Packing My Hospital Bag—Real Mom Checklist

When I was getting ready to meet Luna, packing my hospital bag felt like a big milestone—one of those it’s really happening moments. But between online lists, advice from other moms, and endless “must-haves,” I felt overwhelmed about what I’d actually need.

In the end, I used maybe half of what I packed—and wished I’d known what to skip and what to double up on. So here’s my honest, real-mom hospital bag checklist for birth and those first sweet hours with Luna.

👜 For Me:
☑ Comfy Clothes — A loose nightgown or oversized t-shirt for labor, plus a soft robe for walking around.
☑ Nursing Bra & Undies — Trust me, bring extra pairs—things can get messy.
☑ Warm Socks & Slippers — Hospital floors are freezing!
☑ Toiletries — Toothbrush, lip balm, face wipes, dry shampoo—just the basics.
☑ Snacks & Water Bottle — I was starving after giving birth. Having my favorite snacks and an insulated water bottle helped so much.
☑ Phone Charger (Extra Long Cord!) — Essential for updates, photos of Luna, and staying connected with family.

🍼 For Luna:
☑ Onesies & Sleepers — I packed 2-3 in newborn size.
☑ Going-Home Outfit — One cute, comfy outfit for Luna’s first car ride home.
☑ Blanket or Swaddle — Hospital ones are fine, but I liked having my own soft one for extra coziness.
☑ Car Seat Ready to Go — Not in the bag, but triple-check this ahead of time!

✨ Nice to Have (But Not Essential):
☑ Your Own Pillow — If it makes you feel more comfortable.
☑ Portable Speaker or Headphones — For relaxing music during labor.
☑ Notebook & Pen — I wrote a little note to Luna when she was just hours old—one of my sweetest memories.

I’ll be sharing the exact brands and special little things I packed for Luna and myself soon, so you don’t waste space (or stress!) on stuff you won’t use. If you’d like my full, detailed hospital bag guide with my tried-and-tested favorites, subscribe to my newsletter here. 💛