Since you don’t know how long you’ll be at the hospital it’s a good idea to bring a few different outfits in multiple sizes to see what fits your little one the best [6]! Keep in mind newborns are sensitive to temperature, and while the maternity ward tends to be warm it’s good to bring socks, bodysuits, and hats. Another thing which might be good to pack are bags for dirty clothing [5]. Cloth bags work for this, or you can use our biodegradable bags [11].

In all likelihood you’ll be walking around the hospital. You probably don’t want to walk barefoot, and your feet might get cold during delivery [5]. Because of these things it’s a good idea to pack slippers, or non-skid socks.

While it isn’t uncommon for some mother’s milk to come in a few days after birth, it can be sooner [1]. If that’s the case, you’re going to need nursing pads [6]. Fortunately, we have you cover here! Our nursing pads are made from organic cotton, and have no added chemicals [12]. Perfect for you and your breasts!

You can end up spending a long time at the hospital, and an e-book, tv-series, or some time on social media could be a nice way to pass the time [2]. It is probably better to bring only one electronic device, and arguably your phone is the best for these needs. Most phones these days also double as a camera, which is perfect for taking videos and pictures of the little one [3]. If you rather bring your camera for the pictures, don’t forget to charge the battery, and pack extra memory cards [6]. Also, remember to bring chargers and even a power bank.

Seriously hospitals are really dry to begin with, and then during labor you’re quite hot. Dry lips feel bad all the time and can be even more irritating while in labor [5]. Pack lip balm or coconut oil to help with the dryness.

You’re going to appreciate being able to lay down and drink water, which is not as easy from a glass. Bring a reusable bottle, non-plastic of course [15]! Additionally, there is no way you can be sure the hospital will have the food and snacks you like; packing a lot of those in case you get hungry is a good as well [2].

At some point you’re going to want to freshen up, but you don’t need everything you usually use. Skip the make-up, creams, and moisturizers, and go for the hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner. If you want eco and sensitive products, check out our bath and body care [13], which also has the perfect toiletries for your baby’s sensitive skin [14]. Sometimes babies have nails when born and adding nail clippers to the toiletry bag isn’t a bad idea (alternatively pack mittens so they don’t scratch themselves) [5].

This might seem like an odd one since hospitals do have pillows but is actually recommended by midwives [5]. The reasoning is you’ll have a pillow you like and can be comforting during and post labor. Also, if you leave your room for whatever reason, the hospital staff knows that the room is occupied, and you’ll know the room is yours since your pillow will be there waiting for you [5].

Great for keeping your hair out of your face during labor, delivery, and nursing [2]! Really a must!

This is essential when you’re taking the car home from the hospital. Make sure to check that the car seat is approved for infants, and that you know how to use it in advance (including the seatbelts) [6]. As long as we’re discussing the car make sure you have enough fuel in it, and that you have plenty of change for a meter [4]!

Those are our recommendations for what you pack in your hospital bag. What have you all heard, or found is important to include?

Last Updated: 2018.08.29

[1] Viforaldrar, 2018 “Packa BB-väskan – vad behöver man på förlossningen?” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
https://www.viforaldrar.se/gravid/bb-vaskan-det-ska-du-ta-med/ [2] Baby Center UK, 2018 “What to pack in your hospital bag: your complete checklist” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[3] Emma, 2016 “Packlista till BB-väskan” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[4] Kashtan, Paula, 2018 “Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack in Hospital Bag” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[5] Rachhloveslife 2016 “What’s Really in my hospital bag for labour & delivery!” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[6] Emily Norris, 2016 “WHAT'S IN MY HOSPITAL BAG? WHAT TO PACK?” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[7] Eco by Naty, 2018, “Maternity Bag” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[8] Eco by Naty, 2018, “Diapers Size 1” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[9] Eco by Naty, 2018 “Unsected Wet Wipes” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[10] Eco by Naty, 2018, “Baby Rash Cream” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[11] Eco by Naty, 2018, “Disposable Diaper Bags” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[12] Eco by Naty, 2018, “Nursing Pads” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[13] Eco by Naty, 2018, “Family Bath and Body Care” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[14] Eco by Naty, 2018, “Baby Bath and Body Care” [Online] Available at: [LINK]
[15] Eco by Naty, 2018. “Why we should stop using oil based plastics” Available at: [LINK]