The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Baby, and Partner

Packing for the hospital can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what you’ll actually need. As a certified doula, I’ve helped hundreds of parents prepare for birth over the past decade, and I know how much peace of mind a clear checklist can bring.

That’s why I created this hospital bag checklist, covering essentials and helpful extras for mom, baby, and partner during labor, delivery, and recovery. You can use it whether you’re planning a medicated birth, an unmedicated birth, or a C-section.

I recommend having your hospital bags packed and ready by 37 weeks, or earlier if your care team expects you may give birth sooner. Babies don’t always follow a timeline, and having your things ready means one less task when it’s time to leave.

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom

I recommend packing your labor items separately from what you’ll need during recovery. You can use two bags or separate packing cubes in one bag, whichever is easier for you and your partner. Start with the essentials below, then choose the extras you’d like to bring.

Labor Hospital Bag: Must-Haves

• Birth plan, form of ID, and insurance: You should bring several copies of your birth plan (if you have one), a form of ID, and your insurance information.
• Medication and allergy information: Bring an up-to-date list of your medications, supplements, doses, and allergies. Ask your hospital whether it wants you to bring any medicines from home.
• Eyeglasses: If you wear contacts, you should bring your glasses along. Some doctors and anesthesiologists ask you to remove your contacts before surgery if you need a C-section.
• What you’ll wear during labor: It will probably get a bit messy, so don’t bring anything too nice to wear in the hospital. If you’re unsure of your options, we have more information in our guide on what to wear during a hospital birth, in case you’d like to wear something other than a hospital gown.
• Lip balm: With all the deep breathing you will do in labor, your lips can dry out quickly. Having some Chapstick or lip balm will help!
• Snacks and drinks: Ask your care team what you can eat and drink during labor, and pack accordingly. Clear liquids may be allowed when labor is uncomplicated, but your instructions may differ depending on your health and whether surgery is planned.¹ Save other snacks for your partner or for after birth. Check before using candy, gum, or honey sticks, too. (Learn more: Foods to eat (and not eat) in early labor and Labor Aide Recipe: The Drink to Fuel You Through Labor)
• Headbands and/or ponytail holders: If you have long hair, you may want to tie it up since it can get in the way during labor. I recommend getting headbands, claw clips, or ponytail holders that don’t leave a kink in your hair. That way, if you want to take pictures with your hair down after you give birth, you won’t have a crease in your hair!
• Your cell phone and charger with a long cord: You don’t know where the outlet will be in the room, so bring an extra-long charging cord to keep your phone close even while charging.

Related: Signs of Labor: How To Know When Baby Is Coming

Labor Hospital Bag: Optional Items

• Things to help you relax and pass the time:
  • Entertainment: Bring books, magazines, a card game, or your tablet or computer for quieter stretches during labor.
  • Comfort and coping tools:
    Check with your hospital before bringing a heating pad or rice socks you plan to warm up.
    • A focal point (for example, your baby’s ultrasound picture)
    • Massage oil or lotion: If you want your partner or doula to massage you during your labor, I recommend bringing massage oil or lotion. (Though, if you’ve hired a doula, she’ll probably bring this in her doula bag.)
    • A heating pad
    • Rice socks to heat up (so you can put them on your lower back)
    • A stroller fan that you can attach to your hospital bed to keep you cool
    • A cooling towel
    • Essential oils for labor and delivery, if you’d like to use aromatherapy. Check with your care team about suitable oils and your hospital’s policy before packing them.
• Backless slip-on slippers: Your feet can get cold during labor, so it’s great to have slippers you can easily slip on and off. The hospital typically has nonskid socks (super sexy! 😜) that you can use if you prefer those instead.
• Pillows: Hospital pillows may not be as comfortable as yours at home. If you bring your own, choose a distinctive pillowcase so it won’t get mixed up with hospital linens. I would definitely bring one!
• Music: Create a birth playlist ahead of time so your favorite songs are ready when you want them. Take your Bluetooth speaker or use your phone. Some hospitals provide Bluetooth speakers, so I would ask what they’ll have available in your room.
• A camera, a charged battery, a charger, and a big memory card: You never want to forget the day you first welcomed your baby into the world. Many parents take pictures with their phones, but if you have a nicer camera to capture this special time, bring it!
• A baby book: If you’d like footprints in your baby book, bring it and ask whether your nurse can help.
• A birth ball or peanut ball: A birth ball or peanut ball can really help you during labor. A peanut ball is particularly great for women preparing to have an epidural, so I highly recommend it! Just bring an air pump so your birth partner can inflate it if you didn’t come with it already inflated.
  • NOTE: Some hospitals have birthing balls and peanut balls for you to use. Ask during your maternity hospital tour if they’re available and if there are enough for each room. You don’t want to leave yours at home on the big day, but not have any available when you’re at the hospital.

Related: When To Go to the Hospital in Labor

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Postpartum Hospital Bag: Must-Haves for Recovery

• A going-home outfit: You’ll need loose, comfortable clothes to wear in the hospital and on the journey home. Your pre-pregnancy clothes may not fit right away, so I recommend bringing some soft maternity clothes for your trip back home.
• Comfortable bras and easy-access clothing: If you plan to breastfeed, bring nursing bras or tanks and front-opening tops or nightgowns. Pack enough comfortable clothing for your expected stay, and ask your care team what to plan for.
• Your toiletries: Having smaller bottles or buying travel versions helps save space in your recovery bathroom. Bring the usual toiletries you need: a hairbrush, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, a razor, deodorant, face wash, makeup (if you’d like), makeup remover, lotion, hair ties, a contact lens case and solution, etc.
• Postpartum underwear or disposable underwear: Don’t bring your nice, cute undies with you! You need big, cotton, breathable underwear. I recommend purchasing postpartum underwear. Some people even get Depends Silhouettes, so they don’t have to apply a pad and can easily toss them after using them. Many hospitals provide mesh underwear and pads, but you may prefer your own. Ask what will be available before packing extras.
• Snacks and drinks: If your hospital doesn’t have the best food, and you don’t have someone to bring you any, pack some beverages and snacks to keep you nourished. I have had several clients pack a cooler with their favorites!
• If you’re having a C-section: Ask your care team about your expected stay and choose clothes and underwear that won’t press on your incision.

