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When my water broke and I was quickly gathering the last few items for my hospital bag, I threw in my Dyson Airwrap on a whim. Call it a bit extra, but giving myself a quick blowout postpartum provided a few precious moments to feel more like myself after the most life-changing event. (And sure enough, I haven’t used the term “blowout” to describe hair since). 

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to hospital bag must-haves. Quite frankly, you really don’t need to pack much.

The hospital will likely have all of the essentials, namely, postpartum care products for mom and diapering products for baby. But like my beloved Airwrap, some moms want to pack uncommon items that make them feel a bit more at home — no judgment here! Below, review their sometimes silly, yet sanity-saving picks that were worth a little extra lugging. 

1. An extra-long phone charger

“The best thing I brought with me during labor was an extra-long phone charger — 10 feet or more! No matter what position the nurses have you in during labor, you can still distract yourself with TikTok.” — Shelbie S., Nevada

2. A nail file for your baby

“Nail file! The hospital didn’t have them, and my son’s nails were daggers!” — Shannon G., California

3. A sound machine and a clip-on cup holder

“I have always brought a sound machine, and I think they’re essential in the hospital, for baby and mom. I’ve also packed a clip-on cup holder, which I clipped onto the bed and used to store my phone.” — Alyssa J., New York

4. A zip-up sweatshirt

“It made it easy to breastfeed, but also stay warm in the hospital.” — Carolyn D, California

5. A Roku stick

“So you aren’t stuck watching four crappy channels on the hospital TV.” — Ally C., California

6. A motivational playlist

“Not something I necessarily ‘brought,’ but I made a pretty fun playlist to give birth to. My son was born to ‘Sandstorm’ by Darude.” — Erin T., New York

7. A Nerf gun

“I was just at a baby shower, and someone gifted my friend a Nerf gun for the hospital — she was told it can help when you need to get your partner’s attention, but don’t want to make any noise if the baby is asleep!” — Kerry P., California

8. A portable tap light

“I brought one of those tap-on lights and put it on my bedside table. So great for night feedings and to not have to turn on the bright hospital lights!” — Libby R., Minnesota 

9. A heating pad and a massage gun

“One of the most painful parts of my C-section recovery was the severe gas pain in my shoulder — something I didn’t expect at all. It turns out that during a C-section, trapped gas can travel and irritate the phrenic nerve, which refers pain to the shoulder. I brought a heating pad and a massage therapy gun to the hospital, and those were lifesavers in helping manage the discomfort. Definitely something worth preparing for!” — Jordan G., California

10. Body wipes

“I packed shower wipes because I was scared of showering right after my C-section, and I used all of them! They were so helpful at making me feel more put together than I was! And helped me feel clean without being able to really move my body.” — Carly K., New York

11. A stroller fan

“I repurposed a stroller fan with octopus legs and brought it to the hospital for my delivery. It was very helpful because I was able to attach it to the side of the hospital bed and keep myself cool while I was in labor.” — Corinne S., California

12. Candy

“I craved sour and sweet things during my pregnancy, so Sour Patch Watermelon candies were an easy little poppable snack when I was bored and waiting before and after when I was recovering. Just hanging in bed, you want a Sour Patch Watermelon…or three.” — Jenn D., California