Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery? Here's the short answer: comfy clothes you can nurse in, a soft bra, roomy postpartum underwear, slippers and toiletries for you, plus a coming-home outfit, a hat and a swaddle for baby. Pack it a few weeks before your due date, keep it light, and you'll walk out the door calm instead of scrambling. Below is the full mom-and-baby checklist, with a printable version at the end.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
Many moms aim to have their bag packed somewhere between 32 and 36 weeks. That window gives you time to wash baby's clothes, try on your own pieces and fill any gaps without rushing. If your doctor or midwife has mentioned an earlier delivery is possible, it's worth packing a little sooner.
A few tips that make the whole thing easier:
- Use two bags. One small bag for labor (things you'll want right away) and one for after baby arrives. Your partner can bring the second one in later.
- Check your hospital's list. Many hospitals supply basics like mesh underwear, pads and newborn diapers. Ask at a prenatal visit or on your hospital tour so you don't overpack.
- Order online early. If you're shopping online for any of your bag items, give yourself plenty of buffer. At momzwear, US orders over $49 ship free, and most items take about 10–20 business days to arrive, so ordering around the start of your third trimester keeps things stress-free.
For Mom: Clothes and Comfort
You'll probably spend your labor in a hospital gown, so most of your own clothing is for the hours and days after birth. Think soft, loose and easy to open for feeding and skin-to-skin.
A Nursing Pajama Set or Robe
Changing into your own pajamas after delivery can make you feel like yourself again. Look for button-front tops, wrap styles or nightgowns with nursing access, and a robe you can throw on for visitors and hallway walks. The Maternity Nursing Nightgown & Robe Set pairs a breastfeeding-friendly V-neck gown with a matching three-quarter-sleeve robe, so it covers both jobs in one. For more options, browse our Sleep & Lounge collection for pajama sets in soft, stretchy fabrics.
A Nursing Bra or Sleep Nursing Bra
Your breasts may feel fuller and more tender in the first days, so pack something soft and wire-free. A sleep-style bra or bralette with clip-down straps is usually the easiest choice in the hospital, because you can wear it around the clock and open it with one hand. The Seamless Wireless Sleep & Nursing Bralette is a pull-on style with clip-down straps and no hooks or wires. Pack two so you have a spare.
Postpartum Underwear
Comfort matters more than anything here. Many moms like high-waisted briefs that sit well above the belly (and above a C-section incision, if you have one) and have room for a pad. Bring a few pairs even if your hospital provides disposable ones. The Cross-Smoothing High-Waist Briefs, 4-Pack are made for after baby, with a high waist and a soft, gently smoothing front panel. They're for comfort, not medical compression. You'll find more nursing bras, briefs and basics in our Bras & Innerwear collection.
A Belly Wrap (If You Want One)
Some moms like the gentle hold of a postpartum belly wrap while they move around after birth. It's a personal choice, so check with your doctor or midwife before using one, especially after a C-section, and ask how and when they'd suggest wearing it.
Slippers, Socks and a Going-Home Outfit
- Non-slip slippers or slides for walking the halls and shower floors
- Warm socks (hospital rooms can be chilly)
- A loose, comfortable going-home outfit. Your body will still feel pregnant for a while, so pack the clothes you wore around six months, not your pre-pregnancy jeans.
Toiletries and Little Comforts
- Lip balm, hair ties, a hairbrush and dry shampoo
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes and moisturizer
- Glasses or contact lens supplies
- A long phone charging cable
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle with a straw
- Your ID, insurance card and any hospital paperwork
For Baby: Coming-Home Outfit and Basics
Babies don't need much in the hospital, which makes this part fun to pack. Wash everything beforehand with a gentle, baby-friendly detergent.
A Coming-Home Outfit
Pack one outfit in newborn or 0–3 month size, plus a backup in case of a diaper surprise. Choose something soft that's easy to get on over a wobbly head, and dress for the weather outside. The Coming-Home Bodysuit, Pants & Hat Set is a three-piece outfit with a long-sleeve bodysuit, pull-on pants and a little bear-patch beanie, ready for first photos.
A Swaddle, Hat and Scratch Mittens
A swaddle blanket is handy for cuddles and photos, and a soft hat and scratch mittens help keep those tiny hands from scratching a brand-new face. The Swaddle Blanket & Hat Set includes an adjustable wrap-style swaddle with a matching hat. Always follow safe-sleep guidance: baby on their back, hats off for sleep, and stop swaddling once baby shows signs of rolling.
The Car Seat
You'll need a rear-facing infant car seat to drive home. Install it a few weeks early, and if you're unsure, many areas have certified car seat technicians who can check your installation.
Want more ideas for those first weeks? Our Newborn & Baby collection has bodysuits, rompers, swaddles and nursery basics.
Feeding Essentials
Whether you plan to breastfeed, pump, formula-feed or combine them, a few small items can make the first feeds more comfortable:
- Nursing pads. Washable or disposable pads tuck inside your bra in case of leaks.
- Nipple shields. Some moms use them, others never do. If you're curious, ask a lactation consultant whether they're right for you before you rely on them.
- A nursing cover or light scarf. Nice for privacy when visitors drop by.
- Nipple cream. Ask your nurse or lactation consultant which one they suggest.
- Formula and bottles, if you're planning to formula-feed. Check with your hospital first, since many provide newborn formula.
Most hospitals have lactation support on hand, so don't be shy about asking for help with latch or positioning during your stay.
What You Can Leave at Home
A packed bag that's too heavy is no fun to carry. You can usually skip:
- Lots of baby outfits (one or two is plenty)
- Diapers and wipes for the stay, if your hospital supplies them
- Jewelry and valuables
- Your pre-pregnancy clothes
- A full makeup bag. A few favorites are enough for photos.
Printable Hospital Bag Checklist
Copy this list into your notes app or print the page, and check things off as you pack.
For Mom
- ☐ Nursing pajama set, nightgown or robe
- ☐ 2 nursing or sleep bras
- ☐ 3–5 pairs of high-waisted postpartum underwear
- ☐ Belly wrap (optional, after checking with your provider)
- ☐ Non-slip slippers and warm socks
- ☐ Loose going-home outfit
- ☐ Toiletries, lip balm and hair ties
- ☐ Phone, long charging cable and headphones
- ☐ Snacks and a water bottle
- ☐ ID, insurance card and hospital paperwork
For Baby
- ☐ Coming-home outfit, plus a backup
- ☐ Hat and scratch mittens
- ☐ Swaddle or receiving blanket
- ☐ Weather-appropriate layer or blanket for the ride home
- ☐ Installed rear-facing car seat
For Feeding
- ☐ Nursing pads
- ☐ Nipple cream
- ☐ Nursing cover or scarf
- ☐ Bottles and formula, if needed and not provided
Packing your hospital bag is one of those little milestones that makes everything feel real. Keep it simple, pack for comfort, and trust that whatever you forget can be brought in later. If you have questions about any momzwear piece, email us at help@momzwear.com. We're cheering you on, mama.