Packing a hospital bag is one of those pregnancy milestones, along with setting up a crib and washing those tiny newborn onesies for the first time. It’s almost hard to believe you’ll actually be using it, until the day you do! What to pack in a hospital bag can be as varied as a birth plan, but there are some universal items that you’ll probably be grateful to have, starting with something a bit more cozy, comfy, and presentable than a standard-issue hospital gown.

We’ve picked a few of our favorites that will feel like a little piece of heaven while you’re recovering in the hospital, and included some additional essentials for you and baby, too. Want to read what our community of mamas recommends? Read below for more help with your hospital bag.

Maternity Hospital Gown

We took a hospital gown and made it fashion. Or at least very cute and comfortable! This piece snaps up the back for full, no-flash coverage, and can be cinched at the front for a cozier fit. The shoulders also snap for easy nursing access. Click to Shop! 

Magnetic Closure Nursing Kimono Wrap

You might want something real soft and snuggly—a little luxury can go along way in a hospital room!—and this wrap is it. Plus it has magnetic closures for easy breastfeeding coverage, helpful during visiting hours. Click to Shop! 

Under-belly Legging

Wearing a hospital gown is fine (especially if you grab our version), but you might feel like putting on some normal clothes, too. Our under-belly leggings are great, especially if you’ve had a C-section—their extra soft and stretchy and the waistband is comfy. 
Click to Shop! 

Seamless Crossover Maternity & Nursing Bra

You’ll probably be very happy to have a nursing bra on hand, especially since so much of your time in the hospital will be spent feeding. Our crossover version is soft and comfortable with cups that easily pull down but still provide structure. Click to Shop! 

Afterband

You’ve got a brand-new baby, but also a brand-new belly that looks and feels quite a bit different right after giving birth. Our Afterband has just the right amount of compression, while still being totally comfortable, to help you feel a bit more like yourself. Click to Shop! 

Drop Cup Nursing and Maternity Chemise

When you want something cute and comfortable but still hospital bed–appropriate, this soft chemise has easy-to-unclasp cups for those frequent feedings. Click to Shop! 

Seamless Crossover Maternity & Nursing Tank

You might want a little extra coverage, and this nursing tank will give it to you—soft, seamless, and with easy pull-down cups for breastfeeding. Click to Shop! 

Nursing Essentials Kit: Nursing Wrap, Bra & Tank

Get three of our favorite essentials in one handy bundle. Click to Shop! 

There are a few non-clothing items you’ll want to make sure you bring, including your birth plan, identification, and nipple cream (those first few feedings can be painful!). The hospital will have necessary toiletries, but having your own things on hand can make a world of difference. Pack a dopp kit with travel size containers of your face wash, moisturizer, toothpaste/toothbrush, and any additional beauty products that will make you feel good (a refreshing, aromatic face spritzer can be very revitalizing!). If you want to freshen up for photos (most hospitals have a photographer on site who will come to your room), pack any makeup items you like to use, and a hairbush will come in very handy!

And don’t forget baby! You’ll want to back a couple things for your new roomie too, including a couple onesies, an outfit to come home in, a tiny hat to keep that tiny head warm, and a little pair of socks as well.

Oh, and one last crucial thing: SNACKS! For you and your partner.