The first time I packed my hospital bag, I brought way too much—think five onesies, a full skincare routine, and snacks I never touched. Now, as a second-time mom with two kids two and under, I’ve learned exactly what you need (and what you don’t) when heading to the hospital to give birth.
Here’s what actually matters, what I brought with baby #2, and a few extras that made a difference.
👜 Hospital Bag Checklist for Second-Time Moms
✔️ For mama
- Comfy clothes for after birth
Think oversized T-shirt or nursing-friendly loungewear. You won’t want tight waistbands or anything you have to fuss with. I personally wore an oversized dress and pregnancy shorts under. - Postpartum underwear
The hospital mesh ones work, but I brought my own oversized high-waisted, soft cotton ones this time—and didn’t regret it. - Nursing bra or tank top
Support + easy access. Pack at least two. - Toiletries
Travel-sized shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm (hospitals are dry), hairbrush, and a face wipe. That’s it. - Slippers and flip-flops
Slippers for your room, flip-flops for the shower. I do not like the hospital floors. - Phone charger (with a long cord)
Outlets are never where you need them. - Snacks
For after birth. You’ll be starving. In the Netherlands they serve you food at the hospital, but not snacks. - Water bottle
Ideally one with a straw. Hydration is everything. - Optional but nice:
nipple balm, hair tie, a light robe or sweater, your own pillow (if you’re picky).
✔️ For Baby
- 1–2 outfits
One for photos or the ride home, and a backup. Think zip-up onesies. Not buttons. And make sure to have both size 50 and 56 (we had a Zara set for our little man in size 62 that fit perfectly). - Hat and socks
Especially if it’s cold. - Swaddle or blanket
Hospital ones are fine, but I liked using our own wool blanket from Hvid. - Car seat
Installed and ready to go. Don’t leave this for the last minute.
✔️ For Papa
- Snacks, charger, change of clothes
They’re not the focus, but if they’re cranky and hungry, you’ll both feel it. - Toiletries
If they’re staying overnight. - A phone charger! You will not want to share 🙈
What I Didn’t Bring the Second Time
- Makeup bag Didn’t touch it. You’ll look like you just gave birth—and that’s exactly how you should look.
- Books/journals You will not be meditating or reading Hemingway in early labor. Don’t kid yourself.
- A million baby outfits They just need one. Two max. We brought pyjamas in 56 and 62 as we knew our babies would be on the bigger side. and a "going home" outfit.
- Diapers or wipes The hospital provides plenty, and you can take a few extra with you.
Final Thoughts
As a second-time mom, your hospital bag should reflect what you actually used the first time—not what Instagram or Pinterest say. Think comfort, function, and recovery.
The goal is not to be overprepared. The goal is to have what you need within reach when you’re tired, sore, and holding your baby for the first time. Also in order to not feel like you have to look through a lot of stuff to find what you need. The hospital provides you with pads, underwear, diapers and wipes. Consider a present for an older sibling if they are visiting at the hospital.
If you’ve done this before. Trust what worked for you—and don’t waste energy packing for a Pinterest photoshoot, unless that is what you want ofcourse!