Must-Haves for Your Hospital Bag

You’re an expectant mami eagerly awaiting the big day. It’s been nine months in the making and soon you’ll be holding your baby for the first time. But what do you bring to the hospital or birthing center? We’ve got you covered with tips for what to bring for you and baby. First up, choose a lightweight bag that will be simple to carry in and out of the hospital. It’s a good idea to be packed up by week 34.

To buy: Zappos, $87

Forget the makeup bag, this is your glow bag. It’s everything you need to maximize your natural post-delivery glow—a lightweight moisturizer, a tulip-hued lip balm, and all natural cleansing wipes. This combination ensures that when you look back at your first photos with your bebé, you’ll look like your beautiful, natural self.

To buy: Wipes, Sephora, $20</a>; lip balm, Sephora, $23</a>; Kiehl’s moisturizer, Nordstrom, $19

It can take hours before you’re in active labor. If music helps you focus, bring some for your big day. Giving birth is a powerful experience, so I’m partial to women singers who belt out strong and beautiful lyrics. Some of my favorites include Lola Beltrán, Florence and the Machine, and Lila Downs. Don’t forget your chargers!

Swaddling helps newborns feel secure and comfortable, and it can help them sleep better too. Bring one or two of these lightweight cloths in your bag because they will be bigger and softer than what the hospital offers.

To buy: Aden & Anais, $45 for three

RELATED: How to swaddle a baby

Remember, it’s normal for your body to still look pregnant immediately following delivery, so the clothing you bring is an important choice. Yoga pants are flexibly sized and comfortable, making them perfect your hospital stay. A normal hospital or birthing center stay lasts two or three nights, so pack accordingly.

To buy: Old Navy, $20

The hospital will provide you with baby’s essentials for the first days of life, but you if you want to bring your own baby clothes, remember that newborns do best in light layers. Snap front rompers are an optimal choice because you can get your newborn in and out of them with ease. Snuggly socks and a cap are must-haves too.

To buy: Striped romper, Hanna Andersson, $35</a>; hat, Zutano, $11</a>; socks, Hanna Andersson, $10

One of the smartest things I brought in my hospital bag was a pack of cotton underwear to wear while I recovered from giving birth. The hospital will give you a few pairs of mesh underwear, but I much preferred my own. These may not be your usual style, but you can always toss them later. A good rule of thumb is to get a size that would fit your body at six months pregnant.

To buy: Amazon, $12

A robe can help take the chill off while you’re sitting around in a hospital gown or use it after delivery while you practice skin-to-skin with your bebé. It’s also great for moms who are breastfeeding. Color lifts the spirit and will brighten your first mami-and-me photographs, so go bold.

To buy: Nordstrom, $58

Mamás who breastfeed will need nursing-friendly tops, pajamas and bras. Some of the hook and closure nursing bras can be cumbersome to use when you are breastfeeding every few hours. Stretchy sleep nursing bras are comfortable enough for day or night while at the hospital. Bring a few nursing pads just in case; Lansinoh makes disposable ones.

To buy: Belabumbum, $38</a>; Amazon, $4

Snacks are a must-have in your bag because you’ll be spending a few days in the hospital. Everyone loves sweets but nuts can give you a boost of energy when you need it most. Since you’ll likely be functioning on little sleep, any extra energy is a big help. Oren’s Kitchen makes some of the tastiest combinations, but a raw mix from your local supermarket works fine too.

To buy: Oren’s Kitchen, $14

This is likely too big to go inside your hospital bag, but it’s still worth bringing and leaving in your car in case you need it. I learned this the hard way when nurses tried to help me position my baby for breastfeeding with the aid of folded hospital pillows that kept slipping. Our Boppy pillow made breastfeeding my newborn much easier and I wish I could have used it on our first few nights.

To buy: Amazon, $40

Although it’s advised to take it easy in the days following birth, you’ll still be doing some light walking between your baby, bed, and bathroom while you’re in the hospital. Your feet might get a little swollen too. You can easily slip these on and off and even wear them directly into the shower, so this useful pick definitely deserves a spot in your bag. We love the classic Brazilian brand, Havaianas, that has plenty of colors and fun prints to choose from, like this pair with a sugar skull.

To buy: Havaianas, $28