Want to know the most helpful long hospital stay must haves when you're pregnant and just waiting for your baby to finally be in your arms? These are the things you need when you're stuck in the hospital for whatever reason, in order to keep your sanity.
Usually when you're pregnant you imagine waddling into your due date week, your water breaking all over the snacks aisle at the grocery store, racing to the hospital with your partner and then having your baby later that night and leaving a day or two later to head home to rest.
Sometimes, however, you wind up having to spend a longer chunk of time at the hospital before your baby arrives and we don’t always see that coming.
Having been through this myself with my first baby, living in the hospital for almost 5 weeks before he was born, here are the long hospital stay must haves you'll want to pack.
You're going to learn the best items to add to your overnight hospital stay packing list to keep you comfortable, entertained and feeling good while you wait for your little one to make their grand entrance!
These are the long hospital stay must haves you need to pack to have the best experience possible.
Long Hospital Stay Must Haves
Important Documents
Before anything else, make sure you have your photo ID, insurance card, and debit card in your wallet. You’ll need your ID and insurance card right away when checking in, and it’s easy to forget about the basics when you’re focused on contractions or getting to the hospital. Double-check that your wallet is fully stocked and ready to grab before go-time.
If you’ve written a birth plan, tuck a printed copy in with your documents so it’s easy to hand to your nurse when you arrive. You’ll also collect quite a bit of paperwork during your stay- discharge instructions, consent forms, baby info sheets, and other important documents you'll receive during your long hospital stay that you’ll want to keep safe. Pack a large envelope or folder in your hospital bag to hold everything in one place. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference when you’re heading home and don’t want to sort through a pile of papers while juggling a newborn.
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Debit card
- Large envelope/folder
- Birth plan
- Affirmation cards
Comfort & Clothing
The best bag for a hospital stay is one that fits comfort, coziness, and easy access. I had a small suitcase for clothes and toiletries and also a smaller bag for everything else for easier access.
Pack soft, functional clothing- think nursing gowns, loungewear sets, and a comfy robe to warm you up or for anytime that clothes feel like too much. Hospitals can run cold, so layers help you stay comfortable through temperature changes. Choose pieces with easy nursing access and high-waisted underwear that won’t irritate your incision if you have a C-section. These small comforts make a big difference in how well you rest and recover during your long hospital stay.
You're going to be having nurses and doctors and seemingly everyone under the sun checking your belly while you're in the hospital so it's convenient if you have something on that you can lift up without people seeing your underwear multiple times a day. Get some comfy lounge sets or soft shorts/pants and loose t-shirts and you'll feel much less like the entire hospital is all up in your business.
- Robe
- Pajamas
- Lounge sets/nursing gowns
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Light sweater
- High-waisted underwear
- Nursing bras
- Pumping bra (even if you don't plan to, just in case)
- Comfy non-slip socks
- Slippers
- Going home outfit
Toiletries & Personal Care
Your self-care daily routine might look different in the hospital, but it still matters. Bring travel-sized versions of your essentials- face wash, lip balm, moisturizer, and dry shampoo. Hospitals are dry, and having your own products helps you feel human again.
- Chapstick
- Lotion
- Makeup remover/cotton swabs
- Q-tips
- Face wash
- Serums/skincare products
- Moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Perfume (if it doesn't bother you)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Razor/shave gel
- Contacts/solution or glasses
- Dry shampoo
- Hair clip/scrunchies
- Hair products/tools
Postpartum Comfort & Recovery
When deciding what to pack for an overnight hospital stay, include postpartum items that support your healing: pads, sprays, and comfort tools. If you know you'll be having a c-section for sure then some of these won't apply. Hospitals have supplies so check to see what you'll be given (and ask for extras!), but your own brands can feel better and fit your needs.
- Peri bottle
- Medicated cooling pads
- Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads
- Perineal spray
- Mesh underwear
- Pads
- Diapers
- Nursing pads
- Nipple balm
Snacks & Drinks
Hospital food can be hit or miss, so bring snacks that you actually enjoy- granola bars, trail mix, instant oatmeal, and electrolyte drinks are great options. Having familiar foods in your overnight hospital stay packing list makes a long stay feel more manageable, especially in the middle of the night when the cafeteria’s closed.
Check and see if you'll have access to a fridge because that will open up even more options for you! Greek yogurt cups, cheese snacks, ingredients for simple sandwiches, and maybe even food brought in from family are all amazing to have available.
Tech & Entertainment
For downtime during your long hospital stay, don’t forget your essentials- an extra-long charger, headphones, and your tablet or laptop. You'll probably have a TV in your hospital room but it can be a bit annoying to try to watch the small screen from across the room, stuck with only cable TV shows and no streaming services, trying to hear the tv above all the beeps and boops of the hospital room machines. Download your favorite shows, playlists, or podcasts ahead of time. Whether you’re resting, journaling, or just passing time, those small comforts help the days feel more personal and less like a hospital routine.
Circling back to the extra-long charger- consider this a non-negotiable. It might just be the MVP of your entire hospital bag. I can almost guarantee your regular phone cord won’t reach from the outlet to your hospital bed, and that’s not a battle you want to fight in the last stretch of your pregnancy or in your recovery. Do yourself a favor and pack a long charger so you never have to experience any unnecessary separation anxiety from your phone.
