Packing your hospital bag is an exciting milestone in your pregnancy journey. Having all the essentials ready will help you feel more relaxed and prepared for your baby’s arrival.
To make it easy, we’ve put together a complete checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed by the 36th or 37th week of pregnancy. Babies sometimes arrive earlier than expected, and having your bag ready means you won’t have to rush when labor begins. Keep the bag in an easy-to-reach spot, like near your front door or in your car.
Essentials for Mom
You’ll need a mix of comfort items, practical supplies, and important documents. Here’s what to include:
1. Important Documents
- ID card or driver’s license
- Insurance details
- Hospital registration papers
- Birth plan (if you have one)
2. Clothing and Comfort Items
- Comfortable, loose-fitting nightgown or maternity pajamas
- A lightweight robe
- Nursing bras and breast pads
- Comfortable underwear (high-waisted if you’re having a C-section)
- Socks and slippers
- An outfit to wear home (loose and comfortable)
- Flip-flops (for the shower)
3. Toiletries and Personal Care Items
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush and hair ties
- Lip balm (hospitals can be dry)
- Face wipes or facial cleanser
- Deodorant
- Body lotion or oil
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
- Extra-long sanitary pads or adult diapers (hospital ones can be bulky)
- Glasses or contact lens solution (if needed)
4. Labor and Delivery Aids
- Massage oil or lotion
- A stress ball or soothing item for relaxation
- Essential oils (if you plan to use aromatherapy)
- A playlist of your favorite music
- A small pillow or cushion from home
- Snacks and drinks for energy (check with your doctor about what’s allowed)
- A reusable water bottle
Essentials for Baby
Your little one will also need some key items for their first few days in the world. Here’s what to pack:
1. Clothing and Blankets
- Newborn onesies (3-4)
- Soft cotton hats
- A warm blanket for going home
- Socks and mittens (to prevent scratching)
- A coming-home outfit (weather-appropriate)
2. Diapering and Care Items
- Newborn diapers (the hospital provides some, but extras are helpful)
- Wipes (gentle and unscented)
- Diaper cream
- Burp cloths
3. Feeding Supplies
- If breastfeeding: Nipple cream, nursing pillow (optional)
- If bottle-feeding: Formula, bottles, and sterilized nipples
Essentials for Your Partner or Support Person
Your partner or support person should also bring a few essentials, as they may be staying with you for a while. Here’s what they might need:
- Comfortable change of clothes
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone charger
- Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Pillow and blanket (some hospitals provide these, but they may be uncomfortable)
- Camera or phone for taking photos
- List of contacts to update family and friends
Optional Extras
These aren’t essential, but they can make your stay more comfortable:
- A book, magazine, or tablet for entertainment
- Extra bag for hospital freebies and gifts
- Eye mask and earplugs (for better sleep)
- Small notebook and pen for jotting down important details
- Nursing cover (if you prefer privacy while breastfeeding)
What to Leave at Home
Not everything needs to come with you. Here are some things to leave behind:
- Expensive jewelry or valuables
- Large amounts of cash
- Heavy or bulky items that won’t fit in a small hospital space
Final Thoughts
Packing your hospital bag in advance ensures that you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Keep it simple—bring only what will help you feel relaxed and prepared.
A well-packed bag will make the transition to parenthood smoother and allow you to focus on welcoming your new baby with joy.
