Complete Checklist
Hospital Bag Checklist
Everything you need to pack for labor, delivery, and your hospital stay. Check items off as you pack — your progress is saved automatically.
✓ 100 essential items
✓ 10 categories
✓ Expert curated
✓ Printable
🧳 Your Packing Progress
0 of 100 items packed
40
Essential
34
Recommended
26
Nice to Have
📦 Pack by 35-36 weeks: Have your bag ready early in case baby decides to arrive before your due date!
For Mom - Labor & Delivery
Essential items for the labor and delivery process
Hospital Gown or Birthing Gown
Recommended
Qty: 2
More comfortable than hospital gowns, with easy nursing access
Look for ones with snaps for easy skin-to-skin and monitoring
Cozy Socks (Non-Slip)
Essential
Qty: 2
Hospital floors are cold! Non-slip soles are a must
Bring ones you don't mind getting messy
Slippers or Flip Flops
Essential
Easy to slip on for walking the halls
Flip flops are great for the shower too
Hair Ties & Headband
Essential
Qty: 3
Keep hair out of your face during labor
Pack extras - they have a way of disappearing
Lip Balm
Essential
Hospital air is dry and breathing through labor dries lips
Keep it on your bedside table for easy access
Pillow from Home
Recommended
Hospital pillows are thin - bring your own comfort
Use a colorful pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up
Massage Tools or Tennis Balls
Nice To Have
For counter-pressure during contractions
Put tennis balls in a sock for easy rolling on lower back
Essential Oils or Aromatherapy
Nice To Have
Lavender for calming, peppermint for nausea
Check with your hospital about their policy first
Focal Point or Photos
Nice To Have
Something to focus on during contractions
Ultrasound photos or a meaningful picture
Birthing Ball
Nice To Have
Helps with positioning and comfort
Most hospitals have these - call ahead to check
For Mom - Postpartum Recovery
Items to help with postpartum recovery and comfort
High-Waisted Underwear (Disposable or Dark)
Essential
Qty: 5
High-waisted for C-section comfort, dark colors preferred
Hospital provides mesh underwear but yours may be more comfortable
Overnight Maxi Pads
Essential
Extra absorbent for postpartum bleeding
Hospital provides these but bring backups for going home
Peri Bottle
Essential
For gentle cleansing after delivery
Hospital usually provides one - the angled ones are better
Witch Hazel Pads (Tucks)
Recommended
Soothing relief for soreness and hemorrhoids
Layer these on your pad for cooling relief
Nipple Cream (Lanolin)
Essential
For breastfeeding soreness - start using early
Apply after every feeding in the first week
Nursing Bras (No Underwire)
Essential
Qty: 2
Comfortable, easy-access bras for nursing
Buy a size up from normal - you'll swell when milk comes in
Nursing Pads
Recommended
Disposable or reusable for milk leaks
Start using these once your milk comes in (day 3-5)
Stool Softener
Recommended
First postpartum bowel movement can be tough
Start taking before delivery if possible
Pain Relief (Ibuprofen/Tylenol)
Recommended
Hospital provides these but have backup
Ask nurse about stacking ibuprofen and tylenol safely
Belly Band or Postpartum Support
Nice To Have
Provides support for your core
Especially helpful for C-section recovery
For Mom - Comfort & Personal Care
Toiletries and comfort items for your hospital stay
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Essential
Fresh breath makes everything better
Travel size is fine for a few days
Shampoo & Conditioner
Essential
That post-birth shower will feel amazing
Travel sizes work great - or use dry shampoo
Body Wash or Gentle Soap
Essential
Gentle, unscented is best for sensitive postpartum skin
Avoid anything heavily fragranced
Face Wash & Moisturizer
Recommended
Keep your skincare routine going
Micellar water is great for quick cleansing
Deodorant
Essential
You'll want this!
Natural/unscented is nice for skin-to-skin
Hairbrush or Comb
Essential
For that first photo-ready moment
A detangling brush is great for post-shower
Comfortable Robe
Recommended
Perfect for walking halls and receiving visitors
Knee-length is ideal for modesty and ease
Loose, Comfortable Clothes
Essential
Qty: 2
Soft pants and nursing-friendly tops
Bring clothes that fit at 6 months pregnant
Glasses/Contacts & Solution
Essential
Don't forget if you wear them!