- Extra-long phone charger
- Headphones
- Tablet
- Laptop
- Chargers for all your devices
For Baby
Focus on comfort and practicality: zip-up sleepers, a few swaddles, and a beanie. It’s easy to overpack, but babies need less than you think. Keep your bag for hospital stay simple so you can focus on bonding and resting. You’ll also want your car seat installed and ready to go. Simplicity is key here.
- Footed sleepers
- Swaddles (try a few types)
- Beanie
- Blanket
Cash/Coins for Vending Machines & Cafeteria
Yes, I know we're living in the 21st century but some hospitals still have vending machines that don't take cards. And your partner might have to get their food from them quite a bit if they aren't given food when you get your meals. They will also probably need cash for the cafeteria. Be prepared just in case. Also not a bad time to throw in the restaurant and DoorDash gift cards because let me tell you, those meals are a TREAT when you're stuck with hospital food for every meal.
Flip Flops
Even if you're on bedrest, you'll be up to go to the bathroom, take a shower, etc. and you do NOT want to be walking around on the disgusting hospital floor barefoot! Keep some comfy slippers under your bed for when you need to get up or wear grippy cozy socks to walk around in for a little extra comfort. Also grab some cheap flip flops for the shower too.
13. Going Home Outfit
You might have a certain outfit in mind that you feel good in and see yourself wearing for the day you go home but please, just make sure you're comfy! I personally didn't care a ton about what I wore but here are some really cute sets that feel a bit more cute than the regular maternity clothes. Wear something that is comfortable and loose-fitting, especially if you have a c-section.
14. Baby Clothes
It's so much fun to dress your baby in their first clothes! Bring a few choices because even though blowouts won't be an issue this early, spit ups can happen and you also don't know how long your little one might need to stay. Choose options that are loose, comfortable and breathable. Onesies, rompers and one-piece outfits that zip up are great options. Also bring a beanie, mittens and socks. It takes some time for newborns to regulate their body temperature.
15. Baby Items
The hospital provides a lot but you should bring a blanket and a swaddle or two if you plan on using them. The more optional items would be burp cloths and pacifiers. Also remember to pack anything you may want for your early photos like a sign with their name or anything special you've been wanting to bring.
16. Toiletries
You'll need your regular toiletries like your toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and anything else from your regular hygiene routine that you like to use. Lotion, tweezers, retainers, miceller water, cotton pads, Q-tips, contacts/solution, glasses.
17. Shower Items
The hospital will have shampoo and body wash but you'll want to have your own stuff in there. Sometimes you don't know how long you'll be staying at the hospital and it can feel even longer when your hair isn't feeling it's normal softness and manageability. And bring your razor and shave gel or cream! Just trust me, you'll want them.
18. Skincare & Mirror
You'll feel much cleaner and in control if you keep up your skincare. You don't need to bring red light therapy face masks or anything (unless you want to!) but I recommend keeping up the routines that make you feel good! Also, bring a travel mirror. It's so much nicer to be able to sit in your bed to do your makeup instead of standing up in the bathroom and leaning over the sink.
19. Makeup & Hair Items
You don't need to get dolled up for anyone right now, but if it makes you feel more like yourself and more confident, then bring your regular makeup and hair items. A scrunchie at the minimum because you'll want your hair out of your face especially when it's baby time!
20. Dry Shampoo
The best thing for a quick hair refresh is dry shampoo and I don't go anywhere overnight without it. Buy yourself some days between hair washes for when you're not feeling up to it.
21. Jewelry Bag/ Container
Please bring something to hold your jewelry. We don't need to be losing any of your favorite pieces at a time like this due to disorganization! I love my travel jewelry organizer for anytime I'm away overnight and it keeps everything secure with it's pockets and the zipper enclosure.
22. Favorite Water Bottle & Enhancers
Creature comforts. And if it encourages you to drink more water, even better. Bring a water bottle with a straw and never let it leave your side. I'd recommend bringing some fruity drops to add in, electrolyte packets or whatever you like to add to your water to make it fun. Little things like this make a difference.
23. Nail Polish
Being able to do your nails adds just a little bit of feminine comfort that can make a difference when you feel bored and emotional and upset about being stuck in the hospital. It's more about the small dose of pampering than the actual look of painted nails. And if you ask your partner to do your toes for you, make sure to request a foot rub too!
24. Pillow & Blanket
This is optional of course but nothing beats the comforts of your bed back home and it's nice to have these things with you to help the quality of your sleep on a hospital bed.
25. Bath Towel
I know this one sounds funny but I was so annoyed every time I had to shower in my hospital bathroom and use their teeny tiny, thin, super bleached and used-a-million-times hospital towels. They truly are TINY. Every time I showered I used 3 of them. It was as if you could never cover your boobs and bits at the same time LOL. Bring your favorite towel from home and it'll make a difference I swear.
26. Sunglasses
If you're told that you can take a wheelchair outside to a hospital patio, you'll want to have some sunglasses on hand.
27. Entertainment/Games
One thing that gave me so much happiness was bringing my old GameBoy! I busted out my favorite games from childhood and went down memory lane. Card games, coloring books, suduko books and any other games that don't require a lot of pieces can be a fun way to add some sparks of fun to the dullness of living in the hospital.
Optional:
Small nightlight (for nighttime feeds without harsh overhead lights)
Essential oil roller (lavender or peppermint)
Your own towel (hospital ones are small and scratchy)
Folder or bag for hospital paperwork
Small bag for dirty clothes