17 Hospital Bag Essentials That You Can Find on Amazon

You know you need a quality bag to store your essentials. But you might not realize that you’ll likely be leaving the hospital with a lot of extras, like diapers and medication. So you need to make sure your bag has plenty of room without being bulky. This Vera Bradley convertible backpack duffle bag measures 13 inches by 17 inches by 9 inches deep, so you won’t have to worry about stuffing everything. And with plenty of pockets — four exterior zip pockets and an interior mesh pocket — you can keep things organized. Bonus: it’s made of a weather-friendly, water-repellent quilted polyester that looks super chic, giving the bag life beyond your hospital stay.

Customer Reviews

"I wanted this bag for so long. I was attracted to the backpack aspect, but also the inside having the interior zips and two-sided divide like traditional luggage. It is the perfect size for a long weekend (if you’re not packing 5 sweaters). It was much more than I expected (as I had only seen it online). Honestly, there is a place for EVERYTHING!! I feel like I am easily prepared for whatever the day brings."

"I originally got this bag to give as a gift, but after getting it in... I’m keeping it for myself! I have never really been a huge fan of Vera Bradley bags, due mostly to the loud prints. But this bag is solid black and super sleek. It has been so well-designed to be perfectly functional and highly versatile: it can be a backpack or duffle. It’s made of 100% polyester, which is water-repellant and durable for travel or everyday use, but is so soft and sophisticated looking. There is so much organization, which I love, including zip pockets and a trolley sleeve (perfect for when I travel for work with just a carry on!) And, omg, it has been designed to lay flat when opened. I am just so impressed when a product is so thoughtfully designed and has been made with superior quality. Such a win for us, the consumer. Worth every penny. Five stars!"

When you’re in the middle of laboring, you don’t want to keep asking someone to bring you another cup of water. This 32-ounce water bottle ensures you’ll always have a sip on hand because, trust me, you’ll be thirsty. But it’s not so big that it’ll overtake that tiny side table they give you. This particular bottle, made of glass, is also better for the environment, and won’t absorb any color or odor should you decide to put another type of liquid inside. Once you’re home, keep this next to your nursing chair, as breastfeeding requires tons of water intake.

Customer Reviews

"I love this bottle! Having just had a baby and needing lots of water for breastfeeding, this provides me with enough water without having to refill constantly. Easy to wash as well!"

The hospital can’t treat your partner for anything — not even a simple headache caused by the bright fluorescent lights of your delivery room. So toss a bottle of pain reliever into your hospital bag just in case. Even if it goes unopened, you’ll use them eventually, like when you get home and experience nipple pain or soreness down there. 

Customer Reviews

"BEST product out there for FASTEST relief for any headaches/fever/body sores/tooth ache/mild pains !!! My GO TO for everything works within 10-15 minutes tops!!! So much better than the original or any other leading brand, because of the rapid release—a true on-the-go lifesaver."

Once you’re admitted, the doctor typically won’t allow you to eat anything but clear fluids. Luckily, sugar-free hard candy fits the bill. So pop this pack of candies in your bag—you’ll be so grateful to have something with a little flavor when you’re starving, but not permitted to indulge in a meal. As an added bonus: These suckers can help relieve a dry mouth, a common problem during labor. 

Customer Reviews

"I am so glad I found these candies!!! They are truly hard candies, not chewy at all. This package has lots of different flavors, and so far there has not been one I didn't like. I love that they are sugar free, but not made with sucralose and other artificial goo. Great product! I would definitely buy these again."

You’re bound to do a lot of scrolling during the hours of labor, and that can quickly drain your battery. But you’ll want to make sure your phone is all powered up for baby’s grand arrival. This 10-foot cable will keep your device within reach while it charges, no matter where in the room the outlet is located. Plus, it’s made of a super durable rope-like material, so it won’t fray if it gets stepped on or rolled over by all those machines around you. 

