The Ultimate Minimalist Hospital Bag Checklist for Moms in 2025

Let’s be real—packing your hospital bag can feel like prepping for a two-week vacation you’re not even excited about. I get it. The urge to overpack is real. You think, “What if I need this? Or that?” And suddenly your hospital bag looks like you’re moving in.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need as much as you think. Taking a minimalist approach will save you time, space, and stress—especially when you’re heading home with your newborn.

Want to feel even more prepared? Grab my Birth Prep Bundle for checklists, planning tools, and mindset support to help you walk into labor with confidence—not chaos.

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag

Ideally, you should pack your hospital bag during your third trimester, between 32 and 36 weeks. I personally packed mine at 36 weeks—and good thing I did, because my little girl arrived just one week later!

Packing early helps you feel prepared and avoids that chaotic, last-minute scramble no mama needs in her life.

What to Pack: The Ultimate Minimalist Checklist

Hospitals already provide a lot, so there’s no need to overdo it. Here’s what you actually need to bring for yourself, your partner, and your baby.

For Mom: Comfort Is Everything

Clothing:

• Cozy socks

• 2 soft nursing bras

• Button-up nightgown or sleep shirt

• Non-slip Slippers (you can use these in and out of the shower!)

• Comfy cardigan

• Maxi dress for going home

• Slides for the ride home

Toiletries:

• Lip balm

• Body wash

• Deodorant

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Hair tie/scrunchie

• Dry shampoo (K18 is my favorite!)

• Face wash and moisturizer (I am obsessed with Tatcha!)

• Moisturizing lotion for your hands and body (this fragrance-free one from Nécessaire is my forever favorite!)

• Glasses or contact lenses with solution
  

Postpartum Essentials:

• 2 nursing pads

• 3 pairs of Frida Mom underwear (much more comfortable than hospital-provided mesh underwear!)
  

Other Essentials:

• Insurance cards and important documents

• Honey sticks (in case you can’t eat after an epidural)

• Heating pad

• A personal pillow (with a pillowcase to differentiate it from the hospital’s pillows)

• A soft blanket for comfort

For Your Partner: Don’t Forget the Basics!

• Slippers

• Socks

• 2 T-shirts

• 2 pairs of underwear

• Comfortable joggers and sweatshirt

• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant

• Pillow

• Blanket

For Baby: Just the Basics

• Portable sound machine

• Swaddle (Mebie Baby is a favorite)

• Magnetic footie or a zipper footie for going home (include newborn and 0-3 month sizes)

• Pacifier (if you will use one)

• Car seat

For Your Hospital Room: Create a Calm Space

• 2 long phone chargers (you’ll thank me later!)

• Passive oil diffuser with essential oils (no batteries or cords needed!)

• Portable speaker for soothing music or white noise

• Snacks (hospital food isn’t the best, so bring healthy options!)

• Nurses gift basket (show appreciation to your amazing hospital staff)

Optional Items (Nice-to-Haves)

• Your own hospital gown

• Nipple cream

• Eye mask for naps

• Phone tripod for cute content (I use this Sensyne one)

• Light makeup for photos

• Announcement sign or cute baby outfit for first pictures

• Your own towel (hospital towels are…rough)

What NOT to Pack

You can leave these at home:

• Nursing pillow (the hospital pillows will work fine)

• Pants (loose clothing is best)

• Medications (hospital will handle these)

• Postpartum care items (they’ve got you covered)

• Laptop (unless your partner really wants one)

• Water bottle (they’ll give you one)

• Baby book (save that for home)

Smart Packing Tips

• Pack a small cooler of snacks (fruit, bars, pretzels, etc.)

• Bring a “big sibling gift” if older kids will visit

• Loose pajamas or nightgowns = best for skin-to-skin

• Use packing cubes to keep things organized

• Pack separate bags:

  • Rolling carry-on for you

  • Weekender bag for your partner

  • Diaper bag for baby (I love the HAPP Brand Levy Diaper Bag)

And don’t forget your car seat – it should already be installed so your partner can grab it from the car when it’s time to head home.

Final Thoughts

Packing for the hospital doesn’t have to be stressful! Stick to the essentials, and remember that the hospital provides most of what you need. By packing smart and minimizing your load, you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you head into labor. Good luck, Mama – and here’s to a smooth, stress-free delivery day.

Less Is More

Packing your hospital bag doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Stick to the basics, bring the things that make you feel most comfortable, and let the hospital take care of the rest.

You’ve got this, mama—and when delivery day comes, you’ll be so glad you kept it simple.

Ready to shop your hospital bag must-haves?

Visit my Amazon storefront here for all my favorite minimalist mom picks.

Before you go—if you want a fully organized, easy-to-follow plan for your third trimester, check out my Birth Prep Bundle. It’s the guide I wish I had as a first-time mom.

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