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What I packed in my hospital bag as a second-time mom
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items As a second-time mom, I’ve learned what actually matters, but I still love being prepared for every scenario (so yes, I overpacked just a little). This list includes everything in my hospital bag, focused on natural, nontoxic, and genuinely useful it...
Sections
5
Labor + Delivery
Postpartum
Snacks
Electronics
Beauty + Toiletries
Labor + Delivery
Everything you need to feel calm, comfortable, and prepared for labor. This section focuses on the essentials that help create a peaceful environment and make your delivery experience more relaxed and supported.
My favorite weekender bag. It fits so much and has plenty of interior and exterior pockets for easy organization. The structured design keeps everything in place while still looking sleek and minimal. Perfect for hospital stays, road trips, or quick ...
The Weekender - Pebble
Nursing bras are an absolute MUST for your hospital bag! I love these ones! They are so comfortable! I find them much easier than the clip on kind, but still use both types.
Women's 2pk Nursing Unlined V-Neck Bralette - Auden™ Gray/Rose
LOVE that these bras are 95% cotton! They will definitely last a long time and be comfortable!
Maternity Brami Nursing Top | Old Navy
Bringing a blanket from home during labor and delivery is truly lifesaving. It adds that little touch of comfort when everything else feels unfamiliar and keeps you warm when the room feels chilly. I was freezing after my epidural, and layering my so...
Lola Blankets
Having a printed birth plan on hand is so helpful for communicating your preferences with your care team. Things can move quickly during labor, and this makes it easy for nurses and providers to know what’s most important to you—whether it’s pain man...
Sample Birth Plan Template
The scent of the room can completely shift the mood, and having an essential oil diffuser made such a difference for me during labor. I used bright citrus oils to lift the energy and help with nausea, and every nurse who walked in commented on how go...
White Terrazzo 100ml Mini Diffuser - Threshold™: Ultrasonic, Aromatic Mist, Auto Shut-Off
A birth comb is such a simple but powerful tool for labor. You hold it in your hand and gently squeeze during contractions—the pressure helps redirect pain and gives you something grounding to focus on. It’s small, natural, and surprisingly effective...
GranNaturals Wooden Comb
Soft, cozy socks are a must for labor, delivery, and postpartum. Hospital rooms can get chilly, and having a few pairs of warm socks makes such a difference in keeping you comfortable. I packed a couple of pairs I didn’t mind getting messy for labor ...
Women's Full Terry with Chunky Ribbed Cuff Cloud Soft Lounge 2pk Ankle Socks - Auden™ Oatmeal Heather/Brown Heather
Packing cubes make such a difference in keeping everything organized during your hospital stay. I like to separate mine by category—labor and delivery, postpartum, snacks, toiletries, and electronics—so it’s easy for me or my partner to find exactly ...
7pc Packing Cube Set with Compression Atmosphere
Peppermint essential oil is one of my go-tos for easing nausea during labor. Just a quick inhale can help calm those waves and make you feel more grounded. I love using an organic one for peace of mind—it’s simple, natural, and surprisingly effective...
Organic Essential Oil Peppermint
It might seem like a wild thing to pack, but bringing my pregnancy pillow made such a difference during labor and delivery. It helped the hospital bed feel so much more supportive and cozy, especially after I got my epidural. The nurses were so kind ...
Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool Pregnancy Body Pillow
Postpartum
Items that make recovery smoother and more comfortable once baby arrives. From cozy clothing to helpful care products, these are the things that help you feel like yourself again in those first few days.
My favorite pajamas! They are definitely an investment, but last a long time. Having a comfy set to wear postpartum made me feel so much better than being in a hospital gown. I definitely recommend bringing something with a stretchy waistband (especi...
Women's Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set
These pajamas are so so comfy and flattering! I NEED them in every color! The button down is so helpful if you are breastfeeding
Viscose-Blend Pajamas
Lola is a great feminine care brand that uses organic cotton. The hospital will give you everything you need to help with postpartum pain + bleeding, but these are amazing if you are looking for something more nontoxic.
LOLA Phase 1 Postpartum Pads - Maximum Absorbency - 20ct
The hospital should give you disposable underwear, but they are pretty loose and flimsy. These ones have the perfect about of tightness and are super comfy. They feel like they hold everything in much better than the hospital ones. Definitely recomme...
Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear for Women, Boyshort (8 Count) HSA/FSA Eligible - Walmart.com
If you don't want to deal with having to set up a pad in reusable underwear, these Rael organic period underwear are perfect! They don't give as much tightness/support as the Frida Mom underwear, but they are pretty much an adult diaper that is great...
Rael Women's Disposable Underwear, Organic Cotton, Postpartum
These little silver nursing cups are a total game-changer for breastfeeding. Made of pure silver, Silverettes naturally help soothe sore nipples and support healing for cracks or irritation without any creams or mess. You simply wear them between fee...
WILLOW Silver Nursing Nipple Shield Cups - 2pk
When your milk first comes in, your body has no idea how much to make, so leaks are totally normal. Reusable nursing pads are such a lifesaver during that phase. They’re soft, absorbent, and easy to toss into your nursing bra to keep your clothes dry...
KeaBabies 14pk Washable Nursing Pads, Organic Reusable Breast Pads for Breastfeeding, Nipple Pads, Breastfeeding Essentials (Neutrals, Large 4.8")
A good nipple butter is an absolute must in those early breastfeeding days. Applying it after each feed helps keep your skin soft, soothed, and protected while your body adjusts. I love the Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter—it’s made with natural, gen...
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter, Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding Mothers, 2 fl oz
The hospital usually stacks a few pillows to help you prop baby up for feedings, but having your own feeding pillow makes things so much easier. The Snuggle Me Feeding Support Pillow is perfectly shaped to keep baby close and supported while you nurs...
Feeding Support | Natural
An expanding file organizer is such an underrated hospital essential. It’s perfect for keeping all your important papers in one place—your birth plan, discharge forms, baby’s stamped footprints, cards from visitors, even a few Polaroids from those fi...
SKYDUE Expanding File Organizer with 8 Pockets
Afterbirth contractions can definitely catch you off guard, especially with your second baby. WishGarden’s AfterEase drops are a gentle, herbal way to help ease that discomfort as your uterus contracts back down. I love that they’re made with natural...
WishGarden Herbs Afterease, After Birth Contractions, 2 fl oz (59 ml)
I like to bring a few sunflower lecithin capsules to the hospital just in case. You probably won’t get a clog right away, but this is amazing for helping prevent them and keeping milk flowing smoothly once your supply comes in. It’s a simple, natural...
Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin
The American Eagle boxers are my favorite—super soft, easy to find on sale, and so comfortable. They’re perfect for those postpartum days when you want to feel a little more covered up but can’t stand the thought of wearing real pants. Light, breatha...
AEO Men's Plaid Stretch Boxer Short
Bringing a Polaroid camera to the hospital is such a special way to capture those first moments. There’s something about having instant photos you can hold, tuck into your hospital folder, or tape to the bassinet that makes it all feel even more real...
Fujifilm instax Mini SE Instant Camera with Bonus 10 pack Mini Film, Gray (Value Pack) - Walmart.com
The hospital usually provides a standard rinse bottle for postpartum care, but a peri bottle makes the process so much easier and more comfortable. The angled nozzle lets you spray upward without awkward bending, which is a lifesaver those first few ...
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
Shower shoes are one of those things you’ll be so glad you packed. Even though hospitals are cleaned really well, it’s still nice to have that extra layer of protection and stay feeling fresh. A simple pair of slip-on sandals keeps your feet clean an...
Square Toe Flip-Flop Sandals | Old Navy
Bringing your own slippers instantly makes the hospital feel a little more like home. They’re easy to slip on when you need to get up and help you avoid walking barefoot on the hospital floors. Soft, cozy, and practical—exactly what you want during t...
Faux Fur Slippers | Gap
Bringing your own pillowcase makes such a difference in helping the hospital feel a little more like home. I grabbed an inexpensive set I didn’t mind tossing afterward—just to have something clean, soft, and familiar during my stay. Hospitals are kep...
100% Cotton Pillowcase 20x30, Set of 2
One of the most useful things I brought to the hospital! A heating pad helped so much with postpartum uterine contractions and c-section pain. It brings instant relief and comfort when your body is sore and adjusting—definitely something I recommend ...
Electric Heating Pad
The hospital provides the basics for postpartum care, but I love bringing this balm because it’s completely natural and organic. The blend of essential oils gives a cooling, soothing feeling that’s so comforting after birth. It’s gentle, effective, a...
