Shop August 5, 2019

21 hospital bag must-haves for expectant moms

ABC News Photo Illustration, Getty Images
What Expectant Moms Should Pack in Their Hospital Bags

For many pregnant women, packing a hospital bag is a daunting task.

Everyone knows to bring toiletries, phone chargers and a few favorite snacks, but a few things are a little trickier. Want to dry your hair? Throw a hair dryer into your bag. Do you shave every day? Pack a razor!

For those who might be feeling overwhelmed, "Good Morning America" has compiled a list of must-haves to make your hospital stay as comfortable as possible.

Good luck, and congratulations!

These products were curated by the "GMA" editorial team. "Good Morning America" has affiliate partnerships, so we will get a small share of the revenue from your purchases through these links. All product prices are determined by the retailer and subject to change. By visiting these websites, you will leave GoodMorningAmerica.com and any information you share with the retailer will be governed by its website's terms and conditions and privacy policies.

For Mom

1. Pajamas: If you're planning to breastfeed, the buttons make these sets must-haves. And for those women who are having c-sections, a nightshirt option, which won't aggravate your incision, may be preferable.

Moonlight Pajamas

Price: $65 · From Nordstrom

Moonlight Short Pajamas

Price: $55 · From Nordstrom

Moonlight Nightshirt

Price: $49 · From Nordstrom

2. A bathrobe: Feel instantly prettier when you slip into one post-delivery.

Lace Robe

Price: $88 · From Splendid

Odiana Robe

Price: $77.50 · 50% Savings
From Skin

Original: $155

3. Slippers: Hospital floors are cold, but your feet don't have to be.

Scuffette II Slipper

Price: $84.95 · From UGG

Scuff Loafer Slippers

Price: $40 · From Madewell

4. Nursing bras: Nursing mothers will want to live in these.

Wireless Nursing Bra

Price: $66 · From Natori

Wireless Lightly Lined Nursing Bra

Price: $42 · From Rosie Pope

5. Nursing camisoles: All the perks of a nursing bra -- but in shirt form!

Maternity Nursing Cami

Price: $17.99 to $25 · From Gap

Women's Nursing Seamless Cami

Price: $19.99 · From Auden

6. Hand lotion: On top of hospitals being dry, you'll be using a lot of hand sanitizer, which can wreak havoc on your skin. Be sure to bring moisturizer! Lip balm couldn't hurt, either.

Hand Cream

Price: $20 · From Tocca

Mini Forever Young Hand Cream With Sea Buckthorn

Price: $12 · From Supergoop!

7. Underwear: The hospital will likely provide uber-comfortable mesh underwear for new moms, but why not pack a few of your own just in case you prefer it?

Seamless Mesh Knit Underwear (5-Pack)

Price: $17.75 · From Brief Transitions

Always Discreet Postpartum Underwear

Price: $32.88 · From Always

8. Pillows: Hospitals aren't known for their excellent bedding. Stay comfortable by bringing your own pillows, and make sure to bring colorful pillowcases to distinguish them from the hospital's.

Pillowcase Set

Price: $21.74 · From Simply Shabby Chic

Linen Pillowcase Set

Price: $49 to $59 · From Parachute

Emma Pillow Cases

Price: $80 to $90 · From Peacock Alley

9. Towels: Yours are bigger and fluffier than the ones you'll get at the hospital, we promise.

Luxe Turkish Bath Towel

Price: $50 · From Hudson Park Collection

Pattern Filled Stripe Bath Towels

Price: $12.99 · From Threshold

10. Flip-flops: Your shower will likely be clean (you'll be in a hospital, after all!) but flip-flops will make any germaphobe feel better.

Slim Flip Flops

Price: $26 · From Havaianas

Women's Sara Flip Flops

Price: $3.99 · From Shade & Shore

11. A breastfeeding pillow: If you're hoping to breastfeed, having your props with you from the beginning is helpful. Don't forget to ask for nipple cream, too!

Nursing Pillow

Price: $39.95 · From Nursing Pillow

Original Feeding & Infant Support Pillow

Price: $39.99 · From Boppy

12. Sleep mask: If you want to sleep, this is a necessity.

Packable Aromatherapy Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

Price: $28 · From Uncommon Goods

'Slipsilk' Pure Silk Sleep Mask

Price: $50 · From Slip for Beauty Sleep

13. A speaker: Create a playlist and bring a speaker to make your hospital room feel more like home.

Charge 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Price: $149.95 · From JBL

SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

Price: $99 · From Bose

14. A going-home outfit: You won't want to put on jeans immediately postpartum. Bring a dress or something easy to go home in, and don't forget to size up! You're no longer pregnant, but nobody's stomach flattens out that quickly.

Rochelle Striped Tee Dress

Price: $98 · From Maeve

Cambria Jacquard-Striped Tunic Dress

Price: $150 · From Velvet by Graham & Spencer

15. A yoga ball: It can be helpful for labor.

Stability Ball

Price: $24.98 · From Gaiam

16. Totes: Many hospitals will send new parents home with plenty of goodies, from diapers to receiving blankets. Bring bags to take 'em home.

Fairmont Printed Shell Tote

Price: $60 · 50% Savings
From Ganni

Original: $120

Cross It Off Tote 20L

Price: $58 · From Lululemon

17. Gifts for nurses: Labor and delivery nurses, as well as those in postpartum, will work hard to take care of you and your baby. Do what you can to make them feel appreciated.

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels

Price: $22 · From Nordstrom Makers Chocolate

Fresh Baked Assorted Cookies Tin

Price: $27.95 · From David's Cookies

For Baby

1. Swaddles: Nurses will teach new parents how to swaddle a newborn, but Velcro swaddles take out the guesswork.

Original Swaddle

Price: $29.99 · From SwaddleMe

2. A going-home outfit: Make sure your little one heads out into the world in style!

Hatch-To-Home Bag

Price: $198 · From Hatch

Unisex Striped Coverall, Hat & Bunny Gift Set

Price: $70 · From Elegant Baby

Bamboo Footed Romper

Price: $31 · From Milkbarn

3. Car seat: If you only bring one thing with you, it needs to be a car seat.

Chicco KeyFit Zip

Price: $229.99 · From Chicco

Britax B-Safe 35 Dual Comfort Infant Car Seat

Price: $219.99 · From Britax

4. A receiving blanket: The car can be chilly!

Luxe Baby Blanket

Price: $92 · From Little Giraffe

Cactus Coming Home Blanket

Price: $38 · From Monica + Andy