The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby #3 (C-Section Friendly!)
I can’t believe I’m packing my last hospital bag, cue the internal crying. Since this will be my third time preparing for a hospital birth, it feels like the perfect moment to document all of my hospital bag must-haves: the items I personally loved, found useful, and will 100% be packing again for baby #3.
Disclaimer: I’m not sure yet whether I’ll have a VBAC, or another c-section—we’re waiting to see if baby girl decides to flip out of her breech position. That said, I’ve only ever had c-sections, so this post is heavily geared toward c-section hospital bag essentials rather than items needed for active vaginal labor. Please get guidance from other mothers who have had a vaginal delivery for that!
Also, remember: minimal is best. Hospitals have every essential you truly need. If you go into labor with zero hospital bag packed—you’ll be fine. This list is for those who have the time, desire, and means to make their stay a little more comfortable. I also polled my Instagram community and combined your suggestions with my own favorites.
Amazon Affiliate links will be included; I receive a commission if you purchase through them. As always, nothing in this post should be taken as or is medical advice.
My New Hospital Bag for Baby #3
I treated myself and upgraded from the Vera Bradley duffle that’s been with me for 10 years to the Caara Hospital Bag. It’s marketed specifically as a hospital bag and loaded with pockets for organizing all the little “just in case” items. The quality is incredible, I cannot wait to fill it with all of my must-haves.
Comfort Items for Your Hospital Stay
I need a fan on my face to sleep, and the hospital lighting is a little abrasive during those middle of the night feeds. Don’t forget a phone charger, bonus if it has an extra long cord depending on where the plug-ins are. If you want a pillow or blanket that are actually comfy, you might want to grab your own from home. In this list are a few postpartum hospital bag comfort items, because truly a few small comforts can make the stay feel calmer and cozier.
What I’m packing:
- Phone charger (extra-long is a bonus)
- Egg light / soft night lamp
- Sound machine
- Stroller fan
- My own pillow
- A cozy blanket
- Optional: towel from home (lots of followers recommended this, but I might skip!)
If you’re sensitive to light or noise, an eye mask can be a lifesaver too.
Toiletries & Hygiene Essentials
The following list consists of my c-section recovery must-haves, everything you will need in your hospital bag related to toiletries during the postpartum period!
These items will help you feel human again:
- Electric toothbrush
- Chapstick (your lips will get dry)
- Facial wipes (perfect for bed-bound moments)
- Hairbrush + hair ties
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and face wash
- Light makeup if it helps you feel like you
- Under-eye masks (my personal “luxury item” this time!)
Note: If you’re having a vaginal delivery, your hospital will usually provide peri care supplies, but I can’t speak personally on that experience.
Snacks and Hydration
Keywords: labor snacks, hospital bag snacks, high-protein labor snacks
If you have a great hospital with excellent room-service and on the location restaurants you really might not need to even worry about bringing any type of food. If you are going through a vaginal labor and delivery and need electrolytes and high-protein snacks to keep you energized during your delivery, pack them so you know you have something on hand! I am picky on what snacks I like to consume in regards to certain ingredients and macronutrient composition so I will be bringing some of my favorites like:
I’m bringing:
Electrolytes are also helpful—especially for long labors. I will have these on hand!
Breastfeeding Essentials
Planning on breastfeeding? Awesome, you really don’t need much. I may bring a breastfeeding support pillow but I am undecided. I won’t pack a pump or any type of bottle because the hospital will provide those if I so need them – but hopefully we won’t!
What I might bring:
- Breastfeeding support pillow (still undecided)
I am bringing:
- My favorite pacifiers (as backup just in case I need to use one but reminder ABM recommends avoiding pacifier use until breastfeeding is well established when possible)
- A mini cooler with frozen colostrum in case I need to supplement (learn more in my colostrum blog post)
What to Pack for Baby
Wondering what you need in your hospital bag for your newborn?
The hospital provides:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
So what do you really need?
I’m packing:
- A couple of cute newborn outfits (hello photo ops)
- A name sign for photos
I’ll keep a small diaper bag in the car with diapers, wipes, and outfits for the ride home—just in case.
What to Wear in the Hospital
Hospitals provide gowns for your entire stay, but many people prefer their own comfy clothing. The IG poll results were consistent:
Recommended hospital clothing:
- Soft bathrobe
- Nursing or pumping-friendly bra – I am bringing my tried and true favorites.
- High-waisted maternity leggings or lounge pants (especially important after a c-section)
- High-waisted underwear (not required since hospitals provide postpartum underwear)
- Comfy pajamas or a nightgown – I grabbed a new nightgown from Caden Lane to match baby’s newborn outfit.
- Slippers
- Compression socks or grippy socks
- A comfy/go-home outfit
Extra “Bojie” Add-Ons
If you want to elevate the experience and prepare some extra entertainment:
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Headphones
I would have to question if every hospital has the capacity for their TV’s to use a fire stick but it is a small item so wouldn’t take much to pack if you wanted to bring for some entertainment when you are having a late night breastfeeding session.
Final Thoughts
I hope this hospital bag checklist is helpful and not overwhelming. Truly, you don’t need much, the hospital has your essentials! But if you enjoy being prepared like I do, these items can make your stay comfier and more organized.
I’ll update you after baby girl arrives with what I actually used… and what I didn’t touch!
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Cinthia Scott is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with over 10 years experience in the field of dietetics. Cinthia focuses on ensuring optimal nutrition in the first 1000 days of life to ensure optimal growth and development as well as set the stage for long-term health. Cindy is an author, starting solids expert, and advocate for caregivers receiving evidence based education and support surrounding breastfeeding and starting solids.
Cinthia is co-author of the 101beforeone Starting Solids Book, “101beforeone -baby-led feeding cookbook,” and is the founder and owner of The Baby Dietitian LLC which is her private practice built to provide virtual 1:1 services for caregivers surrounding infant nutrition, toddler nutrition, and breastfeeding support. Cinthia is also the creator of the Starting Solids 101 Program which provides caregivers 1:1 support from a Pediatric Dietitian on how to provide optimal nutrition from the start and create healthy eating habits that will last their whole lifetime. To work with Cinthia, you can access her services here.
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