15 best snacks for hospital bag
Are you about to give birth and wondering about the best snacks for hospital bag?
Labor can take hours, or days even, so it’s good to pack a bag with food, beverages, and snacks.
You might not be able to eat any of it, but your husband will, and you’ll be hungry after you’ve given birth. Trust me.
Here’s what we packed in our hospital bag.
Read next: Hospital bag checklist for dad
This post contains referral links for products I love. Danish Mom earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my links. Thank you for your support ♡
Table of Contents
Do hospitals allow you to bring snacks?
The short answer to this question is: yes. However, there are a few important factors to consider when packing snacks for hospital bag.
First, and most importantly, you need to think about which kind of snacks for hospital bag is appropriate for taking into a hospital. Hospital bag snacks should not be smelly (you might have nausea!)!
They should be odorless and easy to enjoy. For that reason, bread-based snacks are often the best snacks for hospital bag.
The best snacks for hospital stay are ones that come in packets and can be eaten quickly.
They should be easy to carry; they should not be easily spoiled; they should not need to be kept warm or cold. Candy bars and potato chips make for good snacks for labor bags.
Read next: 70 positive affirmations for birth
Best snacks for hospital bag
So, we’ve gone over the dos and don’ts about the best snacks for hospital bag, but you also need to consider your health and energy levels. The best snacks to bring to the hospital for labor are ones that give you plenty of energy.
Do NOT think about calories and weight – you’ll need to keep your energy levels up during and after labor!
The best snacks to pack in a hospital bag are ones that fill you up quickly and provide energy. So think about protein, carbs, and sugar.
Good hospital bag snacks are made up of these things. Here are some of the best hospital snacks (for Dad, too).
1. Nuts
Nuts are some of the best hospital bag snacks for several reasons.
They don’t smell at all; they keep fresh easily; they’re sturdy and don’t get damaged easily; they don’t need to be kept warm or cold; they can be eaten quickly and easily.
Nuts are also full of fat, fiber, and protein. All of these things are essential for high energy levels, making nuts the best snacks for a hospital bag.
2. Fruits
Second to nuts is fruit, especially bananas, and apples. Bananas are full of natural sugars for energy and come in their own natural wrapping.
The only downside to bananas and apples when compared to nuts is that they can get bruised and spoiled easily, so look after them.
Nuts are very fatty, however, so combining them with fruit is always practical. The best hospital bag snack ideas involve a mix of nuts and fruit.
3. Granola bars
Speaking of mixing fruit and nuts, that’s pretty much what you get in a granola bar!
They’re a great source of the same things you find in nuts: protein, fiber, and fat, with an added dose of sugar. Easily one of the best snacks for a hospital bag.
4. Soda ice cream
These were my favorite snacks! When you’re in labor and not feeling like eating AT ALL, a soda ice cream can make all the difference.
I got one during my first birth, and during the birth of our second son, I knew what to ask for!
You might have nausea, but a cold, soothing soda ice cream is the remedy to give you the boost of energy you need.
However, find out first whether or not your delivery room has a freezer available. If you have the chance, check ahead with the hospital before you bring along this particular snack!
5. Soda
A cold can of Coke can be a real lifesaver; don’t underestimate it! Most of us have a favorite soda so bring yours along.
The hospital will probably have plenty in their vending machines but it’s better to be safe than sorry by bringing at least one can of your own!
6. Apple juice
Like soda, apple juice is a delicious drink to have with you during a hospital stay. It’s delicious, odorless, and a good source of natural sugars.
You also don’t want to fill up on soda, so make sure to bring a few fluid alternatives.
7. Water
Considering good snacks for a hospital stay is important, but more important than anything else is water!
You need to stay hydrated, and that is surprisingly easy to overlook during the stresses and responsibilities of labor.
8. Straws
Not a snack but vital nonetheless, for both you and your partner!
Bring a few reusable straws with you to make drinking easier, especially while you’re in labor! We use these reusable metal straws at home.
They’re brilliant because they cool down the beverage!
9. Dark chocolate
In situations like this, dark chocolate makes for one of the best hospital snacks for labor. It’s low in sugar but still high in energy, and surprisingly soothing.
The taste of sugar is great for mellowing you out, but you don’t want to overdo it on the sugar. This makes dark chocolate the perfect solution!
10. Nursing tea
A cup of nursing tea and a home-baked bun after delivery is HEAVEN.
Herbal teas are so good for us in general, but at a time of really intense emotional strain, we need them more than ever!
For that reason, bringing a few nursing tea bags is vital. They will soothe you, relax you, and give you a little boost of energy.
11. Hard candy
If you, like me, feel nauseous during labor, I highly recommend hard candy.
They give you a quick and simple rush of sugar, plus they’re good for your husband to snack on as well.
12. Fresh tablets
Alongside snacks for hospital bag for Dad, you’ll also want to consider taking a few tablets with you.
Freshmints like tic tacs or Frisk peppermint (I love these and always have them in my bag).
13. (Chocolate) crackers
Just like hard candy, crackers (chocolate crackers in particular) are a great snack that doesn’t spoil or smell.
They fill you up quickly and with real satisfaction! I ate half a package of Choco Prince when I’d given birth to Toby, lol. They’re my favorite.
14. Dextrose tablets
Also a lifesaver!
If you’re not finding the right amount of energy from your drinks and snacks for hospital bag, pack a few dextrose tablets.
They are lifesavers for when your energy levels are depleted!
15. Home baked buns
This requires a little bit of planning ahead of time, but there really is no replacement for good home-baked buns and cakes.
Make yourself some banana bread, muffins, or buns. You’ll thank yourself later!
Snacks for husband during labor
While you’re going through labor, your husband will want a few very quick energy-injecting snacks in his hospital bag.
Snacks that he can bring out at a moment’s notice for a rush of energy.
For that reason, a banana or a bar of chocolate is perfect. He can eat them quickly and with one hand. The perfect fast snack.
Read next: 14 birth essentials for dad
FAQ – Snacks for hospital bag
What snacks to pack in labour bag?
In your labor bag, pack snacks like:
- Granola or protein bars
- Fresh or dried fruit
- Nuts and trail mix
- Crackers or pretzels
- String cheese or yogurt (if a fridge is available)
- Honey sticks or glucose tablets for quick energy
Should you pack snacks in a hospital bag?
Yes, packing snacks in a hospital bag is a good idea, especially since labor can be lengthy and you or your partner may need a quick energy boost.
Hospitals may not always have food available when you want it, so having your own supply can be very convenient.
What snacks are good for hospital visitors?
For hospital visitors, good snack options include:
- Individually wrapped snacks like granola bars or trail mix packets
- Fresh fruits like apples or bananas
- Crackers or pretzels
- Single-serve snack packs of nuts or dried fruit
- Bottled water or juice boxes
These are easy to carry, not too messy, and generally acceptable in hospital settings. Always check the hospital’s food policy and consider any dietary restrictions of the person you’re visiting.
What food is easy to take to the hospital?
Easy foods to take to the hospital include:
- Non-perishable snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or nuts
- Fresh fruits like bananas or apples
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Pre-packaged salads
- Single-serve snack packs or crackers
- Bottled water and other beverages
Choose items that don’t require refrigeration and are easy to eat on the go.