Glasses are easier than contacts for a hospital stay
Light Makeup (Optional)
Nice To Have
For photos if that makes you feel good
Tinted moisturizer and mascara go a long way
Towel from Home
Nice To Have
Hospital towels are small and thin
Bring a dark colored one that can get stained
For Baby
Everything your newborn needs for the hospital stay
Going-Home Outfit
Essential
One adorable outfit for leaving the hospital
Bring newborn AND 0-3 month sizes - babies vary!
Onesies/Bodysuits
Essential
Qty: 3
Simple, easy-to-change outfits
Side-snap style is easier for umbilical cord
Socks or Booties
Essential
Qty: 2
Tiny feet get cold easily
Ones that stay on - some babies kick them off!
Baby Hat/Beanie
Essential
Qty: 2
Helps regulate baby's temperature
Hospital provides one but bring your own cute one too
Swaddle Blankets
Essential
Qty: 2
Muslin or cotton swaddles for wrapping baby
Hospital teaches you how to swaddle - pay attention!
Receiving Blankets
Recommended
Qty: 2
Soft blankets for cuddling and covering
Hospital has these too but yours will smell like home
Mittens (Scratch Mittens)
Recommended
Qty: 2
Prevents baby from scratching their face
Newborn nails are razor sharp!
Car Seat (Infant)
Essential
Required by law to leave hospital
Install it before your due date and get it checked
Pacifiers
Recommended
Qty: 2
If you plan to use them
Wait until breastfeeding is established (2-4 weeks)
Baby Nail File or Clippers
Nice To Have
Newborn nails can be sharp
Files are safer than clippers for newborns
Diapers (Newborn Size)
Recommended
Hospital provides but bring favorites
Hospital will give you plenty - save yours for home
Baby Wipes
Recommended
Sensitive, fragrance-free
Hospital may use cotton balls with water for newborns
For Partner/Support Person
Don't forget about the support team!
Change of Clothes
Essential
Qty: 2
Comfortable clothes for a few days
Labor can take a while - be prepared for 48+ hours
Comfortable Shoes
Essential
You'll be on your feet supporting mom
Slip-on shoes are easiest
Phone Charger (Long Cord)
Essential
Extra long cord reaches the bed from outlets
Bring a portable charger too for backup
Toiletries
Essential
Toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
Pack a simple toiletry bag
Pillow & Blanket
Recommended
Hospital chairs and cots are uncomfortable
A small travel pillow works great
Snacks & Drinks
Essential
Hospital food hours are limited
Keep caffeine nearby for those night shifts
Entertainment (Book, Tablet)
Recommended
Early labor can be slow
Download content ahead of time
Wallet & ID
Essential
For hospital paperwork and vending machines
Bring some cash for cafeteria and parking
Comfortable Sleep Clothes
Recommended
Pajamas or sweats for sleeping
Layers are good - hospitals can be cold
Swimsuit (For Tub/Shower Support)
Nice To Have
If you'll be in the tub or shower with mom
Water birth or laboring in water is common
Important Documents
Paperwork and important information to bring
Photo ID
Essential
Driver's license or state ID
Needed for hospital registration
Insurance Cards
Essential
Health insurance information
Both yours and partner's if baby will be on their plan
Hospital Pre-Registration Forms
Essential
Complete these ahead of time if possible
Most hospitals let you pre-register online
Birth Plan (Copies)
Recommended
Qty: 3
Multiple copies for nurses and doctors
Keep it to 1 page - bullet points are best
List of Medications
Recommended
Current medications and vitamins
Include dosages and frequencies
Pediatrician Contact Info
Essential
Name and phone number for baby's doctor
Hospital needs this before discharge
Emergency Contact List
Recommended
Phone numbers for family to notify
Include who should be called when
Social Security Application
Recommended
Hospital can submit this for you
Save time by doing paperwork at hospital
Birth Certificate Worksheet
Recommended
Have baby names and spellings ready
Hospital provides the forms
Going Home
Items needed for the trip home from the hospital
Loose, Comfortable Outfit for Mom
Essential
Something that fits at 6 months pregnant
Don't expect to fit pre-pregnancy clothes yet!