Customer Reviews

"This product works awesome. It’s a durable 10-foot charging cord that not even my lab dog can chew through! This is my second time buying, because I need one in my car, living room, bedroom and 2nd living room/play room for my kids! It was perfect for the hospital when I had my C-section with my twins! It charges fast and better, in my opinion, then the chargers that come with the iPhone. Definitely recommend."

"Good price and good quality. The length is great. I used mine while in labor at the hospital. It was handy to have a long cord."

When you’re in labor — and after you give birth — your body temperature fluctuates rapidly, thanks to all of those surging hormones. When the shivers come, you’ll be glad to have something that’s super easy to slip on. And conversely, when you work up a sweat, you’ll want to be able to rip said sweater right off. This super soft cardigan, complete with pockets for essentials like chapstick, fits the bill perfectly. Once baby arrives, it’s great for breastfeeding, too: You can simply brush it to the side and unclip your nursing bra or tank top. 

Customer Reviews

"I bought two of these and they are exactly what I was looking for. Soft and lightweight and fit perfectly!"

"Love everything about this cardigan sweater. Great fit, great quality. Fits as expected."

Lip balm is a must-have for any hospital patient (there’s just something about the air that’s extremely drying), but especially for anyone giving birth. Between the intense breathing and potential oxygen mask for those who have C-sections, your lips will dry out fast. This one is great, because it’s all-natural. Plus, when they won’t let you eat, the superfruit flavor on your pout almost feels like the treat you’re craving. 

Customer Reviews

"I like this lip balm quite a lot. It's thick and stays put for a decent amount of time and has a yummy slightly tingly sensation to it. Since my first baby was born a few months ago, I've noticed both my skin and lips get dried out quickly. I like to keep some of this lip balm on hand and it helps soothe my itchy dry lips."

Though the hospital will provide grippy socks, the ones they dole out tend to be super thick and  fuzzy. And when you’re having trouble regulating your temperature, those materials can be too much. Plus, the sizeless ones from the hospital can bunch uncomfortably. This cotton variety is much more pleasant all around, thanks to both material and fit. And once you’ve recovered from childbirth, you can wear them to yoga or barre classes. 

Customer Reviews

"Perfect socks for around the house or during my hospital stay after having my baby"

"My friend had these on her Amazon baby registry to take with her to the hospital. She loves them!"

We get it: You want to look your best for those first photos with baby. But all the movement and sweat associated with labor doesn’t do your blowout any favors. You’ll want your hair up and out of the way, so it’s smart to have a hair tie (or two, in case one gets lost) on hand. These silk ones, though undeniably more expensive than your average band, are a must, because they won’t leave a crease when you’re ready for your photo opp.

Customer Reviews

"I never go anywhere without one of these! My baby likes to pull and play with hair, so I always have my hair up with one of these. My super fine hair never gets caught in these the way it does in regular hair ties. I'm not going to say it has prevented damage because my baby still reaches up and grabs handfuls of hair so my hair is still broken, but it does hold my hair in place in the motorcycle and doesn't get all tangled up when I take it down."

From the moment you check in, the hospital staff tosses paperwork your way. From registration forms, to waivers, to birth certificate documents, to mom and baby care guidelines, you’ll be getting a whole lot of documents. Of course, you can stuff them in your bag, but a folder is a great idea, since it’ll help keep things organized and decrease the chance you’ll lose something important. This accordion-style option is perfect, because you can continue to use it after you get home for all of baby’s important papers—social security card, medical records, passport, and more. 

Customer Reviews

"Bought this for filing baby paperwork, since it is a nice, cute color that will stand out among the other file folders. I like that it is sturdy and could potentially protect inner items if it accidentally got wet. I'm thinking about buying a couple more for work."

If you opt for an epidural, you’ll be bed-bound until baby arrives. And, as you know, labor can take quite a while. Having these makeup remover wipes on hand can help you keep your face clean when you can’t get up. Even if you’re not wearing makeup, they’ll help remove sweat and make you feel more refreshed if you need a pick-me-up. These ones are a must-have, because they come in a pouch that doesn’t take up much real estate in your hospital bag. Plus, they’re alcohol-free, so they won’t dry your skin in an already arid environment. 

