What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag (From a Mom of Six)

When you’re pregnant with your first baby, packing your hospital bag suddenly feels like preparing for a three-week expedition.

You start Googling lists and suddenly people are telling you to bring things like essential oils, ten baby outfits, a sound machine, special lighting, and snacks for an entire football team.

After having six babies, I can confidently tell you this:

You really do not need half that stuff.

Hospitals actually provide a lot more than people realize, and when you’re in labor you mostly just want a few things that make you comfortable.

I’m a mom of six and a photographer based in York, Pennsylvania, so I’ve packed my fair share of hospital bags over the years. After doing this a few times you learn pretty quickly what actually gets used and what just stays in the bag the whole time.

So here’s my real-life hospital bag list.

The One Thing You Absolutely Need

Bring a long phone charger.

Trust me.

Hospital outlets are somehow always placed ten miles away from the bed. A long charger cord lets you keep your phone nearby for pictures, texting family, or scrolling while you’re awake at 3 AM with your newborn.

A regular charger cord will betray you. I recommend a 10 foot one.

Comfortable Clothes for After Baby

Once the baby arrives, you are going to want comfortable clothes.

Not cute clothes.
Not Instagram clothes.

Comfortable clothes.

Think things like:

• loose pajamas. think comfy loungewear. Your belly doesn’t magically disappear after birth, so loose waistbands and soft fabrics will feel a whole lot better than anything tight.
• oversized shirts easy, cozy, and perfect for those first hours when you just want to relax and hold your baby. Button-up styles are also really convenient if you’re planning to breastfeed.
• nursing tops and bras these make feeding so much easier, especially when you’re learning and figuring things out in those first couple days.
• soft leggings or sweatpants something stretchy and comfortable that doesn’t press on your stomach is ideal. Comfort really is the goal here.

Your body just did something incredible. Comfort is the goal.

Going Home Outfit for Baby

You really only need one outfit for the baby.

Hospitals usually keep babies in little hospital shirts and blankets most of the time anyway. Bring something simple and soft for the ride home.

Maybe bring one backup too… because babies have perfect timing when it comes to poopy blowouts.

Simple newborn sleepers are perfect for your baby’s hospital bag going-home outfit.

Snacks (Trust Me On This)

Hospital food is fine… but after having a baby you will be hungry in a way you didn’t know was possible.

Bring snacks you actually like.

Things like:

• granola bars easy, quick energy when you don’t feel like waiting for hospital food. Something you can grab with one hand while holding your baby is even better.
• trail mix salty, sweet, and full of protein. Plus you can just keep a bag next to your bed and snack whenever you need to.
• crackers simple, light, and sometimes exactly what your stomach wants after delivery.
• chocolate (very important) because after growing and delivering a whole human… you deserve chocolate. No explanation needed.
• drinks you enjoy I always highly recommend BODYARMOR sports drinks. They taste great and can really help with hydration after delivery, which your body definitely needs.

Late-night hospital hunger is REAL.

Basic Toiletries

You’ll want a few normal things just to feel human again.

Things like:

• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• hairbrush
• face wash
• deodorant

Even brushing your teeth after delivery can make you feel ten times better.

A Few Comfort Things That Can Actually Help During Labor

You don’t need to pack half your house, but a few small comfort items can really help during labor.

Some moms like bringing:

• an eye mask in case you want to rest and the lights are driving you crazy
• massage oil or lotion so someone can rub your back during contractions
• lip balm because hospital air will dry your lips out immediately
• hair ties or clips to keep your hair out of your face
• a tennis ball or massage ball for lower back pressure during contractions

Lower back pressure during labor can feel amazing, so having something like a tennis ball handy is actually really helpful.

Don’t Forget the Birthing Buddy

Also… don’t forget about the Birthing Buddy.

Whether that’s dad, your best friend, your mom, or your sister’s best friend’s cousin lol, whoever is there supporting you should bring comfortable clothes too.

Labor can take a while, and they’ll be there right beside you through the whole adventure.

Nobody wants a grumpy support person because they packed like they were just running to Target for ten minutes.

What You DON’T Need to Bring

There are a few things people stress about bringing that honestly aren’t necessary.

Most hospitals already provide things like:

• diapers
• wipes
• baby blankets
• postpartum recovery supplies

If you’re delivering locally around York, hospitals like UPMC Memorial Hospital
https://www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/memorial

or WellSpan York Hospital
https://www.wellspan.org/locations/hospitals/york-hospital/

they already provide a lot of the essentials for both mom and baby.

So you really don’t need to overpack.

One Last Thing

Having a baby is one of the most emotional, exciting, exhausting, beautiful experiences there is.

Your hospital bag doesn’t have to be perfect.

All you really need are a few essentials, someone you love beside you, and the excitement of meeting the tiny person who’s about to change your entire world.

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

Most doctors recommend having your hospital bag ready around 36 weeks of pregnancy. Babies have their own timelines, and having everything packed ahead of time can make those last few weeks feel a lot less stressful.

If you’re expecting a baby in York or Lancaster, Pennsylvania, having your bag ready ahead of time can give you a lot of peace of mind when the big day arrives.

Thinking About Maternity or Newborn Photos?

If you’re expecting and thinking about documenting this season of life, maternity and newborn sessions are such a beautiful way to remember it.

I photograph growing families throughout York, Lancaster, and surrounding Pennsylvania areas in a relaxed, natural style that focuses on real connection and moments.

You can learn more about my maternity photography sessions here:
https://karamichellephotos.com/maternity

See what a newborn photography session looks like here:
https://karamichellephotos.com/newborn

Or get in touch here if you’d like to start planning your session:
https://karamichellephotos.com/contact

Because those early days go by way faster than anyone warns you about.

If you’re in those final weeks before baby arrives, you might also enjoy reading what to do in the last month of pregnancy for a few simple ways to feel more prepared.