I’m 24 and about to give birth to my second baby, and packing for the hospital is still a wild ride. From what I learned the first time to the little hacks I am adding this time, I am sharing exactly what’s in my bag and my baby’s bag, so you can see what is really essential and what is totally extra. Think first time mom confessions, second time survival tips, and everything you need to make delivery day as cozy and stress free as possible.
24 And Having Baby Number Two
I am approaching my due date in February and I have completed my hospital bags, with just a few things still left to pack. This time around, I feel a lot less anxious, but I still worry I will get there and feel like I do not have everything I need. The first time I went, to be honest, I left the same day with my son. I did not stay the night and wanted to come home right away, so everything I brought, I did not really use. But the things I did use, I know are my personal essentials. This time, I am definitely planning to stay, as my first is now a toddler and I need some rest before going home. Everything we are bringing for me and baby is cute, cozy, and practical.
Comfy Essentials For Mom
The last time I was in labour, I made sure to bring all the little things, but not the major essentials. I was very cold in the hospital, and I gave birth in July! This time around, it will be winter, so here are the things I am making sure to bring to stay cozy, comfortable, and ready for baby.
What to pack:
- Sweaters – Layering is key in the hospital, especially in winter. They keep you warm during downtime and skin-to-skin moments.
- Cozy pants and pajamas – Comfort first. These are perfect for resting, sleeping, and lounging without feeling restricted.
- Maternity bras – Easy for feeding and provide support while nursing.
- Cozy socks – Hospital floors are often cold, so keep your feet warm.
- Big, comfortable underwear – Extra padding and room make postpartum life so much easier.
- Comfy shorts – In case you get a bit warm or need to move around comfortably.
- Oversized tee shirts – Great for layering and easy to change into; plus, I pack a couple of nicer daytime shirts to feel fresh and put together.
- Robe – Perfect for after a shower or just as a loose, cozy option to wear around the hospital.
Baby’s Bag Essentials
With Sabo, we had him in swaddles most of the time. The hospital provides a few items and even helps wrap your baby for you. They also gave him a little hat and had a whole cart of essentials just for him, like diapers, wipes, and creams. It was enough for a two-day stay, but they do not provide clothing. They do give towels, a little blanket, and other necessary items, but anything else you want your baby to wear, you will need to bring yourself. Here is what we are packing for our daughter this time.
What we packed for our daughter:
- Three pairs of pajamas – Comfortable for sleeping and lounging in the hospital.
- One swaddle – For cozy, secure sleep and skin-to-skin time.
- Two blankets – One for warmth and one for extra comfort.
- Three hats – To keep her little head warm.
- Two sets of hand coverings – To protect tiny hands from scratches.
- Four pairs of socks – To keep her feet cozy.
- One daytime outfit – For photos or just to feel a little dressed.
- One going-home outfit – Cute, practical, and ready for the car ride.
- Onesies and sleepers – Soft and comfy for tiny toes.
- Diapers and wipes – For easy changes during the hospital stay.
- Soft cloths – Perfect for wiping up milk or for her first bath at the hospital.
Going Home Outfit
For the going home outfit, we’re keeping it cozy and practical. Fleece bottoms, a long sleeve top, and a sweater without a hood make for a comfy car ride. We will pair it with a cute hat, mitts, socks, and warm shoes and add a soft blanket over the car seat to keep the baby snug all the way home.
Favourite Extra Item
One of my all-time favourite items after giving birth was my belly wrap. I put that thing on right after delivery, and let me tell you, it helped so much. I felt supported, and it made the transition a lot easier for bending over, picking things up, or just moving in general. Not only does it help your body recover, but it adds a lot of support to your lower back and core when everything still feels tender.
Other comforting extras:
- Cozy blanket – Perfect for snuggling baby during your stay.
- Sentimental keepsake – A small personal item to make the experience feel special.
- Comfort snack or drink– For quick moments of calm in between.
- Headphones for labour – Whether it’s music, meditation, or your favourite playlist, they help you stay focused and calm through contractions.
Postpartum & Comfort Essentials
These are a few things that made my hospital stay so much more comfortable and helped me feel more like myself after giving birth. Some of them might not be essentials, but they make a big difference when you are in a space that can feel a little unfamiliar.
