I’ll be honest — I was so nervous about what I’d need postpartum. I was one of those moms who started packing her hospital bag at around 30 weeks (yep, that early 😅), and I had a huge list in my Notes app with everything I thought I needed. It felt like a puzzle — I didn’t want to overpack, but I also didn’t want to forget something important (my daily struggle in life).

If you’re feeling the same way, take a deep breath — I’ve got you. These are the things I actually took with me and truly used, so you don’t have to stress over it. The last few weeks of pregnancy should be all about relaxing, not panicking over your hospital bag.

Clothing/Shoes

Cozy shoes/slippers: https://amzn.to/4otwrFH

It took me way too long to pick slippers, but I knew I didn’t want to splurge on Uggs — let’s be real, a lot of fluids are involved after giving birth (TMI, I know 😅). I found these on Amazon and WOW — they’re even better than Uggs. I wore them walking in and out of the hospital, and they’re still holding up perfectly months later. Runs true to size — 10/10 would buy in every color.

Compression Socks: https://amzn.to/3J0PCrr

A must-have for those postpartum days. Your legs will thank you — the swelling is real. I also wore them all through pregnancy.

Cute socks: https://amzn.to/437XChh

I wanted socks to match my slippers and wanted to look somewhat presentable. These were so cute!

Birthing dress: https://amzn.to/47ubm8i

felt so much more like myself wearing this instead of the hospital gown. I labored for 30 hours, and being comfortable made a huge difference.

Flip flops: https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=460171032&vid=1&searchText=flip%20flops#pdp-page-content

Got these for $2 at Old Navy to use them in the shower and then threw them away at the hospital.

Black robe: https://amzn.to/43hgV7E

Perfect for feeling somewhat put together post-birth. It’s comfy, easy to move in, and makes those first baby pics a little cuter.

Going home outfit

I brought a cozy dress that had buttons and was stretchy.

Personal Items for Mama

Peri bottle: https://amzn.to/4nWXuJy

Just get it…. it will be your best friend for the next two weeks.

High wasted undies: https://amzn.to/48RWXnFh

I used these to keep my diaper with all my pads and creams in place. I felt more secure. They are not tight, very comfortable!

Postpartum diapers: https://amzn.to/47Bmkbh

These were the BEST. They didn’t feel bulky, and the breakaway sides make them super easy to remove. I’d layer a pad on top and add a little Vaseline to keep things from sticking (pro tip!).

Cold pads: https://amzn.to/4oiKsGe

I mainly used these at the hospital so you’re covered with one box. They help with the pain the days following birth. They were a bit uncomfortable when they stopped being cold but still helped a lot.

Pads to layer over diaper (trust me): https://amzn.to/3Ww6edT

I layered one over my diaper so I could just change that instead of the whole setup every time. Game changer.

Dermoplast: https://amzn.to/4hfYGFo

This numbs everything down there and was honestly a saving grace after because the soreness is real.

Vaseline lip therapy: https://amzn.to/4nXCmDh

A must for dry hospital air (and for moms with eczema like me). I had one in every bag.

Colostrum Collector: https://amzn.to/46XevNN

My plan was to collect it before or at the hospital but I never got my milk supply in so I just essentially used them to feed my baby during the first day when she was refusing a bottle.

Manual pump: https://amzn.to/47uJFfI

Also planned to use this but never got to it. My milk supply was non existent at the hospital. Still looked really good and was very easy to put together.

Pregnancy pillow: https://amzn.to/4nYCfHz

Brought this from home and was so glad I did. It helped me get comfortable during contractions and recovery — even Ceci loved snuggling with it later!

Cozy blanket: https://amzn.to/4nVYBZY

A little touch of home made the hospital room feel so much cozier.

Baby Items

Pacifiers: https://amzn.to/473O1c8

Ceci loved these right away. They were perfect for those first few fussy days.

Wipes (for mom and baby): https://amzn.to/48wFnFF

The hospital gives you wipes but I always like to have them handy.

Outfits

I packed her coming home outfit, a cozy outfit for after birth, and three pajamas — plus blankets, socks, and mittens. That was more than enough!

If you’re packing your hospital bag right now — don’t overthink it. Bring the things that make you feel comfortable and calm. You don’t need everything, just what will make your stay a little more “you.”

Every mom’s experience is different, but hopefully this list helps you feel a little more prepared — and a lot less stressed.