Earth Mama Organic Perineal Balm for Postpartum Relief
This spray is such a postpartum must-have. It’s made with natural, herbal ingredients that feel instantly cooling and soothing after delivery. I love how easy it is to use—just a few spritzes bring quick relief and help you feel refreshed during thos...
Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray for Postpartum Relief
A small pill organizer is so handy to have in your hospital bag. I like to keep a few sunflower lecithin capsules, prenatals, and even some Tylenol for my partner—just in case. It’s such an easy way to stay prepared and avoid any extra trips home if ...
Travel Supplement Case - up&up™
If your toddler is becoming a big brother or sister for the first time, having a special gift exchange can make the moment of meeting the baby so sweet. Let them bring a little gift for the baby, and have something waiting from the baby in return. I ...
Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Little Pinkfong Baby Shark Collection
Your going-home outfit doesn’t need to be fancy—comfort is everything. I packed a soft, oversized sweater and something easy to slip on so I could feel cozy and relaxed for the ride home. Think loose, breathable, and gentle on your postpartum body—be...
100% Cotton Oversized Sweater | Gap
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Your going-home outfit doesn’t need to be fancy—comfort is everything. I packed a soft, oversized sweater and something easy to slip on so I could feel cozy and relaxed for the ride home. Think loose, breathable, and gentle on your postpartum body—be...
100% Cotton Relaxed Sweater Pants | Gap
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Your body goes through so much during labor and delivery, and continuing your prenatals is such an easy way to support recovery. They help replenish nutrients, boost energy, and aid in healing while your body adjusts postpartum. A simple daily habit ...
Garden of Life Organic Vegan Prenatal
I didn’t know about this specific product when I gave birth—I was hoping for a VBAC but ended up with a c-section. Looking back, this recovery band looks like it would’ve been amazing for support and comfort. It’s designed to gently hold your incisio...
Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Band
This postpartum support binder is designed to help your body feel more supported as it recovers after birth. It gently hugs your core, offering stability and comfort whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a c-section. I love that it’s adjustable an...
Frida Mom Postpartum Abdominal Support Binder
A soft button-down nightgown is perfect for the hospital—comfortable enough to sleep in and easy to unbutton for breastfeeding or skin-to-skin. It feels so much nicer than the hospital gown and makes those first days of recovery a little cozier.
Long-Sleeve Knit Sleep Shirt | Old Navy
Snacks
Hospital food never hits quite right — these snacks keep your energy up between meals and give your partner something to reach for during long hours. A mix of nourishing and comforting favorites you’ll be glad you packed.
You can get 40% off your first order with my Thrive Market link, which makes it the perfect time to try it out. It’s truly my favorite place to shop for groceries, snacks, and clean household essentials. Everything is high-quality, curated, and deliv...
Thrive Market
I packed a Snackle Box with all of our favorite snacks, and it was such a lifesaver. During labor, my husband could grab something quickly without leaving the room, and it was just as helpful postpartum when I needed an easy bite between feedings. Ha...
Snackle Box Charcuterie Container
These beef mini sticks are such an easy, protein-packed snack to have on hand. I love that they’re 100% grass-fed and made with clean ingredients—and they’re honestly so delicious. Perfect for tossing in your Snackle Box for labor, postpartum, or tho...
Country Archer Original Beef Mini Sticks - 16ct/8oz
The hospital usually has a drink station, but if you want something a little healthier, BODYARMOR is the best! It’s packed with electrolytes and tastes so much better than most sports drinks. Perfect for staying hydrated during labor and recovery wit...
BODYARMOR Strawberry Banana Sports Drink
These are so delicious, it's ridiculous!
Candy Pieces, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter
I've been on a Swedish Candy kick lately and love that these are at Target!
Rolling Pin Sweet & Sour Summer Mix Gummy Swedish Candy - 5.2oz
I became instantly addicted the second I tried these! You'll end up eating the whole bag and wanting more, they are so good!
Thin & Crispy Potato Chips, Cheddar Sour Cream
These are soo delicious and leave me feeling great!
MacroBar, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
A delicious snack that is filled with nutrients that your body needs postpartum.
