How to Pack a Pregnancy Pillow in Your Hospital Bag
To pack a pregnancy pillow in your hospital bag, choose a compact or travel-size version, compress it using a vacuum storage bag, or roll it tightly and secure it with straps. This saves space while ensuring you have comfort and support during your hospital stay.
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When I was getting ready for my hospital stay, I knew I couldn’t sleep without my pregnancy pillow—but fitting it into my hospital bag felt impossible. The full-size one took up almost the entire suitcase. After some trial and error, I found ways to pack it so I could still bring all the other essentials I needed.
Here’s how I managed to take my pillow with me without giving up valuable space.
Choose the Right Size
If you want to take your pillow to the hospital, consider a travel-size pregnancy pillow or a smaller shape like a wedge or C-shape. They’re easier to pack and still give you comfort.
- The Travel-Friendly Pregnancy Pillow is perfect for tight spaces.
Use a Vacuum Storage Bag
This was my game-changer. I put my pillow inside a vacuum-seal bag and used a hand pump to remove the air. It shrank down to half the size and fit perfectly in my bag.
- I used these Travel Vacuum Storage Bags for my pillow and clothes.
Roll and Strap It
If you don’t have a vacuum bag, rolling your pillow tightly and securing it with straps or bungee cords works surprisingly well. It keeps the shape compact until you get to the hospital.
- The Adjustable Luggage Straps made it much easier to carry.
Pack It Separately
Sometimes, the easiest way is to carry your pregnancy pillow in a separate tote bag. This keeps it clean and avoids taking up room in your main hospital bag.
- I used a Large Canvas Tote Bag that was easy to grab and go.
Final Tip: A pregnancy pillow can make a huge difference in your comfort during your hospital stay. Whether you compress it, roll it, or choose a smaller version, it’s worth the effort to bring it along—you’ll thank yourself during those long hours of recovery and rest.
I learned quickly that not all pregnancy pillows are created equal when it comes to packing. Some are made with dense filling that doesn’t compress well, while others have softer stuffing that can be squished down easily. Choosing the right material can make the difference between it fitting in your bag or having to leave it at home.
- The Soft Microfiber Pregnancy Pillow is easy to compress for travel.
If your hospital stay is expected to be short, you might not need a full-size pillow at all. A small wedge pillow can give you the belly or back support you need without taking up much room.
- I loved the Compact Pregnancy Wedge for overnight comfort.
Another option is to use a pillow with a removable cover. This way, you can pack just the cover in your bag and keep the main pillow in your car. Once you arrive and settle in, you can quickly grab it without trying to stuff it into your luggage.
- This Removable Cover Maternity Pillow made cleaning and packing much easier.
If you want to save the most space possible, consider bringing an inflatable pregnancy pillow. While not as common, they’re lightweight and can be deflated when not in use.
- The Inflatable Maternity Pillow was surprisingly comfortable for travel.
I also found that folding the pillow in half before rolling it made it easier to fit into my hospital bag. It kept the bulk to a minimum while still protecting the pillow’s shape.
- The Foldable Pregnancy Pillow is designed with this in mind.
Bringing a pillowcase or cover that you love is another comfort boost. Hospital bedding can feel scratchy, so having your own soft cover over your pillow helps you feel more at home.
- The Bamboo Pregnancy Pillowcase kept mine cool and soft.
If you’re planning on nursing after delivery, a pregnancy pillow can double as a breastfeeding support pillow in the hospital. This makes it even more worth the effort to pack one.
- I used the Dual-Use Maternity Pillow for both pregnancy and nursing.
If you’re traveling by car, you might not even need to fit the pillow inside your bag. I kept mine loose in the back seat so I could grab it when we got to the hospital.
- The Travel Pillow Protector Bag kept it clean and ready to use.
It’s also important to think about hospital cleanliness. Bringing a washable cover or protective bag ensures your pillow stays fresh and safe for use when you get home.
- This Waterproof Pillow Cover gave me peace of mind.
Some hospitals allow you to bring your own bedding or comfort items, while others have restrictions. Calling ahead to confirm their policies will save you the trouble of packing something you can’t use.
When it comes to packing for the hospital, every inch of space matters. Making smart choices about size, compression, and carrying method will help you bring your pregnancy pillow without sacrificing other essentials like clothes, toiletries, and baby items.
At the end of the day, it’s all about your comfort. Labor and recovery can be physically demanding, and the right pillow can help you rest better, recover faster, and feel more like yourself during your hospital stay.
I realized that the comfort of a pregnancy pillow isn’t just about sleep—it’s also about feeling secure in an unfamiliar place. Hospitals can be cold and impersonal, and having something familiar from home made the environment feel warmer and more relaxing.
Packing the pillow the right way meant I didn’t have to choose between comfort and practicality. By planning ahead, I was able to fit everything I needed for myself and the baby without leaving my favorite support behind.
There’s also a mental benefit to knowing you’ll be as comfortable as possible during your stay. Labor and recovery are already challenging, so having small comforts in place can help you feel more in control and less stressed.
In the end, bringing a pregnancy pillow to the hospital was one of the best packing decisions I made. It turned my hospital bed into a space where I could truly rest, which made those first days of recovery a little easier.