Preparing for your hospital birth is a deeply personal experience—and at Milk & Baby, we get it. We know each family's journey is unique, and there can be so much information (and anxiety!) around what to bring, what you'll wear, and what will truly make you feel supported on the big day. Our founder’s own story, rooted in the ups and downs of new motherhood, shaped this approach: you deserve to feel confident, cared for, and prepared as you welcome your baby into the world.

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

Waiting for labor doesn’t always go as planned, and babies have an uncanny knack for arriving on their own schedules. We recommend aiming to have your hospital bag packed and ready no later than 37 weeks—about three weeks before your due date. This gives you (and your support person) peace of mind if things move quickly or your baby is feeling impatient. Start early! As you get closer to your date, add in everyday essentials, so you’re never rushing when those first contractions start.

Choosing the Perfect Labor & Delivery Gown

Hospital gowns are infamous for being boxy, stiff, and not exactly confidence-boosting. That’s why so many moms opt to bring their own. The right gown isn’t just about looking cute for those first photos (though that’s a bonus!)—it’s about comfort, ease of movement, privacy, and dignity on your biggest day. The "perfect" gown for labor and delivery should have:

• Front snaps or zippers: For quick access for medical checks, immediate skin-to-skin, and breastfeeding.
• Breathable, stretchy fabric: Because your body needs room to move, and you want to feel at ease.
• Nursing-friendly designs: Clip-down straps and easy-opening shoulders are essential once baby arrives.
• Full coverage: Side snaps or wrap designs help you maintain modesty and feel cozy when visitors come or for those first pictures.

Some of our top options at Milk & Baby include the Delivery and Nursing Gown | Frida Mom—soft, adjustable, and designed specifically with medical access and postpartum in mind. For recovery and nighttime feeds, many moms love our Everly Nightgown | Women's and the flirty Aurora Mesh Nursing Nightgown | Quartz. We recommend packing one gown for your labor/delivery and another for your recovery or overnight stays.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Creating a thoughtful hospital bag checklist can help you move from "what if I forget something?!" to feeling empowered and organized. Here’s a comprehensive, mom-focused checklist informed by years of feedback from Milk & Baby’s own community:

For Mom

• 1-2 labor & delivery gowns (see above for recommendations)
• Soft, non-skid socks and slippers
• Robe or layering piece for chilly hospital rooms and easy nursing
• 2-3 nursing bras or pumping bras; breastfeeding access is key
• Full-coverage or disposable undergarments
• Breast pads (bring a small pack—some hospitals provide, but not always your preferred brand)
• Travel-size toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, gentle deodorant, moisturizer, lip balm, dry shampoo, brush, hair ties)
• Face wipes or makeup remover, and minimal makeup if you wish
• Glasses/contact lens case & solution if needed
• Super-absorbent maternity pads (the hospital usually provides some, but you may prefer extras)
• Comfy going-home outfit (high-waist leggings, loose pants, and a nursing top or tunic)
• Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, coconut water, hydration/electrolyte packs)
• Refillable water bottle (with a straw for sipping in bed)
• Phone & charger (bring an extra-long cord or battery pack—the outlets are never conveniently located)
• ID, insurance, and any hospital paperwork
• Birth plan if you have one
• Small bag for laundry and ziplock for jewelry/valuables
• Eye mask and earplugs for better rest on noisy wards
• Optional: TENS unit, massage oil, heated pad if part of your pain management plan

For Baby

• One special going-home outfit (seasonally appropriate—with hat, booties, mittens for cooler weather)
• 2-3 onesies or side-snap shirts
• Baby blanket for snuggling and the ride home
• Car seat (install ahead of time!)
• Optional: baby zip rompers, pacifier, baby book for footprints, soft swaddle

Bonus: Partner's Packing List

• Change of clothes, toothbrush, deodorant
• Snacks and drinks
• Camera/phone, charger
• List of contacts for birth updates
• Small pillow and blanket

Postpartum Recovery Kits: Soothe, Heal, and Restore

The hours and days after birth are intense—physically and emotionally. We always suggest preparing for both expected and unexpected needs with a postpartum recovery kit that covers real-life healing. Our popular Deluxe Postpartum Recovery Box is trusted by parents nationwide and even recognized by Parents Magazine as a top choice, containing:

• Mesh underwear for comfort (yes, they are a lifesaver)
• Perineal heat/cool packs and sitz bath spray for soothing soreness
• Herbal or witch hazel pads for postpartum swelling
• Perineal cleansing bottle (absolute must-have for gentle care)
• Super absorbent maternity pads
• Stretch mark and scar balm
• Affirmation card and tips from real moms

Looking for a lighter option or planning to gift a new mama? Try our Postpartum Recovery Box, which covers all the basics without the extras.

Self-Care & Little Luxuries That Make All the Difference

Don’t underestimate comfort! The transition to motherhood is emotional and can be overwhelming. Thoughtful self-care makes those first days a bit easier and much more memorable:

• Treat yourself or a loved one to our Self Care Gift Box or splurge on the Deluxe Self Care Gift Box, packed with bath soaks, body oils, lip balm, and uplifting affirmations—perfect for a moment of peace.
• Keep a favorite playlist on hand and bring headphones for calming music or meditation.
• Consider bringing your own pillow or a blanket from home for comfort—it’s surprisingly grounding during such a big transition.

Tips to Make Hospital Birth Smoother

• Pack dark, quick-drying clothing: Childbirth can be messy, and dark colors simply hold up better.
• Limit valuables: Bring only what you truly need; leave jewelry at home.
• Label your hospital bag: Busy units and quick transitions make it easy for bags to get misplaced. Use a baggage tag for peace of mind.
• Start packing early: Set aside extras of “hospital-only” items (toothbrush, socks, mini skincare) early so that your bag is always ready without needing last-minute shuffles.

Why Milk & Baby?

Milk & Baby is a small, parent-founded business in Louisville, KY built on genuine, lived experience—by moms, for moms. We don’t just curate stylish, functional labor gowns and postpartum kits: we’re here to support, celebrate, and empower you every step of the way, with handpicked collections tested and loved by our team and our community (because we’ve been there!). By shopping with us, you aren’t just purchasing products—you’re investing in real support, thoughtful design, and a mission to make parenthood a little easier and a lot more joyful.

The Quick-Glance Milk & Baby Packing List

• Delivery/Nursing Gown(s): Frida Mom, Everly, or Aurora Mesh
• Robe & slippers
• Nursing bras (2+) & breast pads
• 5+ undergarments (full coverage/disposable)
• Absorbent maternity pads
• Toiletries, makeup (if you wish)
• Comfy going-home outfit
• Snacks & water bottle
• Phone & charger
• Car seat
• Baby outfit, blanket, and hat
• Recovery/self-care kit: Deluxe Postpartum Recovery Box or Postpartum Recovery Box
• Self-care extras: Self Care Gift Box

Need more ideas? Check out our full suite of labor & delivery gowns and baby & new mom essentials to assemble your dream hospital bag and feel ready for every wave of this beautiful journey. We’re here to support and cheer for you—one mom at a time.

P.S. Remember, there’s no “perfect” packing list—just what feels right for you and helps you feel strong and cared for when you need it most.