The 9 Best Labor & Delivery Gowns — Seriously, You’ll Live In Them Even After Baby Arrives

While you’re actively pondering what to pack in your hospital bag for D-Day (you know, when you deliver your little cherub and mark the end of your sleep-inclusive lifestyle), we figured we’d drop a major truth bomb. Hospital maternity gowns are one of the best-kept secrets to feeling your best on delivery day... and for offering extra comfort during the post-partum period. But we’re not talking about those stiff and scratchy maternity gowns you’re provided at the hospital — the best labor and delivery gowns are so much cuter, functional, and comfortable.

Are Labor & Delivery Gowns Worth it?

Oh yeah. A labor and delivery gown that’s pretty and functional is as essential as your toothbrush, if not more so. Why? Because a maternity ward nurse can always offer you a dollar-store-style toothbrush in a pinch, but a cozy robe that makes you feel like the she-ro you are? Nope!

And here’s the thing — the best labor and delivery gowns are super functional, too. In fact, most are designed to carry you from maternity through delivery and nursing. Look for gowns with strategically placed buttons or hook-and-loop closure along the backside for the hospital staff to do their thing and near your chest for nursing, too.

With functionality, comfort, and attractive designs in mind, we rounded up our favorite mom-approved maternity robes and birthing gowns that are so multi-functional, you’ll want to keep wearing them post-pregnancy. And here’s a pro tip: you’ll be glad you snagged more than one since most of these birthing gowns are designed to work well for maternity and breastfeeding, too. And you won’t have any trouble picking out more than one — these are way cuter than the butt-out gowns from the hospital!

The Best Labor & Delivery Gowns With Easy-Access Snaps

Editor’s Pick: This Cult-Fave Birthing Gown

We don’t know about you but when we see anything advertised as 3-in-1, our first impulse is to #AddToCart. This labor and delivery/nursing gown is no exception, and it’s a shopper fave with nearly 6,000 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon. We love versatility almost as much as we love getting the most bang for our buck. Though available in several uplifting floral patterns and polka dot prints, the gown is also available in easy-to-wear solids. It has an adjustable empire waist to ensure that you get the most seamless (and comfortable) fit possible. There are snaps in the back to reduce your risk of flashing anyone, as well as shoulder snaps on both sides to make medical examinations a wee bit less awkward. Can we get an AMEN for that? Baby Be Mine’s mission is to provide comfort and coverage while making you feel prepared for your big day.

Editor praise: “This pretty gown made me feel so much better at the hospital — it’s super comfortable and the beautiful floral design photographs really well. I even got compliments from the nurses, who had no trouble doing what they needed to do thanks to the snap buttons on this gown. I wore it postpartum for those early breastfeeding days, and it held up so well that I used this same gown for the birth of my second baby.”

— Editor Ileana Morales Valentine

The Labor & Delivery Gown From Beloved Frida Mom

Frida fans, your favorite postpartum recovery brand has its own labor and delivery gown (naturally). If you’ve used Frida Mom or Frida Baby products before, you know that this company just gets it. Needless to say, their labor and delivery gown has everything you need. More specifically, it features easy-snap access for breastfeeding and skin-to-skin bonding, soft and stretchy fabric for comfort, and two front pockets that are somehow always necessary. Not included? Itchy tags, scratchy material, and flimsy back ties that lead to accidental moon-ings. This minimalist shift is so polished-looking, you could even wear it while greeting guests postpartum. Reviewers aren’t shy about praising this gown, but many note that the one-size-fits-all garment runs big.

Helpful review: “This is THE best thing to have at the hospital and after birth . It's so friggin soft . Has pockets ! And it's secure . I hate the gowns that have weird closers and make you feel like someone is going to catch a glimpse of a boob or a butt cheek.. the buttons are secure. No weird gaps and the chest opening for skin to skin , feedings and monitor device cords are perfect. I got so many compliments on it from hospital staff to suggest to other patients and family. It's an absolute must have.”

This Super Soft Birthing Gown With A Fold-Down Front

If you’re someone who loves getting the best of both worlds, then this 3-in-1 Kindred Bravely labor and delivery gown is a must-have for your hospital go-bag. It may look like your run-of-the-mill hospital gown, but it won’t scratch your skin like one. It’s made of a soft cotton-polyester blend with full coverage, but it’s easy to open from the front or back via hook-and-loop closure. This birthing gown was named a Mom's Choice & PTPA Award Winner — so, you know it holds up. It’s sized based on your bump. Small through large fits baby bumps up to 45 inches, and XL-XXL are both great for baby bumps that are 46 to 51 inches.

Helpful review: “My goodness! I just delivered yesterday, and am writing this review from the hospital. This gown made a huge difference in my comfort level over the hospital gowns and it had snaps and Velcro in all the right places so I could easily get dressed and undressed with an IV and anesthesia loved it because it was easy access for an epidural (and I loved it because my butt wasn’t hanging out). Also very easy to unfasten for nursing! Super soft, stretchy cotton feel. I highly recommend this!!!”

This Nursing Gown With An Easy-Access Top

This labor and delivery gown fits your body like your favorite nightdress. The soft cotton fabric hugs your curves and baby bump perfectly, while the shoulder snaps allow for easy access for nursing, and buttons all down the back. And when your little bundle of joy has arrived and it’s time to return home, this gown is perfect to have on-hand during post-pregnancy recovery.