Customer Reviews

"These are absolutely convenient and effective. Unlike some of the no-name brands, there is always plenty of moisture on each wife…no matter whether it is the first or the last and no matter if the pack has been open for a week or a month. That moisture retention would not be possible if the seal was not top quality. It also never takes more than one pad. It is nice to know that the product works."

When you’re hot and sweaty during labor, a quick spritz of this cooling, soothing face mist will feel like heaven. It’s also a big help if you’re losing a lot of fluid and experiencing dry skin, since the aloe and green tea have major moisturizing properties. Keep it on your bedside table, and have your partner give you a quick spray every once in a while. 

Customer Reviews

"Good for sensitive skin. Skin feels cool and refreshed. Not sticky at all. I use it often."

Regular Bluetooth speakers can be bulky and heavy — not what you want in your hospital bag. But when you’re in the throes of labor, some calming music can really help you get through those painful contractions. This tiny, but mighty speaker provides the high-quality sounds of a regular speaker but takes up a fraction of the space. You can literally wrap your whole hand around it. 

Customer Reviews

"The short version: Probably one of the best bluetooth speakers of its size. The range and the battery life are very good."

"Love the size and innocuous design of this little nugget of sound. It's perfect for use in the bathroom, because it's 'waterproof'. Plus my bathroom is super tiny, so having a tiny footprint means I can set it pretty much anywhere."

When you get the go-ahead to shower after childbirth, you’ll jump at the chance. But nobody wants to go barefoot in such a highly-trafficked area like a hospital shower. Plus, the floors can be slippery—especially if your legs are shaky from giving birth. These waterproof shoes offer the perfect solution for both dilemmas, plus are cute enough to wear on the regular afterwards. 

Customer Reviews

"Bought these and absolutely love them! They are the lightest, comfiest things ever. So much better looking than the other foamy/plastic-y shoes out there and the best foot bed. Money well spent. These will be a recurring purchase from here on out!"

Is there any better window of time to marathon a new TV show? When labor is dragging on and on, plug this tiny device right into the USB port on the hospital TV to get immediate access to all of your favorite streaming services. 

Customer Reviews

"We love this. Initially purchased it for streaming access in the hospital during our daughters cancer treatment. Will most likely purchase a second so that following treatment we can have one for each TV at home. Love the product. Extremely convenient."

You’ll have some dirty clothes to deal with post-delivery. Rather than toss them into your hospital bag and risk maring things like baby’s going home outfit, bring a wet bag to serve as the dedicated spot for soiled duds. This one is the perfect size for a few items and, as an added bonus, comes in a number of cute patterns. Once you get home from the hospital, toss it in your diaper bag—it’s the perfect solution for an on-the-go blowout. 

Customer Reviews

"This bag is nice and big. I use it for my wearable breast pumps and wipes and it works great. Easy to wipe clean and has a convenient button strap, which you can use to hang off of a baby bag or nightstand."

"Very cute, very well made. Perfect for carrying sweaty workout clothes in my gym bag. Also perfect for carrying in my baby bag for when kids make a mess on their outfit and I don’t want to contaminate everything in my baby bag or purse. Super cute design!"

Cute and nursing bra are two words that don’t typically go together. But you don’t have to feel all fuddy-duddy after having a baby. This lace bralette functions just as well as its less attractive, full-coverage counterparts, but is so much prettier. Plus, it comes in nearly 20 colors, ranging from neutrals like black and white to vibrant shades like bright rose and mystery blue. 

Customer Reviews

"I love this bra! It is very comfortable and works great to flip down to nurse. It's not so bulky that my baby had a huge bunch of bras around his neck while he feeds. Adorable bra! Best nursing bra I've found!"