Family & newborn photography for Cleveland families and surrounding areas.

As your due date approaches, one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) tasks is packing your hospital bag. It’s the moment that makes everything feel real—soon, you’ll be meeting your little one! But with all the checklists floating around, it can be hard to know what’s truly essential.

As a mom who has packed (and repacked!) a hospital bag before, I know firsthand that some items will be absolute lifesavers, while others might just take up space. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and the things you can skip, so you can head into labor feeling prepared and at ease.

Personal Note: With my first, I completely forgot to pack specific clothes for myself during my stay. Nothing cozy to lounge in. So with my second, I made SURE to get myself a cute pj set. But then I forgot my son’s going home outfit! Go figure!

Packing Your Hospital Bag

For Mom: The Essentials

Your hospital stay will be one of the most physically and emotionally transformative experiences of your life, so comfort is key. Here’s what you’ll want to have packed for yourself:

• Comfy Robe & Loose Pajamas – Something cozy to wear post-delivery that’s nursing-friendly and soft on your skin. Button-down nightgowns or maternity pajamas with a stretchy waistband are great options.
• Non-Slip Socks & Slippers – The hospital will provide socks, but bringing your own warm, non-slip socks or slippers will make pacing the halls or simply getting up from bed much more comfortable.
• Going-Home Outfit – Choose a loose, comfortable shirt and leggings. Keep in mind that your postpartum body may still look about 5-6 months pregnant, so pack accordingly.
• Nursing Bra & Breast Pads – Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, you’ll likely experience some engorgement in the first few days. A soft, supportive nursing bra will make those early days much easier.
• Toiletries & Skincare – Pack travel-size toothpaste, a toothbrush, face wash, moisturizer, deodorant, lip balm, and dry shampoo (because showers may be few and far between at first!).
• Lip Balm & Hydrating Face Mist – Hospitals are so dry—trust me, you’ll be reaching for lip balm every few minutes.
• Phone Charger (Extra Long Cord) – The outlets are often far from the bed, so a 6- or 10-foot charger is a game-changer.
• Snacks & Drinks – Hospital food isn’t always ideal, and labor is a marathon. Pack some protein bars, trail mix, water, or whatever snacks help keep you fueled.
• Portable Fan – This was a lifesaver when I started pushing! Then it was able to be used again on the stroller for my little one in the summer. Win win!
• A Folder for Important Documents – Bring your ID, insurance card, birth plan, and any hospital paperwork you’ve already filled out.
• Boppy Pillow – Your bottom will thank you tremendously if you had a vaginal delivery.

Personal Note: If I had to bring only ONE item on that list – it would be the boppy pillow. I sat on that for the first week after having both of my boys. It was heaven sent!

For Baby: The Must-Haves

Hospitals will provide most of the newborn essentials, but there are a few personal touches you’ll want to bring for your baby:

• A Going-Home Outfit – Choose something comfortable, weather-appropriate, and easy to put on. Bring two sizes (newborn + 0-3 months) since you won’t know exactly what will fit.
• A Swaddle or Blanket – The hospital provides blankets, but having a soft, stretchy swaddle for snuggly newborn photos is always nice.
• Mittens & Socks – Newborn nails are surprisingly sharp, and mittens help prevent scratching.
• Infant Car Seat (Already Installed) – You won’t be able to leave the hospital without it! Make sure your car seat is properly installed ahead of time.
• Pacifier (If You Plan to Use One) – Some hospitals provide these, but if you have a specific one in mind, bring it along.

Instagram Poll Moms Weighed In: I did a poll on instagram from other mamas on what their must haves were in their hospital bag. Here are some extra ideas not listed above:

For Your Support Partner

If your partner or support person is staying with you, here’s what they might need:

• Pillow & Blanket – Hospital couches aren’t the most comfortable, so bringing a cozy pillow and blanket from home can make a huge difference.
• Comfy Clothes & Toiletries – A change of clothes, deodorant, and basic toiletries will keep them feeling fresh.
• Snacks & Water Bottle – Labor can be long, and it’s easy for partners to forget to eat while supporting you. Having their own snacks on hand will keep them energized.
• Entertainment – Labor can have long waiting periods, so downloading movies, books, or music on their phone/tablet can help pass the time.

Nice-to-Have Extras

While not necessary, these items can help make your hospital stay a little more enjoyable:

• A Small Sound Machine – Helps drown out hospital noise for better rest.
• Essential Oils or Pillow Spray – Lavender or chamomile can create a calming atmosphere.
• A Journal or Baby Book – To jot down those precious first memories.
• Polaroid Camera – To capture those first moments and days with your little one!

Instagram Poll Idea: Ask fellow moms what “non-essential” items ended up being lifesavers for them!

What NOT to Bring

To save space in your hospital bag, here are a few things you can skip:

✘ Too Many Outfits – You’ll mostly be in hospital gowns or comfy PJs.
✘ Diapers & Wipes – The hospital provides all the newborn essentials!
✘ Expensive Jewelry or Valuables – Keep it simple; you won’t need them.
✘ Books & Magazines – You’ll likely be too busy (or tired) to read.

Packing your hospital bag is an exciting step in preparing for one of the most life-changing moments you’ll ever experience. Whether you’re a first-time mom or welcoming another baby into your family, feeling prepared and comfortable will help ease some of the nerves.

If you’ve recently gone through this experience, I’d love to hear from you! What was the one item in your hospital bag that you couldn’t have lived without? Let me know in the comments!

Cleveland Newborn Photographer

Brittany Serowski Photography is a Cleveland Maternity, Newborn, & Family photographer, dedicated to offering a joyful, seamless portrait experience for mothers who cherish timeless moments and want to preserve their family’s legacy with grace. Specializing in light-filled, tender portraits, I proudly serve families across Cleveland and its surrounding communities—Bay Village, Rocky River, Westlake, Avon Lake, Shaker Heights, Chagrin Falls, and beyond.

Every motherhood session includes a personalized, pre-session consultation to help you feel confident and prepared. From style assistance to a curated guide designed to help you make the most of your session, I’ll ensure that your experience is both stress-free and enjoyable. Sessions take place at my exclusive, handpicked locations, where natural beauty compliments your family’s story. I’ll deliver your beautifully edited, high-resolution portraits through an online gallery. Easy to access and share with loved ones.

Looking for the perfect family photographer to document your loved ones? I would be honored to create portraits that you will treasure for years to come. Let’s start a conversation about bringing your vision to life!

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Packing Your Hospital Bag | Cleveland Newborn Photography | Brittany Serowski Photography