Let me guess. It’s not the first article on hospital bag checklist that you are reading, right? It’s ok. Sometimes we feel the urge to devour articles, posts, and lists of what to bring to the hospital for delivery just to make sure we are well-packed. Actually, this may pay off. You might stumble upon something in one of the checklists you haven’t thought about.

For example, do you know what item was in every mom’s must have checklists? And those who didn’t take it regretted not having it the most. Any guessing? A hair tie. Or a headband. Do you have one in your bag?

We’ve interviewed women who had their babies in one of the New York hospitals and asked them these three questions about their hospital bags for labor and delivery:

“What things did you totally need ?”
“What things you could skip?”
“What things nobody told you to bring, and you wish you had them?”

Here’s what we’ve learned.

What you’ll actually use

These are hospital birth bag things that moms get most out of.

For labor

Your bathrobe or any loose clothes: you’ll also need it later, because the belly can be tender afterward, let alone if a C-section.
Slippers or even flip-flops: your feet might be swollen.
Water bottle with a straw: it’s vital to stay hydrated.
Hair ties, headbands or bobby pins: remember? It’s top 1 in any new mom’s hospital bag for delivery.
Snacks! Lots of snacks: it can be a huge moral boost when going through the labor stages.
A folder for documents: put your birth plan and hospital notes in it.

For baby

Swaddle blankets: although NYC hospitals provide some clothes, diapers and blankets for babies, many pack their hospital bag with NB outfits.
Mittens: to keep a baby from scratching themselves up.
Bottles and Formula: you might want to use exactly what you want instead of hospital supplies.
Baby wipes: you’ll need ones when changing diapers.

For you

Your going home clothes: many brand-new mamas give preference to a dress or yoga pants and a hoodie.
Nipple cream and breast pads: breastfeeding can be hard at first.
Long phone charger: it’ll give you more flexibility.
Travel-sized toiletries: leave space for other things to take to the hospital.
Change of underwear and pads: some hospitals may provide you with postpartum pads and disposable underwear, though.

Skip These: What You Won’t Need

Even if you’ve carefully mulled over your pregnancy hospital bag checklist, there will be things you could’ve skipped. Mostly because NYC hospitals provide pretty much everything you need for your recovery after birth and for the baby.

So, here are other moms overpacking mistakes. You might want to take it out of your pregnancy hospital bag to save some space:

Make up kit: most moms didn’t even consider using it - a lip balm is more than enough.
Electronics other than your phone: it’s doubtful you’ll have a chance to watch a two-hour movie or accomplish your working task.
Blankets and pillows: again, NY hospitals provide a postpartum mom with these.

“Ugh, I Should’ve Brought That” – Regrets from NYC Moms

Finally, there are things women regretted not including in their hospital bag checklist:

Your toilet paper: new moms complained that hospital toilet paper is thin and low quality, so take a softer roll.
A towel: though they’ll give you a towel, hospital towels are a joke.
A black sleep mask: the lighting in a hospital can be harsh.
Fingernail clippers for the baby: hospital doesn’t provide these.
Dry shampoo: along with towelettes, the shampoo will save the day if you won’t have time to take a shower.
Pen&Paper: worth having it in your newborn hospital bag to jot down everything (APGAR scores, SS card, birth certificate, what pediatrician told you). Sleep deprivation takes a toll on memory, so be prepared - you won’t remember a thing anyone’s told you after you get home.

Once you’ve created a list of things to be taken to hospital for delivery, focus on documenting precious moments. You’ll want to revisit the moment you hold your baby for the first time, your partner’s awestruck reaction, or the first yawn. Birth photography is a service that captures every tiny detail of a life-changing day.

Look at the stories we’ve told and join us in creating your story with photos that will be your most cherished keepsake.

What to Pack for the Hospital Birth: A Realistic NYC Checklist