“Choosing a natural fiber such as cotton and something with a little color can always help brighten the mood," Jennifer Lombardi, a certified postpartum doula, tells Verywell Family. “Make sure that it’s designed to be functional during your hospital stay. Most labor and delivery gowns are now made specifically for functions like [an] epidural, baby monitoring, IV with snaps in the front and back, and open access to your arms.” Flaps in the front of the gown may also be convenient if you’re planning to breastfeed after birth. To find the best labor and delivery gowns, we spoke to a certified postpartum doula, and considered user reviews and our own colleagues’ reviews. We looked at functionality, versatility, affordability, style, and comfort to provide a range of options for expecting parents’ needs. Based on our reviews, these are the best labor and delivery gowns on the market today. Because of its comfortable fabric and simple, accessible design, our top pick is a favorite of Lombardi, as well as moms at Verywell Family. “It’s 100 percent cotton, which in my opinion is super beneficial," Lombardi says. “[It has] less chance of being uncomfortable and itchy.” The gown has shoulder snaps for easy access for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, and back snaps for epidural access. Even with all these openings, the Baby Be Mine still provides modest coverage, which is welcome if you’re spending time in the hospital. The sleeveless gown is simple and stylish, with an adjustable empire waistline. It comes in over 30 colors and prints, including florals, stripes, and basic black. Price at time of publication: $40 There isn’t easy back access, so that may be an issue for certain birthing centers or hospitals if you’re getting an epidural. But no matter what you end up wearing when the baby arrives, a cozy robe can instantly provide more coverage (and style) to a hospital-issued gown. Price at time of publication: $120 Even with all these functional access points, the gown is still modest. The fabric is super soft and feels just as comfortable to use during those first few postpartum days (or weeks) when you’re adjusting to life with a baby at home. Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $49 Some people love that viscose is light and breathable, and others find it scratchy, so you’ll have to decide for yourself. This is an affordable and widely available option you can add to a registry. Since it’s one size fits most, this isn’t going to be a fitted gown, so petite people may find it to be too big. Price at time of publication: $30 We like that the inclusive sizing is based on size charts using belly bump measurements rather than pre-pregnancy sizing. The easy-access gown also has two side pockets, so you can hold your phone or other items. The polyester/cotton blend fabric is soft, but some people may find it less breathable than other options. Price at time of publication: $40 While wearable in the hospital or birthing center, this option is probably not appropriate for labor and delivery. The sleeves and limited access may be too restrictive for medical purposes, but keep this pick in your hospital bag as a cozy option once the baby arrives. Choose between long sleeve and short sleeve options. Price at time of publication: $74
What to Look For in Gowns for Labor and Delivery
Fabric
Just like when you purchase a regular dress, you’ll want to consider the material your labor gown is made of. Many people prefer cotton as it’s strong, absorbent, breathable, and easy to wash. However, many hospital gowns are made from synthetic materials like rayon, which is strong, absorbent, and soft. The downside of rayon is that it isn’t as breathable, so it can get clammy if you’re sweating a lot.
Openings
There’s a reason you can’t wear any old nightgown to the hospital—nurses and doctors need easy access to your back, arms, and chest to measure vitals, give medications, and the like. When shopping for a labor and delivery gown, you’ll want to think about whether it has a back closure, as this allows medical staff to give you an epidural if needed and flaps that will allow you to breastfeed after your baby is born.
Reuse
If you want to use your gown for more than just your delivery, think about whether it can be washed, if it’s adjustable, and whether it’s a hospital style-gown or more like a normal dress or nightgown.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 8-year-old son, and 4-year old daughter. Maya’s first son was born in the back of a moving taxi that was in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. She had no time for her own labor and delivery gown and was wearing an old sweatshirt and pajama pants when he was born. For her other two kids, she gave up on the old sweatshirt and wore hospital-issued gowns.
