What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

(Without Cluttering Your Labor Room)

So you’re about to have a baby - yay!
Pretend baby is already here - yay!

Picture this: You’re at a restaurant for the first time since baby came. You’re mid-diaper change when suddenly-- pee, poop, and spit-up all happen at once. You’re trying to hold the baby’s hands and feet while digging for what you need in the diaper bag. Except… you’re digging (and digging) and realize it’s actually in the big bag you left at the table. You call your partner to grab it, but somehow he can’t find the thing you know you packed. Baby’s crying, mess is everywhere, and your stress is through the roof.

Even though you’ll figure it out (because you always do), you learn from this moment: Organization matters, and as doulas we see firsthand how much smoother a birth feels when families pack smart

The Two-Bag System

Most parents bring one big suitcase to the hospital, but here’s the problem: that giant bag ends up cluttering your labor room. When you’re in the middle of contractions, the last thing you want is to dig through baby blankets, partner’s pajamas, and toiletries just to find your chapstick.

That’s why I recommend packing two bags instead of one. Think of it this way: your Labor Day Bag is like packing for a day at the water park, while your Hospital Stay Bag is like packing for a hotel stay. Different needs, different vibes, different bags.

Bag 1: The Labor Day Bag (and Snacks!)

This is the bag you bring with you into your labor room. It should be light, easy to grab, and filled only with things that will help you through labor itself.

In this bag, you’ll want comfort items like your robe, hair ties, chapstick, and even a small makeup bag if you’d like to freshen up later. Don’t forget a rechargeable fan with extra batteries (trust me, it’s a lifesaver), plus your birth plan, waterbirth certificate, and any oils you’d like for grounding or relaxation.

I also always suggest a playlist and small speaker, your birth ball, a few grocery bags for wet or dirty clothes, and flip flops you don’t mind wearing in the shower or while walking the halls. If you’re using your own TENS unit for natural pain relief, this is where it belongs.

Snacks are part of your labor bag too. Think electrolytes, honey sticks, or something small and quick for you and your partner. A laboring body needs fuel, and so does your support team!

Some families also like to tuck in optional baby items, like a special hat, a few toxic-free diapers from home, or a pacifier or formula if you’re planning to use them.

Bag 2: The Hospital Stay Bag (Leave in the Car)

The second bag stays out of the way until after baby arrives. Once you’ve had those first golden hours of skin-to-skin, your partner can grab this from the car.

This bag feels more like a hotel stay. Pack cozy PJs or nursing gowns, extra undergarments, and toiletries to freshen up after birth. A change of clothes and shoes for your partner should go here too.

For baby, pack a few outfits and blankets. though keep in mind your little one will likely be skin-to-skin with you during those first hours. I also recommend comfort items like your own pillow, blanket, or nursing pillow, plus slippers or flip flops for walking around.

Finally, don’t forget your electronics: chargers for your phone and camera, and maybe even a tripod for capturing those first family moments.

Why It Matters

Remember that diaper-bag disaster at the restaurant? That’s exactly what we’re avoiding here. If you bring everything into your labor room, it quickly becomes overwhelming. Your doulas or partner end up digging through baby outfits and toiletries at the very moment you most need calm and simplicity.

By separating your bags, you create a peaceful labor space while still knowing your postpartum comforts are just one bag away.

Labor Day Bag with Snacks THINK = Water park day.
Hospital Stay Bag THINK = Hotel stay.

It’s a small shift in packing, but it makes a big difference in your birth experience.

Birth doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right support and preparation, you can step into the hospital with peace and confidence. The Atlanta Birth Collective would love to be part of your story. Connect with us above.