37 – don’t be like me. 🙈 Babies don’t care about your to-do list, and trust me, the last thing you want is to be running around looking for clean leggings between contractions.
I recommend packing in small stages – or if you're like me, ignore your own advice and do it in one go while slightly panicking. Either way, just make sure it's done early enough so you’re not caught off guard..
What kind of bag should you use?
Here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not just about what you pack – it’s how you pack it.
The best decision I made last time was to pack my things in two separate sections – one for labor, one for postpartum. Whether that’s two bags, or one bag with packing cubes, it makes a huge difference when you’re exhausted and trying to find lip balm while someone’s yelling “push.”
If you like to stay organized (or want your partner to find things without panicking), this method is a must.
As for the actual bag? You’ve got options:
- Duffle or weekender bags are roomy and easy to carry.
- A rolling suitcase is great if you don’t want to carry anything heavy.
- Backpacks are a personal fave of mine – they keep your hands free and distribute weight evenly.
- And don’t underestimate the power of packing cubes – they keep things neat even if you toss everything into one big bag.
Don’t have packing cubes? No stress! You can easily use ziplock bags, reusable fabric pouches, or even labeled plastic shopping bags you already have at home. Just label them with a marker – "labor", "postpartum", "baby", etc. It’s not fancy, but it works like a charm when you’re half asleep and digging for nipple cream in the dark.
Basically: there’s no right or wrong here. Just make it make sense for YOU – and make sure whatever you bring is easy to open one-handed while eating a granola bar and bouncing on a birth ball. 😅
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
🛍️ You can also browse everything I mention (and more) in my curated Amazon Storefront – organized by country! → View hospital bag favorites for the US and India.
Labor bag:
- Birth plan (print it!)
- Water with a straw (trust me – lifesaver during contractions and breastfeeding!)
- Snacks + energy bars
- Hair ties / clip
- Lip balm (you’ll breathe like a dragon)
- Phone + charger + headphones
- Towel
- Flip flops or slippers
My weird but amazing must-have?
A hair comb to squeeze during contractions. It distracts your brain and genuinely helped me cope when I labored all night and morning. More labor hacks here.
Postpartum bag:
- Peri bottle (I couldn’t shower immediately after my C-section – this saved my life)
- Mesh underwear + maternity pads
- Nipple cream (because ouch)
- Nursing bra or tank top
- Big water bottle (you’ll be SO thirsty breastfeeding)
- Comfortable clothes for going home (think soft leggings, oversized T-shirt, cozy socks)
- Optional: postpartum belly band, cooling breast pads, and yes – stretch mark cream (you’re still healing!)
👉 Pro tip: Mesh underwear also makes a surprisingly comfy "bra" to hold breast pads while healing.
What I packed for baby
Honestly? The hospital provides a lot. But I still like to bring:
- 2–3 onesies (long-sleeved)
- Muslin cloths
- Newborn hat + socks
- Going home outfit (I packed two sizes: newborn + 0–3M)
- Pacifier (optional)
- Comfort toy or name board for photo (optional)
🍼 No need to bring diapers and wipes – most hospitals have those covered.
What about your partner/support person?
In Slovenia (where I gave birth), my partner was with me during labor and then visited every day during allowed hours. Some hospitals allow partners to stay overnight – but this really varies by country and hospital.
In the US, partners often stay in the room the whole time. In Europe, they’re usually present at birth, then visit.
So check with your hospital first!
Also, have your partner prep:
- Car seat + base (installed!)
- Clean car + mirror mounted
- Tidy home: sheets, dishes, dust, floors…
- Bonus: surprise flowers or snack waiting for you at home 😍
What about C-section mamas?
I had an emergency C-section with my first, so I’m packing for both options this time. If you're planning or open to a C-section:
- Add: abdominal binder, soft high-waisted underwear, extra comfy loose clothes
- Plan for longer hospital stay (usually 3–5 days)
- You won’t need perineal spray, but still bring the peri bottle for gentle cleaning
✅ Don’t worry – my free checklist download includes a version specifically for C-section moms. CLICK HERE TO GRAB IT!
Final tips (learned the hard way):
- Pack your bag by week 36.
- Use separate bags or packing cubes to avoid digging chaos.
- Check what your hospital provides – some give you mesh underwear, pads, diapers, etc.
- Documents vary by country – bring ID, health insurance card, pregnancy records, and birth plan at minimum.
- Add a sticky note on top of your bag for last-minute items like phone chargers or your favorite leggings.
Grab the free checklist!
💬 Have questions? DM me on Instagram @wannabe.diary or check out related posts: