While everything you need to birth will be provided by the hospital, knowing what to pack in a diaper bag for birth can make your experience more comfortable and you feel prepared!
Congratulations! Your due date is fast approaching, and the third trimester is the time to start thinking about what you need to pack in your diaper bag for birth. Whether you’re having a hospital birth, a birth center birth, or a home birth, having a well-packed diaper bag will help you feel prepared and ready for your new baby’s arrival.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what to pack in your diaper bag for birth, including essential items, helpful tips, and advice. As a first time mom I have done a ton of research and put it all together for you! Let’s get started!
Hospital Essentials
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have a car seat installed in your vehicle. Most hospitals won’t let you leave with your baby until they see that you have a properly installed car seat. Make sure to read the car seat manual and get familiar with how to properly install it before your due date.
Next, make sure you have all of your important documents, including your insurance card, packed and ready to go. It’s also a good idea to have copies of your birth plan and pediatrician’s contact information with you. Our hospital had pre-registration so we are able to get a lot of the paperwork filled out before the big day! We talked through our birth plan with our doctor before delivery to make sure their standard practices were in line with our birth plan.
If you’re planning a hospital birth, you’ll want to pack a comfortable outfit to wear during your stay. Hospital gowns are not always the most comfortable, so having your own clothes can help you feel more at ease. You may also want to pack a robe, flip flops for the shower, and a lightweight blanket to help you feel cozy and comfortable.
What to Pack in Diaper Bag for Birth
For first-time moms, it can be overwhelming to think about what to pack in your diaper bag for birth. I know I had no idea where to start! When I asked my OB what we needed, she said to just show up ready to work! It is called “labor” after all. Even if you show up with nothing but your baby belly, you will be taken care of! Everything below is to help you feel more comfortable and prepared. Keep in mind the hospital provides a good deal of the stuff on this list – so be sure to stock up! You are paying for it after all!
Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist
Here's a checklist of essential items most people will want to pack in their diaper bag for the hospital. Keep in mind, you can show up empty-handed and still deliver a healthy baby! Most items on the list are to keep you comfortable and happy!
Backpack Diaper bag
We got this backpack diaper bag so it's easy to tote around. It's also a nice neutral color. It has a changing pad included!
Diapers
We had a lot of recommendations for Pampers Swaddlers so plan to use these first. Of course, every baby is different, so we may end up switching brands! Remember newborns go through a LOT of diapers, so 10-12 are recommended for your diaper bag.
Wipes
We were told to plan on going through a TON of baby wipes, so we added packs to our baby registry. We're hoping to use Waterwipes since they are unscented and hypoallergenic.
Changing Pad
If your diaper bag doesn't come with one, you will want to have a travel changing pad in your diaper bag. This one is nice because it has built-in places to keep wipes, etc.
Diaper Cream
According to our baby care class, newborns shouldn't use products on their delicate skin for at least the first week. So you shouldn't need diaper cream in the hospital BUT it is good to go ahead and put it in while you are preparing your diaper bag!
Burp Cloths
You might as well get used to having a burp cloth on hand AT ALL TIMES! To be honest, all the "leaking" and body fluids are one of the things I'm REALLY not looking forward to! But having burp cloths handy should help keep us all clean and dry! Keep 2-3 in your diaper bag.
Swaddle Blankets
While the hospital will usually provide you with a swaddle and onesies, you will probably want to bring your own for those cute "birthday" photos! Our baby is due right before the 4th of July, so I found a cute blue swaddle and hat with stars for our little guy's first day!
Extra Outfit for Baby
As mentioned above, the hospital will usually provide you with a swaddle and onesies. But you may want to bring extra outfits for your stay! Everyone will want a change of clothes! And of course, you will want a weather-appropriate "going home" outfit!
Nursing Gown Robe
My doctor warned me not to bring anything to wear during delivery. She reminded me it's reeeeeally messy and they will provide everything I need to wear. But after giving birth, you want something cozy and comfy since you will be on bed rest for a few days after. You also want something that easily facilitates skin-to-skin with the baby and accessibility for breastfeeding. I got a lot of recommendations for Frida brand products so this is what I got to wear during my stay instead of a hospital gown.
Nursing Bra or Tank Tops
I got this set of nursing tank tops because they seemed the easiest. You could also get nursing bras (you'll need them later anyway!) but I wanted less to pack for our hospital stay.
Nipple Cream
Never having needed this, I had no idea how to pick! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using medical-grade purified lanolin. This cream was recommended on a bunch of top lists!
Nursing Pillow
I think everyone has heard of Boppy as it's the most popular breastfeeding pillow! This pillow makes it easy and ergonomic to breastfeed, and my doctor recommended bringing it since it's also good to sit on when your lady parts are feeling sore. I love that it has a machine-washable cover!
Lip Balm
This is hands down my favorite lip balm! It's so moisturizing but isn't sticky! Make sure your lips are extra soft for all those baby kisses.
Water Bottle or Cup
I haven't jumped on the "Stanley Cup" trend but it's on my wishlist! I still use my Yeti cup (I have to have ice water!) but I really want one with a handle. It's super important to stay hydrated while breastfeeding, so you'll want a cup you will use!
Snacks
You're going to be in that hospital room for a while and you're going to get hungry! We love these bars because they are a good source of fiber and protein! Bring along healthy snacks or granola bars for energy. Of course, keep some of your favorite candy or treats on hand too, you deserve it!
Hand Sanitizer
Go ahead and stock up on hand sani now! You're going to want to keep these on hand after diaper changes if you can't wash your hands right away!
Car Seat
While this isn't technically in your diaper bag, this is the number one thing you need to make sure you have when you head to the hospital! You won't be able to leave with baby without one!! We got the Doona and are hoping it is easy for me to carry and use! After my spinal surgery in 2010, I still have a lot of trouble carrying heavy stuff!
It’s important to pack enough supplies for the entire time you’ll be in the hospital or birth center. Depending on the type of birth you have and how the delivery of your baby goes, you’ll either spend 2 or 3 days in the hospital after. You’ll want to pack an extra bag for any items you accumulate during your stay, such as gifts or flowers.
If you plan to breastfeed, you may want to pack a breast pump and extra supplies, such as bottles and storage bags. It’s good to practice with the items you’ll be using at home. It’s also a good idea to pack a few changes of clothes for yourself, as well as a supportive bra and comfortable clothes to wear after labor. During active labor, you’ll want to just wear what the hospital provides! (Things get messy!)
For moms who plan to formula feed, make sure to pack enough formula for the duration of your hospital stay. You may also want to pack a few bottles and a nipple brush for cleaning.
Pro tip: Pack a few items for skin-to-skin contact with your baby, such as a lightweight shirt or tank top, and a pair of comfortable pants. You want something that opens easily and helps you maintain modesty. This can help promote bonding and regulate your baby’s body temperature. This goes for your partner too! A button-up shirt works easiest.
Don’t forget about personal items, such as your own pain reliever, ponytail holders, and body wash. It’s also a good idea to pack an extra shirt or two, in case of leaks or spills.
If you plan to use cloth diapers, make sure to pack enough for your hospital stay. You may also want to pack a plastic bag for any dirty diapers.
If you’re having a vaginal birth, you may want to pack cold packs to help soothe any discomfort. A nasal aspirator can also be helpful for clearing your baby’s nose. Of course, the hospital can help with items like this.
The last thing you want to worry about on the big day is forgetting something important. To avoid this, try to pack your diaper bag at least a few weeks before your due date. This gives you time to double-check your list and make any last-minute additions.
Consider investing in a diaper bag backpack for easy access to all of your supplies, and make sure to have your phone charger and other personal items with you. Don’t forget to thank the hospital staff for their support during your stay!
When it’s time to leave the hospital and drive home with your new baby, make sure you have any important hospital documents with you. It’s also a good idea to have a comfortable going home outfit for both you and your baby.
Diaper Bag Essentials
Here’s a list of things diaper bag essentials to always keep stocked in your diaper bag going forward:
- Diapers – remember to swap them out for bigger sizes as your baby grows.
- Wipes – you’ll need wipes to clean up any messes or spills.
- Changing pad – a portable changing pad will make it easier to change your baby’s diaper on the go.
- Diaper cream – to prevent and treat diaper rash.
- Burp cloths – pack at least 2-3 burp cloths to clean up any spit-up.
- Blanket – to keep your baby warm and comfortable.
- Extra clothes – pack at least two outfits in case your baby has a diaper blowout or gets wet.
- Hat – to keep your baby’s head warm.
- Pacifier – if your baby uses one.
- Bottles and formula – if you’re bottle-feeding, pack enough bottles and formula for the day.
- Snacks and water – pack some snacks and water for yourself, as well as any other essential items you may need.
- Hand sanitizer – to keep your hands clean when you can’t wash them.
- Nursing cover – if you plan to breastfeed in public, you may want to have a nursing cover.
- Phone charger – to keep your phone charged in case of emergencies.
Remember to check the contents of your diaper bag regularly and replenish any items that are running low.
In conclusion, packing a diaper bag for birth can seem like a lot of work, but it’s well worth the effort. By having all of the essential items and comfort items packed and ready to go, you can focus on enjoying the birth of your new baby without any unnecessary stress. Remember to plan ahead, make a checklist, and take your time to ensure that your diaper bag is packed with everything you need for a successful and comfortable birth experience. Congratulations on your new addition, and happy packing!
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