What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!)

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!)

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!) Angela Lanter Hello Gorgeous

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!) Angela Lanter Hello Gorgeous

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!) Angela Lanter Hello Gorgeous

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!) Angela Lanter Hello Gorgeous

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!) Angela Lanter Hello Gorgeous

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!) Angela Lanter Hello Gorgeous

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag (And Actually USE!) Angela Lanter Hello Gorgeous

ASOS maternity sweater third trimester Angela Lanter Hello Gorgeous

Sweater: H&M (On Sale!)  |  Jeans: Ilitia [c/o]  |  Boots: Kristin Cavallari  |  Handbag: Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM  |  Ring: Kendra Scott: c/o; sold out]


When it came time to pack our bags for the hospital, I did what every first-timer does…  I researched, and researched and researched some more.  I wanted to be sure that I didn’t leave a single thing at home that I may possibly need.  And guess what?  I way overpacked.  Oh, you silly first-time mom [rolls eyes].  Turns out, there’s not a lot going on outside of your hospital room, so no need to pack tons of stuff.

In the video below, I’m giving you a list of the items I actually did use during my hospital stay.  These are all items that I think most every new mom will need, especially if you’re a c-section mama like me.

Boppy Pillow:  One of my most-used baby products since day one till now.  I used this since the beginning for every single nursing session, as well as support for my incision for any coughs, sneezes or laughs.  I still use my Boppy for nursing as well as when we give MacKenlee a bottle.  Get my peaches & cream pillow cover here.

Nursing Pajamas/Bra:  By day two after my c-section, I was ready to get out of my hospital gown and into my own PJs.  I was so happy to have my super soft and comfy nursing jammies to put on after my first post-op sponge bath/shower session.  If you’re planning on breastfeeding, be sure to have a pair of nursing friendly PJs and bra to ensure easy access.

Makeup:  Don’t forget your makeup bag packed only with the essentials to spruce up for any photos your family may want to take.

Toiletries:  Hairbrush, hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup wipes, etc.

Diaper Bag:  I totally overpacked my diaper bag.  I had multiple baby outfits, which were all too big since she was two weeks early.  I packed tons of diapers, wipes, blankets…  You name it and I packed it.  In all reality, the hospital provides everything you need for baby during your stay.  You really only need one outfit for going home, a diaper or two for that car ride home and, most importantly in my opinion, a pacifier.

Pillows and Blankets:  Let’s face it, neither of you are going to get the best night’s sleep while staying at the hospital (and it won’t get much better those first few weeks at home either!)  Bringing our own pillows and blankets helped big time to bring a little of the comfort of home with us.  Hospital pillows and blankets are paper thin, scratchy and just plain uncomfortable.  Bring at least one pillow and one blanket each.

Essential Oils:  We’re big fans of oils in the Lanter house.  We brought our diffuser and a handful of oils with us to help us relax.

Going Home Clothes:  Both mama and baby need an outfit to go home in.  Keep it as comfy as possible.  Think sweats and sneakers.

Camera Gear:  Pack your camera, extra batteries and extra memory cards.  There will be so many moments you want to catch and having a real camera (versus just a cell phone) will help you capture these moments in better quality.

Electronics:  Cell phone charger, laptop and laptop charger were all must-haves for me.

Luggage:  A rolling suitcase will make your life so much easier than a duffle bag, especially if you have o carry while in labor.

Leave a comment below and let me know what your must-have for the hospital was!

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12 Comments
  • Katie Wilder

    The one single mistake I made was I brought an adorable sleeper gown thing with the elastic at the bottom. As a first time mom I wasn’t thinking I wouldn’t be able to strap her in her car seat with it on. So we had to pull it up to her waist exposing her legs to buckle her in. Lots of moms also swear by having full depends adult diapers for all the joys that come after birth.

    • Angela Lanter

      I bought the adult diapers and never wore one, I just used the jumbo pads the hospital gave me and the mesh panties. 🙂

  • Rebecca Dueitt

    I have two girls and both were c-sections. Everything you mentioned above is spot on, however I would add something else that is a must in your bag is a robe. Whether you are a vaginal or c-section birth, they want you to get up and walk and it was nice to have a pretty robe to wear walking down the hallway while pushing your baby in the bassinet. Also, when visitors come you can throw that on over your pjs.

    • Angela Lanter

      Yes! I forgot to mention my robe because it came with my nursing PJs set. 🙂

  • Lori Leung

    I didn’t pack much. An outfit for baby to come home in, diapers for ride home just in case, breastfeeding pjs and bras for me to change into, tennis balls for labor. We lived 10 minutes from hospital so my husband went home to sleep. My husband brought the camera for pictures. I didn’t pack any makeup, because I only wear it when I’m going out. And if I needed anything else I could just call my husband.

    • Angela Lanter

      That’s so nice! We live pretty far from our hospital, especially with traffic. Matt stayed with me except to run home and get a few things, and make family drop-offs. 🙂

  • Thank you for this video, I’m due in September and this will be very helpful!!!

  • Brittany Blackburn

    I commented on YouTube! ?

  • Breanne M

    What brand of gel soothies did you use while breast feeding?

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