Wonderful Roasted & Salted Shelled Pistachios - 6oz
Love that these taste like the original veggie straw brand without seed oils. Just simple, clean ingredients
Organic Veggie Sticks, Multipack
These fruit snacks are DELICIOUS!! And only made with a few ingredients! I am obsessed!! I've tried all of their flavors and they are sooo good! Only downside is that they stick to your teeth, but I can look past that!
Solely Organic Mango & Guava Whole Fruit Gummies - 3.5oz/5ct
Such a delicious, clean snack to throw into your snackle box!
LesserEvil Popcorn - Himalayan Pink Single Serve - 0.88oz
If you liked Corn Nuts as a kid, you'll love these! So delicious and made with better ingredients!
LOVE, CORN BBQ Crunchy Corn - 4oz
My favorite brand ever!!! Every flavor of protein powder is packed with the cleanest ingredients and is DELICIOUS!! Love that this sample pack allows you to figure out which one you like most before committing to a large bag. These are so helpful for...
Just Ingredients Protein Powder Sample Pack - 12 Flavors
I'll never go back to regular pretzels after trying these. So good!
Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps Original On-the-Go - 3oz
If you're in the mood for a little sweet treat in the hospital, these are soo tasty!
Organic Duopops
I'm a sweets girl and cannot do anything without a sweet treat! This brand of chocolate is insanely good and made with incredible ingredients!
Hu Cashew Butter + Pure Vanilla Bean Dark Chocolate Candy - 2.1oz
If you can't tell, I'm a choco-holic! I could eat this ENTIRE bar in one sitting, it's sooo good!
Tony's Pretzel and Toffee Milk Chocolate Candy Bar - 6.35oz
Taste better than M&M's and better for you!
UNREAL Milk Chocolate Candy Gems - 5oz
Skittles just got an upgrade...these candies are one of my favorites!
YumEarth Organic Giggles Candy - 5oz
These have the perfect crunch and sweetness level!
Undercover Dark Chocolate + Sea Salt Chocolate Quinoa Crisps - 3oz
Labor is no joke, and staying hydrated makes such a difference. Redmond Relyte is my go-to for keeping electrolytes balanced during labor and for supporting recovery and milk supply postpartum. It’s clean, mineral-rich, and made without the artificia...
Redmond Re-Lyte® Hydration, Strawberry Lemonade, 6.7 oz (190 g)
Having something minty on hand is such a lifesaver when you start feeling nauseous during labor or postpartum. I love Pur gum because it’s made without aspartame or any of the artificial ingredients most gums have. It’s clean, refreshing, and such an...
Pur Gum
Electronics
All the tech essentials to stay connected, capture memories, and make your hospital stay more convenient. From chargers to entertainment, these are the little things that make a big difference.
This little fan was a lifesaver during labor. When I started feeling overheated and nauseous, it made such a difference to have some cool air blowing right on me. Definitely pack the charger too—you’ll end up using it more than you think, and it’s ni...
HomeLifairy Portable Stroller Fan, USB, 3 Speeds
A long phone charger is one of those things you’ll be so glad you packed. You never know how far the nearest outlet will be, and having a 10 ft cable makes it easy to keep your phone close while you’re resting or feeding the baby. It’s such a small t...
iPhone Charger 3Pack 10FT Nylon Braided Cable
Hospital TVs usually only have a few random channels, so bringing a streaming device (or logging into your favorite apps) makes such a difference. It’s nice to have your favorite shows or movies playing in the background while you rest or feed the ba...
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD
If you’re planning to film any part of your labor or postpartum experience, a phone tripod is such a lifesaver. It keeps your hands free so you can focus on the moment while still capturing those special memories. Easy to adjust, easy to pack, and on...
EUCOS 62" Phone Tripod
A portable speaker can completely change the atmosphere in your hospital room. Whether you play calming music during labor or soft background sounds while you rest with your baby, it helps create a peaceful, familiar environment. Such a simple additi...
JBL Go4 Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker
A portable power bank is such a lifesaver during your hospital stay. Between taking photos, filming, and texting updates, your phone battery drains fast—and outlets aren’t always easy to reach. Having one on hand means you’ll never miss a moment, and...
onn 10,000 mAh Portable Power Bank with Fast Charging Output (20W), Dual USB-C ports, USB port, LED Digital Display, Pink - Compatible with iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Samsung Galaxy, Note, Pixel & More
Beauty + Toiletries
Freshening up can make all the difference when you’ve been in the hospital for days. This section includes gentle, travel-friendly essentials to help you feel clean, refreshed, and a little more like yourself.
