Your baby is almost here! In addition to all of the excitement and nesting going on, you’ll also want to start thinking about making your hospital bag list. There are some things you definitely need to bring for the best postpartum recovery experience, and a few that you can leave behind. Let me share my favorite must-haves as someone who has been through this three times!

Hospital Bag List Must Have Items

1. A Comfortable Nightgown

Having something comfortable to wear is a necessity during your time at the hospital. I found one like this one at Target, but really, anything that is comfortable and nursing-friendly is a great option.

2. A Nursing and Pumping Bra

It’s already stressful enough figuring out how to nurse or pump with a newborn. Having a nursing bra that can fit flanges, collection cups, and be easy to nurse in is essential during this time. That’s why the Amelia Pumping & Nursing Crop Cami is a great addition to your hospital bag list. Not only is it practical, but it is also soft, comfortable, and doesn’t rub or irritate your sore nipples. Remember that Pumping Bras are FSA/HSA Eligible with your insurance! You can submit a receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement!

3. Boppy Pillow

I absolutely love my Boppy Pillow and found it to be a huge help while nursing. It can be awkward and uncomfortable to nurse a new baby in the hospital, but this pillow helped me position my baby with ease and make the whole experience easier.

4. Flip-Flops

Trust me, you will want to have a pair of flip-flops handy to walk around the hospital. Flip flops are easy to throw on when you need to walk to the bathroom and are perfect for moms who have swollen feet postpartum.

5. Nursing Pad

It’s natural for new moms to be leaking and have super sensitive breasts right after their baby is born. Try a high-quality nursing pad that is reusable, quick-drying, and stays in place. You can rest easy knowing that you won’t have to go digging for a loose pad or have milk leaking through your shirt because a disposable paper pad slipped!

6. Toiletries

One thing that many new moms don’t realize is that there aren’t toiletries in the hospital for you to use when you are ready to shower… and even if your hospital does have them, they aren’t the best quality. Make sure to add your own essential items like soaps and lotions to your hospital bag list so that you can feel nice and clean during your hospital stay!

7. Postpartum Recovery Underwear

Last but certainly not least, you'll want comfortable postpartum underwear to make your stay much more enjoyable! Although the hospital will give you mesh underwear during your visit, Davin & Adley postpartum underwear can't be beat. The Mia Boxer Short was designed to keep bulky postpartum pads in place and is high-waisted to ensure you C-section mamas don't have any irritation on your scars! Best of all it's not see-through and provides coverage while visitors are in and out of your hospital room. 

Things You Can Leave Off Of Your Hospital Bag List

1. Cute clothes for yourself

To each their own, but I personally didn’t feel the need to get all dressed up after my babies were born. I would much rather opt for comfy sweats and have one less thing to worry about. Save the cute outfits for your newborn!

2. Makeup

Once again, you don’t need to get all ready during labor or after your baby is born. Take some stress off of yourself and just focus on spending time with your new baby!

Keep Your Hospital Bag List Simple!

Overall, focus on just bringing the necessities. The hospital will provide what you need for the baby, so make sure you have the things that will make you comfortable. Enjoy the time with your baby and don’t worry too much about what you look like in pictures… Trust me, everyone will be too busy looking at your new cute baby!

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