Ultimate Unexpectedly Helpful Things to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Ultimate Unexpectedly Helpful Things to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

When you Google “what to pack in your hospital bag,” you might surprised to find you need less than you thought. The basics are pretty consistent—and for good reason. Most hospitals, like INOVA Fairfax, provide essentials and offer a simple list of what you actually need. For example, they usually have basic toiletries and you can choose to use from the hospital, or pack your own.

But let’s talk about the unexpectedly helpful stuff. The random items real moms actually packed (or wish they had). The ones you won’t find on the official hospital list but totally saved the day.

Stuff That Actually Helped:

  • Long phone charger or portable battery
    The outlet is always just out of reach.

  • Velcro swaddle
    Somehow I forgot our own swaddle three times, but swaddling with a hospital blanket at 2 a.m. is not necessary right of passage.

  • Nursing pillow
    The other option is stacking the hospital pillows, which will be fine too, but some moms prefer the comfort of their own nursing pillow.

  • Small thank-you gifts
    A handwritten note and some chocolate go a long way when a nurse totally saves your sanity. Not mandatory—but sweet and appreciated.

  • Voice recorder or notes app
    My husband brought a Limitless AI recorder, but your phone works too. Helpful for remembering what the pediatrician or lactation consultant said when your brain is running on no sleep.

  • Ear plugs
    Hospitals are noisy. If you get the chance to sleep (maybe baby’s in the nursery, maybe you’re waiting overnight for an induction), plug in and rest up.

  • Eye mask
    The nurse’s computer screen, hallway lights, sunlight at 6 a.m.—they’re all working against you. An eye mask will help maximize what little sleep you may get.

  • Your own pillow (with a distinct pillowcase)
    Those hospital pillows are flat and sad. And the beds get hard after a few days. Just use a colored pillowcase so it doesn’t get mixed up with theirs.

  • Blanket or stroller fan
    Depending on if you run hot or cold, you might want to have more control over your temperature.

  • Your own breast pump
    If you already have one and want help learning to use it, bring it along. It’s helpful to get tips from the hospital’s lactation consultant while you’re there.

  • A truly roomy going-home outfit
    Trust me: size up. Think big, loose pants and an oversized top. Nothing tight around the belly or ankles.

  • Nail file or clippers for the baby
    Some babies come out with nails and scratch their face in the first few days, so bringing along a nail file can keep them ready for their newborn close up.

  • Caffeine pills
    Is this a little rogue? Maybe. But I was glad to know I had them when I needed my fix and the cafeteria was busy. (Talk to your provider, of course.)

What I Packed but Didn’t Use:

  • Robe or pajamas
    I didn’t want to get my own stuff gross, so I just used the hospital’s glamorous gowns.
  • iPad
    I personally never had any downtime for personal entertainment.

Don’t Forget About Dad (or your support person):

Your partner’s going to be camped out in uncomfortable quarters for a couple nights. Here’s a few things for their list:

  • Pillow + sleeping bag (or blanket)
  • Eye mask and ear plugs
  • Food! Mom gets hospital food, dad does not
  • Toiletries and clothes, of course

If you’re parking at the hospital and concerned about overpacking, you can always leave the extras in the car and send someone to restock.