This time around I am packing a few things that made a huge difference last time, and a few new ones that I wish I had brought sooner.
Postpartum bottle: Perfect for when wiping feels super painful, even with wipes. Just fill it with water and spray the area. It feels so much better than trying to wipe down there.
Breast pads: A must-have for leaking. You can slip them into your maternity bra to catch those moments and stay comfortable.
Disposable underwear: The hospital gives you some, but these ones are perfect for after or when you do not want to keep asking for more. They are stretchy, comfortable, and made to be thrown away without creating harmful waste.
Personal hospital gown: This was super important to me. The normal gowns only open at the back and stay open, which felt uncomfortable. When I had my first, I got mine off Amazon. It had buttons that opened and closed where I needed, not always open or restrictive. It made a big difference, especially when the baby came.
Breastfeeding pillow: Helps with your abs and gives great support so you do not feel like you have to hold the baby up while lying in bed.
Breastfeeding cover: I’m bringing one this time so I do not have to wear only easy access clothing. Honestly, when I was looking online, nothing looked cute to me, so I bought pieces I would actually wear at home or out. The cover gives me privacy while letting me look down at my baby and still wear things that make me feel like myself.
Toiletries: A huge must in feeling fresh and grounded while you are in a space that can feel a bit mentally draining.
Towel and shower shoes: Last time I brought Crocs, and this time I’m packing both Crocs and slippers. Perfect for keeping clean and comfy in the hospital bathroom.
Robe: Great for after a shower or just as a loose, cozy option to wear around the room.
Cloths: Handy for wiping milk or when your baby has their first bath. Those little moments can get messy quickly.
Vicks: Helps with congestion or just to feel clear and refreshed.
Slippers: Keep your feet warm and cozy during your stay.
Headphones: Perfect for labour to tune out noise, listen to music, or focus on your breathing.
These little things might not seem huge, but they truly help you feel more like yourself during such a big moment.
Hospital Bag Toiletries Essentials
Here are my toiletries. To be honest, taking a shower after birth and just putting on fresh clothes, brushing your hair, and doing your routine made me feel so much more relaxed.
The first time we stayed, we were there for around 14 hours before heading home. I had a shower, ate two meals, took a nap, and honestly felt amazing. This time around, I’m making sure I have everything I need to feel refreshed and comfortable again.
Face wash: To gently cleanse and wake up your skin after labour.
Leave-in conditioner: Keeps your hair soft and easy to manage when you might not have time for a full routine.
Body lotion: Helps hydrate your skin and brings a bit of comfort after a long day.
Pillow or room spray: Makes the hospital room feel more like home and helps you relax before resting.
Extra conditioner: Because hospital air can be super dry and your hair might need a little more love.
Mini shampoo and conditioner: Perfect travel size for a quick refresh without overpacking.
Night serum: Helps your skin recover and feel nourished, especially after the long hours of labour.
Body wash: Just something that feels good and smells fresh — a small way to feel normal again.
Hair ties: You’ll thank yourself for packing a few extra.
Tooth brush: Super Important!!
These little comforts make a big difference when you’re recovering, bonding with your baby, and just trying to feel human again.
Before You Leave
Make sure you have everything ready so the trip to the hospital is smooth and stress-free.
Birth plan: Have your preferences on hand so you can share them with your care team.
Wallet and documentation: Keep your ID and insurance cards together in one place.
Car seat: Install it in your car by 24 weeks to be ready ahead of time.
Phone charger: Stay connected and capture all the special moments.
Headphones: Perfect for relaxing during the ride or preparing for labour.
Water and snacks: Keep hydrated and energized for the journey and early recovery.
Final Thoughts
Packing for the hospital can feel overwhelming, but having your essentials ready makes such a difference. From clothes and toiletries to little comfort items and your baby’s must-haves, each item helps you feel more prepared, relaxed, and supported during such a big moment.
I hope sharing my hospital bag gives you some helpful ideas and inspiration for your own stay.
If you want more tips, behind-the-scenes moments, or just want to reach out, follow me on Instagram @Taylor.cookk. I would love to hear from you and connect!