THIS SHADE!!! Sugar Plum is absolutely stunning and looks amazing on its own or on top of other lip products
LipSoftie™ Hydrating Tinted Lip Treatment Balm - Tower 28 Beauty | Sephora
There's nothing worse than looking in the mirror after a long day and realizing that your eyebrow product looks clumpy and flakey. This product is one of the first brow waxes that has not done that for me. You just need the smallest amount and your b...
HOLD UP! Flexible Brow Wax
This product makes my eyelashes look amazing and lasts all day without flaking
Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara - ILIA | Sephora
My favorite skin tint! Makes my skin look flawless, not cakey and still looks natural
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
I apply this product on my cheekbones and brow bones and it gives the most beautiful, glow-from-within look
Rose Glow Supernatural Stick Highlighter - Well People | Ulta Beauty
This kit has everything you need to keep your skin looking amazing during your hospital stay! All clean products!
Well People Plant Power Skincare Starter Set - 4pc
This refillable travel container is a little bit of an investment, but is soo high-quality and beautiful!
The Essential Refillable Travel Container - Sundown Plum Brown - RIES | Sephora
Travel bottles are perfect for bringing just the right amount of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or lotion without overpacking. I love filling mine with my clean, nontoxic essentials so I can still feel fresh and at home during my hosp...
8pc Travel Toiletry Set Thistle - Open Story™️: Portable Beauty Tool Set
A hanging toiletry bag is one of those little things that makes a big difference. It keeps all your skincare, hair, and beauty essentials organized and easy to reach in the hospital bathroom. After giving birth, being able to freshen up—even just was...
Travel Toiletry Bag
An electric toothbrush is such a little luxury during your hospital stay. When you’re exhausted and running on no sleep, it basically does the work for you and still leaves you feeling fresh. It’s one of those small comforts that makes a big differen...
Oral-B iO Series 2 Electric Toothbrush
A good natural toothpaste is a small comfort that makes a big difference during your hospital stay. This one’s my favorite—it’s clean, gentle, and leaves your mouth feeling so fresh. Perfect for those little moments when you want to feel a bit more l...
Boka Ela Mint- Fluoride Free- Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Flossers are such a simple thing to pack, but you’ll be glad you did. They make it easy to freshen up after meals without needing a full sink setup, especially when you’re resting in bed. A quick little way to feel clean and put-together during your ...
RADIUS EcoClean Compostable Dental Floss Pick, Peppermint
Live Tinted is one of my new favorite clean beauty brands! Every product I have tried from them is amazing and this concealer is pigmented and lasts all day!
19.25 Hueskin Hydrating Serum Concealer - Live Tinted | Ulta Beauty
I use this product every day to sculpt my face after applying foundation. It has a very natural pigmentation that gives me a naturally contoured look
Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Sculpting Liquid Bronzer - Saie | Sephora
Hair ties are a small but essential thing to pack. They’re perfect for keeping your hair out of your face during labor and so helpful afterward when you’re snuggling your baby—no one wants little hands getting tangled in your hair. I like to pack a f...
Kitsch Skinny Satin Scrunchies - 6pk
Hair clips are such an easy thing to forget but so useful to have. They keep your hair up and out of the way during labor and make it easy to freshen up quickly afterward without much effort. I love bringing a few soft, claw-style clips—they’re gentl...
Kitsch Jumbo Classic Claw Clips - 2pc - Black/Tortoise
A hairbrush might seem obvious, but it’s one of those little things that helps you feel like yourself again after delivery. Brushing your hair, even just once you’re settled in postpartum, feels so refreshing and grounding. I like to bring a gentle d...
Mini Finish & Shine Boar Bristle Brush - The Hair Edit | Ulta Beauty
A good deodorant is a must for your hospital bag. After labor, freshening up makes you feel so much better, and having one you trust—especially a clean, nontoxic formula—keeps you feeling comfortable and confident. It’s one of those simple things tha...
Humble Brands Original Formula Solid Deodorant - Bergamot & Ginger - Aluminum-Free 2.5oz
Hospital air can be really dry, and lip balm is one of those tiny things that makes a big difference. I love bringing a clean, hydrating one so my lips stay soft and comfortable through labor and recovery. It’s such a small comfort, but truly a must-...
Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter - 0.27 fl oz