Helpful review: “I loved this. I wore mine after my first shower in the hospital and it was perfect. I wish I had this with my first. It’s loose fitting and with all the snap options it’s great for all the million times the nurses checked me and great for breast feeding. Considering buying another for when we get back home. Putting on pants postpartum is rough, so this dress makes it so nice to lounge in. I am returning a different brand that I bought for the hospital, since this one is much better. Good quality snaps as well! So much better than the hospital gowns!”

This Cotton Hospital Gown With Beautiful Designs

Made of soft cotton, this designer-style hospital gown is a serious upgrade to plain, pale blue hospital gowns. Snap-closure panels allow for easy access, as do the buttons all along the back. The generous sleeves are super comfortable, too, and this pick comes in three sizes and over 24 beautiful patterns.

Helpful review: “This is a handy garment for labor, delivery, and feeding. Fabric is soft, sits well on the body and has been designed keeping the needs of a new mother in mind. If you are looking for hospital gown, your search stops here! Highly recommended.”

The Best Nightdress-Style Hospital Gowns

This Pull-Down Style Labor & Delivery Gown

It’s a bird, it’s a plane! Nope, it’s just one of the most versatile and cute hospital maternity gowns we’ve seen yet, because it doubles as a nursing frock and nightgown! You can whip your milk makers out in a jiffy, use it as a cover-up for trips to the nursery or NICU, or just pass right out in bed wearing it. If that’s not Houdini-level magic, then we don’t know what is. Besides the gorgeous shade of peacock blue, it’s also incredibly soft and lightweight. It’ll keep you cool in the summertime when all you want is a piña colada… but #MomDuties first. For moms who like a little extra coverage (re: nothing too skimpy), this gown hits at just the knee and has half-sleeves. Not sure what size to purchase? Snag one in your “normal” size and then size up for one that you can wear during that final trimester and post-delivery.

Helpful review: “If you're on the fence about this labor gown, it's definitely worth getting it. I honestly wore it for most of my hospital stay as it didn't get very dirty during labor. Good access for monitoring baby, also good for easy breastfeeding especially during those first crucial days! It was a tad short on me bit I'm also a taller woman, so it was expected. My nurses and doctor said it was easier with this than the hospital gown.”

A Nursing Gown 3-Pack

If you’re planning to stay in the hospital for more than one night, like for an elective c-section, you’re going to need backups of your best cute hospital maternity gown picks. This maternity breastfeeding nightgown offers easy access, sleeveless styling in case your IV is left in a little longer (or you need a few extra injections), and stretchy fabric that’s ideal for the first few days after giving birth through the next several sleepless weeks. Nursing moms will appreciate the easy-to-use nursing clips with one-handed access, and this convenient three-pack covers you for several nights.

Helpful review: “Mamas everywhere, get these before baby arrives! That way you can wash and pack in your hospital bag as well as have some to come home to. I literally lived in these for about 2 weeks postpartum. I LOVED that I didn't have to wear a tight bra with these, but that these are tight enough to hold nursing pads in place. However they don't feel like you're being squeezed or pressures around your ribs. Also, not having to wear pants/shorts made life super easy to deal with postpartum! They are great for continued use even once your recover!”

A Highly Rated Maternity Robe With Long Sleeves

If you know you tend to get cold or just want more coverage, this maternity robe with longer sleeves is a great pick for you. Wear this super soft viscose blend robe on its own or layer it over another gown — either way, you’ll appreciate the v-neck, tie waist, and elegant solid colors.

Helpful review: “Super cute with the detail on the sleeves and fits perfectly over the bump (and I suspect will be just fine after delivery). Exactly what i wanted for the hospital and even home after the baby is here.”

The Best Maternity Robes With Matching Swaddles

The Posh Peanut Labor & Delivery Gown With A Basically Perfect Rating

S’cute! Is this one of the cutest hospital maternity robes you’ve ever seen, or what? And it’s an absolute fave with an impressive near-perfect rating after over 2,000 reviews. We love that it comes in a broad range of sizes, fun colors, and prints, and has photo-worthy matching swaddles and gear just for newborns that you can buy separately. If you’re planning to share birth announcements to your social media profiles from the hospital, you won’t be sorry you picked this. Not only does it have pockets (a crucial detail when you like to sneak in snacks between nursing sessions), but there’s an extra security tie to keep any potential wardrobe fiascos at bay. Phew.

Helpful review: “Super soft and cute robe! I got it as a gift for my baby shower. I took newborn pictures in it with my babe. I absolutely love the material!”

The Sweetest Newborn Swaddle For Matching Photos

Remember how I said the Posh Peanut matching swaddle can be bought separately? Well, here it is. If you already put the matching maternity robe in your shopping cart, you’re going to need this sugary-sweet matching baby swaddle and headband set. Can we take a minute to consider how cute you’ll both be for the rest of time? We know you’ll want your little peanut to be cute as hell when he or she enters the world and is bombarded with a million photos from mama. The viscose (from bamboo) swaddles are buttery soft, odor-resistant, and hypoallergenic. Bonus: They can also be used as a stroller blanket or nursing cover.

Helpful review: “These blankets are the very best you can buy. They are so good for summer, too! They are breathable and light but also substantial.”

In the market for stylish loungewear that you can rock beyond the delivery room? Be sure to check back for more mom-approved fashion essentials!