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From Barn Boots to Baby Bags: What I Really Packed for the Hospital

  • Jan 26
  • 6 min read

Updated: Feb 10

When it came time to pack my hospital bag, I felt like I was a few steps behind every friend who had already done this. They had Pinterest boards, brand name everything, and bags packed before the third trimester even started. Meanwhile, I was over here feeding horses, checking water troughs, and trying to remember if I had even washed the baby’s coming home outfit yet.


Farm life has made me pretty simple by necessity. I do not carry a lot. I do not buy every trendy product. I like to be able to grab a bag and go. So, when it was time to pack for the hospital, I knew I wanted the essentials and nothing more. My husband did not know where to start either, so we kept it practical, realistic, and easy.


And honestly, it was perfect.


Before I even touched the hospital bag, I had to think about the animals. Anyone with a farm or multiple pets knows that leaving home is a whole event. We had to write out feeding instructions for every animal, label feed, set out extra hay, make a morning and evening chore list, confirm who was doing what, leave emergency vet numbers on the fridge, and double check gates, water, and fencing.


Packing for the hospital felt easy compared to prepping the farm.


There were also a few things we did ahead of time that made the entire experience smoother. One of the biggest was creating a simple birth plan. Nothing complicated, just a clear outline of what I preferred and what mattered to me. My husband and I talked through it together so he knew exactly how to support me and advocate for me if I was not in the headspace to speak up. Labor can move quickly and it is incredibly reassuring to know your partner understands your wishes.


Another thing that helped us tremendously was taking a birthing class at our hospital. If your hospital offers one, I cannot recommend it enough. We found ours incredibly helpful. It walked us through what to expect, what the different stages of labor look like, how to breathe and move through contractions, and what the hospital procedures are. It also helped my husband feel confident and involved, which made everything smoother once we were actually there.


Once all of that was in place, I finally focused on what to pack. Here is what I brought and what I actually used. No fluff. No overpacking. Just the things that made me comfortable and kept everything simple.


Check out my New Mom Essentials list. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)


What I Packed for Me


  • Nursing Bra: If you plan to nurse, bring one. It makes everything easier when you are learning and adjusting. Some of my favorites were: https://amzn.to/4qSZnbZ, https://amzn.to/4bvdwXQ, and https://amzn.to/4bvdwXQ.

  • Car Seat Installed Ahead of Time: This is non-negotiable. Make sure you know how to install it before you go into labor. The last thing you want is to be standing in the hospital parking lot trying to figure out straps and clips. I used the Nuna Pipa RX with Relx base. This is also compatible with the Mompush strollers that are my go-to from another post. Though, for when they outgrow the infant car seat, I recommend and love our Graco 3 in 1 car seat.

  • Soft Robe: You will not want anything structured after giving birth. A robe is easy, comfortable, and makes you feel human again. My favs were: https://amzn.to/46f45Ix, https://amzn.to/46f45Ix, and https://amzn.to/3NZZNOV (not a robe, but so comfy). Again, not a robe, but this was my other go-to: https://amzn.to/4ta5nhX.

  • Wrap Dress or High Waisted Loose Dress: Pick something seasonally appropriate and forgiving. A comfy sweater or sweat suit works great too.

  • Flip Flops or Slide On Shoes: Your feet might swell and bending over is not happening. Slides are your friend. Both my husband and I had a pair of these and they were so comfy.

  • Long Phone Charger: Hospital outlets are never where you need them. A long cord saves your sanity.

  • Hair Tie or Clip: Labor is sweaty. Enough said.

  • Large Water Tumbler: You will be thirsty constantly. Bring a big one you can refill easily. My go-tos have been the Brumate water tumbler and the HydroJug Traveler.

  • Birthing Ball: If you are anything like me, this was a lifesaver during labor. It helps with positioning, comfort, and staying mobile. I didn’t just use my birthing ball during labor. It became a daily must‑have in the weeks leading up to it. Whenever the pressure got intense and I still needed to sit and work, the ball was my go‑to. It also pulled double duty for countless pelvic floor exercises both before and after delivery, making it one of the most useful tools I had throughout the whole journey.

  • Simple Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, chapstick, dry shampoo, deodorant. Keep it simple.


What My Husband Packed


When we were getting our bags ready, we wanted to keep things simple for both of us. He needed to be comfortable, prepared, and able to support me without overthinking what to bring. These were the things that actually mattered and made his time at the hospital easier.

  • Comfortable Clothes: He will be sitting, pacing, helping, and probably sleeping in a chair (or if you're lucky enough like we were, a pull out couch). Comfort is key. My husband loved these pants.

  • Hoodie or Jacket: Hospitals are cold. Always.

  • Snacks and Drinks: He needs fuel too and the cafeteria is not open at two in the morning.

  • Phone Charger: Because he will forget one if you do not pack it.

  • Basic Toiletries: Just enough so he does not feel like a swamp creature by day two.

  • Pillow or Blanket: Optional but very nice to have. Hospital chairs are not designed for actual humans.

  • Slip On Shoes That Are Washable: This one is not glamorous, but it is real. Things can get messy during labor and delivery, and washable shoes make life easier for everyone. My husband has a pair of both the Joomra and the Bronax and loves both.


What I Packed for Baby


The hospital provides more than you think, so keep this simple too.


  • A Going Home Outfit: Choose something soft, simple, and seasonally appropriate. Babies do not need anything fancy. A zip‑up or magnetic sleeper is perfect. We actually had two: one in newborn sizing and one in 0-3 months just in case.

  • A Swaddle or Soft Blanket: The hospital will give you blankets, but having one of your own is nice for photos or the ride home. Our personal go-tos were the Love to Dream Swaddle Up, KeaBabies Swaddle Wraps, and basic muslin swaddle blankets,

  • A Hat if It’s Cold: Newborns lose heat quickly, so a little hat helps if you’re delivering in cooler weather.

  • Pediatrician Information: The hospital will ask for this, so having it handy saves time.


What You Don’t Need for Baby

This is where people tend to overpack. The hospital provides more than you think (or at least ours did - it's worth asking in advance). You do not need: Diapers (unless you have a personal preference for diaper type (we did and brought our own), wipes, bottles, formula, pacifiers, a full wardrobe, toys, baby wash or lotion. The hospital has all of that covered. Truly.


If You Want to Add a Few Extras

These are optional but nice to have if you prefer your own things.


That is truly all you need.


Final Thoughts

Packing for the hospital does not have to be overwhelming. You do not need every brand name gadget or a suitcase full of just in case items. If you are like me, juggling farm chores, animals, work, and life, simple is better.


Focus on comfort, practicality, and the things that make you feel calm and prepared. The rest will fall into place. And once you are home, the animals will be waiting, the farm will still be standing, and you will have a brand new little human to introduce to your beautifully chaotic world.


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