Nursing-Friendly Top
Essential
Easy access for feeding on the ride home
Button-down or nursing tank works great
Slip-On Shoes
Essential
Your feet may still be swollen
Flip flops or stretchy flats work well
Car Seat Installed in Vehicle
Essential
Required to leave with baby
Get it inspected at a car seat check event
Baby's Going-Home Outfit
Essential
One special outfit for the ride home
Weather appropriate - layers are best
Blanket for Car Seat
Recommended
To lay over baby (not under straps)
Never put bulky clothes under car seat straps
Extra Bag for Hospital Freebies
Recommended
You'll get samples and supplies to take
Ask nurses what you can take - most things!
Sunglasses
Nice To Have
You'll be light-sensitive after being inside
Also helpful for puffy post-birth eyes
Entertainment & Electronics
Stay entertained and connected during your stay
Phone & Phone Charger
Essential
For photos, calls, and entertainment
Bring an extra-long charging cord
Camera or Video Camera
Recommended
For those first precious moments
Charge batteries and clear memory card
Tablet or Laptop
Recommended
For movies during early labor or recovery
Download content - hospital WiFi can be slow
Headphones or Earbuds
Recommended
Listen without disturbing baby or roommate
Wireless is easier but bring wired as backup
Portable Speaker
Nice To Have
Play your labor playlist
Make sure it's charged ahead of time
Books or Magazines
Nice To Have
Qty: 2
Especially for early labor
E-reader works great and saves space
Notebook & Pen
Recommended
Jot down questions, feeding times, etc.
Also great for writing down doctor instructions
Portable Phone Charger/Power Bank
Recommended
Backup power when outlets are out of reach
Make sure it's fully charged before leaving
Bluetooth Speaker
Nice To Have
For playing relaxing music during labor
Create a calming playlist ahead of time
Snacks & Drinks
Keep everyone fed and energized
Bottled Water
Essential
Stay hydrated, especially during labor
Bring a refillable bottle for your stay
Sports Drinks or Coconut Water
Recommended
Replace electrolytes during labor
Ask hospital if these are allowed during labor
Energy Bars or Granola Bars
Essential
Quick energy for mom between contractions
Check with hospital about eating during labor
Trail Mix or Nuts
Recommended
Protein-rich snacks for recovery
Great for partners too during long labor
Crackers
Recommended
Easy on the stomach if feeling nauseous
Saltines are great for early labor
Honey Sticks or Hard Candy
Recommended
Quick sugar boost during labor
Allowed even when you can't eat solid food
Chocolate or Favorite Treats
Nice To Have
Post-delivery reward!
You deserve a treat after delivery
Coffee/Tea for Partner
Recommended
For those middle-of-the-night moments
Instant coffee packets work in a pinch
Gum or Mints
Nice To Have
Fresh breath when you can't brush
Great for labor when eating is restricted
Reusable Straw or Tumbler
Recommended
Easier to drink while lying down
Bendy straws are essential for labor
Optional Extras
Nice-to-have items that can enhance your experience
Nursing Pillow
Nice To Have
Makes breastfeeding positioning easier
Hospital has regular pillows that work too
White Noise Machine
Nice To Have
Helps baby (and you) sleep
Phone apps work as a backup
Night Light
Nice To Have
For nighttime feeds without bright lights
A dim phone screen works too
Baby Book or Cards
Nice To Have
Record first moments and memories
Milestone cards make great photo props
Thank You Cards
Nice To Have
For amazing nurses and staff
Personal notes mean so much to hospital staff
Birth Affirmation Cards
Nice To Have
Positive mantras for labor
Hang them where you can see them
Diffuser & Essential Oils
Nice To Have
Create a calming atmosphere
Check hospital policy first - some don't allow
Small Fan
Nice To Have
Hospitals can be hot and stuffy
A handheld fan works great during labor
Eye Mask
Nice To Have
For sleeping when lights are on
Nurses check on you around the clock
Earplugs
Nice To Have
Hospitals are noisy places
Great for the partner trying to sleep
Breastfeeding-Friendly Snacks
Nice To Have
Oatmeal cookies, lactation bars, etc.
Oats are known to help milk supply
⏰ Don't wait until the last minute! Pack your hospital bag by 35-36 weeks. Babies can arrive early, and you don't want to be scrambling to pack while having contractions!
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