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Hospital Bag Checklist

Complete packing list for your hospital bag, including items for mom, baby, and birth partner. Pack around 36 weeks to be prepared.

Packing Tips

  • • Pack around 36 weeks of pregnancy
  • • Use a rolling suitcase for easy transport
  • • Pack for 2-3 days (even for vaginal delivery)
  • • Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
  • • Pack extra items - you can always leave them in the car
  • • Include snacks for energy during labor

For Mom

Labor Essentials

  • Comfortable labor gown (front-opening) or your own nightgown
  • Robe or cardigan for walking the halls
  • Non-slip socks or slippers
  • Hair ties and headband
  • Lip balm and lotion
  • Massage oil or tools
  • Music playlist or relaxation audio

Postpartum Recovery

  • Nursing bras (2-3, one size larger than current)
  • Nursing pads
  • Comfortable, disposable underwear
  • Maternity pads (heavy flow)
  • Nipple cream
  • Stool softener (ask your provider)
  • Going-home outfit (maternity size)

Personal Care & Comfort

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash or soap
  • Deodorant
  • Face wash and moisturizer
  • Glasses or contact lens supplies
  • Any prescription medications
  • Breast pump (if planning to pump)
  • Phone charger and portable battery
  • Camera for first photos
  • Snacks (energy bars, crackers)
  • Water bottle

For Baby

Clothing

  • Going-home outfit (newborn and 0-3 months sizes)
  • Onesies or bodysuits (2-3)
  • Sleepers or gowns (2-3)
  • Socks or booties
  • Hat or cap
  • Mittens (to prevent scratching)

Care Items

  • Receiving blankets (2-3)
  • Swaddle blankets
  • Burp cloths (4-6)
  • Bibs (2-3)
  • Newborn diapers (backup - hospital usually provides)
  • Baby wipes (sensitive skin)
  • Pacifiers (if planning to use)

🚗 Car Seat - REQUIRED

You cannot leave the hospital without a properly installed car seat. Have it inspected by a certified technician before your due date.

For Birth Partner

Personal Items

  • Change of clothes (2-3 days worth)
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Toiletries and personal care items
  • Sleepwear and underwear
  • Medications (if any)

Support & Entertainment

  • Phone charger and portable battery
  • Snacks and drinks (energy bars, crackers)
  • Entertainment (books, tablet, games)
  • Pillow from home (with colored pillowcase)
  • Birth plan copies
  • Cash for parking and vending machines

Important Documents & Information

Required Documents

  • Photo identification (driver's license)
  • Insurance cards (health and hospital)
  • Hospital pre-registration paperwork
  • Birth plan (multiple copies)
  • Emergency contact list

Medical Information

  • Prenatal records and test results
  • List of medications and allergies
  • Healthcare provider contact information
  • Pediatrician contact information
  • Blood type and Group B Strep status

Optional Comfort Items

Labor Comfort

  • Essential oils or aromatherapy
  • Birthing ball (check if hospital provides)
  • Massage tools or tennis balls
  • Comfortable pillow from home
  • Focal point object for breathing

Special Items

  • Special blanket for baby's first photos
  • Religious or cultural items
  • Thank you cards for hospital staff
  • Baby book for footprints
  • Nursing pillow (if you have one)

Packing Timeline

36 Weeks

Start Gathering Items

Begin collecting items and washing baby clothes. Make a list of last-minute items to add.

38 Weeks

Pack Main Bag

Pack everything except last-minute items like phone charger, toiletries you use daily, and fresh snacks.

39+ Weeks

Final Items & Car Loading

Add final items, check car seat installation, and keep bag in car or by the door.

What NOT to Pack

Leave at Home

  • • Valuable jewelry or expensive items
  • • Large amounts of cash
  • • Too many clothing options (keep it simple)
  • • Heavy books or magazines
  • • Perfumes or strong scents

Hospital Usually Provides

  • • Diapers and wipes
  • • Basic baby care items
  • • Maternity pads
  • • Basic toiletries
  • • Hospital gowns

Last-Minute Additions (Add when labor starts)

  • • Phone chargers
  • • Fresh snacks
  • • Current medications
  • • Glasses or contacts
  • • Daily-use toiletries
  • • Contraction timing notes

Print this checklist and check off items as you pack

Related Resources

Labor Preparation Checklist

Complete checklist for preparing for labor from 36 weeks onward.

Complete Guide to Labor Preparation

Comprehensive guide covering all aspects of labor preparation.