Postpartum Hospital Bag: Optional Recovery Items

• A nursing pillow: You can bring your Boppy pillow, My Brest Friend, or other nursing pillows, depending on your preference.
• A breast pump: Ask whether you need to bring yours. If you’d like help learning to use it, check whether a lactation consultant can review it with you during your stay.
• Nursing pads: Pack a few disposable or washable breast pads if you’d like leak protection.
• Nipple cream: Bring a breastfeeding-compatible cream if you’d like to use one. If feeding hurts, ask for help with positioning and latch.
• Handouts: If you received any booklets or handouts about starting breastfeeding, you can bring them as a reminder. The lactation consultants aren’t always there to see you, so these can help!
• Bath towels: The hospital does have towels, but they’re usually small and pretty thin. If you prefer to have your own thicker towels, you can bring your own. It’s also nice to have a wraparound towel to wear.
• A bathrobe: It’s nice to bundle up in a bathrobe and feel covered and warm when getting out of bed. This is also good to have if there will be guests in your hospital room.
• A hair dryer: Bring one if you know you’ll want it after showering, and check whether your hospital allows it.
• Heavy flow pads: The hospital also has large pads to use after giving birth, since you’ll be bleeding for several weeks after childbirth. (This includes vaginal and cesarean births!) Bring the pad brand you prefer if you’re picky about what type you want to wear.
• Sleep items: I recommend bringing relaxation items such as:
  • Portable sound machine: If you bring one, check with your nurse before using it. Keep the volume low, place it as far from your baby’s head as possible, and limit how long it runs.²
  • Sleep eye mask: Postpartum rooms usually don’t have blackout curtains. If you want to take a nap while the baby sleeps or sleep a little longer before the sun shines in your room, an eye mask can help!
  • Nightlight: Your postpartum nurse will be checking in on you to check your vitals. Also, your baby will be waking up every couple of hours to feed. Rather than turning on the bright light, which can be overstimulating for everyone in the room, pack a night light.

Also check out these helpful postpartum guides:

• Postpartum Must-Haves for Recovery After a Vaginal Birth
• Postpartum Essentials: Must-Haves for Mom and Baby
• How to Make a Postpartum Plan

Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad/Partner

Your partner or support person should also pack a hospital bag with items they’ll need to be the best birth partner they can be! Here are the must-have and nonessential items for them to bring:

Partner Hospital Bag: Must-Have Items

• Extra changes of clothes: I’ve had some dads/partners change their clothes even when their partner is still in labor. For example, they may think the room is too cold, so they put on a jacket or long-sleeved shirt. Or they sweat too much because they’re nervous or working hard, so they need a new shirt. Having some extra pairs of clean clothes on hand is good.
• Comfortable shoes: Having comfy shoes is essential! They may be walking up and down the halls with you, running to get you ice chips, or going to find and talk to family.
• Phone and an extra-long charger: If you plan to use a contraction timer app, download it before labor begins.
• Group text or list of people to call: Figure out beforehand all the people your partner needs to notify once you’re in labor. Some people do a group text, and others keep a list of names to get in touch with.
• Snacks and drinks: Pack snacks and drinks for your partner, especially if the hospital cafeteria closes overnight.
• Toiletries and personal medications: Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any medications your partner needs during the stay.

Partner Hospital Bag: Optional Items

• A pillow: For the same reason as you, they’ll need something comfortable to sleep on. The pull-out couches aren’t the most comfortable, so it’s nice for them to have a good pillow.
• Money/spare change: If you don’t have time to bring snacks, you’ll want some spare change for the vending machines. You’ll both probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria might not be open once the baby is born. If no one can bring you food (though I would see if someone can pick something up for you), having change is helpful for getting snacks from the vending machine.
• Pen and paper: If documenting things in a note on your phone isn’t your preference, bring something to take notes on. This will help if your nurse, doctor, or lactation consultant gives you any recommendations or advice. Also, you just gave birth and are recovering. Ask your partner to keep track of important instructions.
• Gifts for your other children: If you’d like to give older siblings a gift “from the baby,” pack it ahead of time and check the hospital’s visiting policy.
• A push present: This way, they can give you the push present after the birth of your baby. 😉

Additional reading for your partner:

• Tips for dads during labor and delivery
• The best ways dads can help a new mom
• Ways dads can help with breastfeeding

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby

Before packing, ask what your hospital provides for diapering and feeding, including diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles.

Hospital Bag for Baby: Must-Haves

• A properly installed rear-facing car seat: If your baby will travel home by car, have a seat that fits your newborn ready before birth. Follow the car-seat and vehicle instructions for installation, and practice adjusting the harness.³
• A going-home outfit: Pack a weather-appropriate going-home outfit, with socks or booties if needed. For cold weather, use thin layers under the car-seat harness and add a blanket over the secured harness. Keep bulky coats and snowsuits out from under the straps.⁴
• Warm blankets: The hospital will provide you with a baby blanket or two to swaddle your baby. But if you prefer a particular type of blanket, you can bring your own.

Hospital Bag for Baby: Optional Items

• Extra baby clothes: Ask what clothing your hospital provides. If you’d like to use your own, bring a couple of easy-to-change outfits.
• Pacifiers: If you plan to use one, bring your preferred newborn pacifier or ask whether your hospital provides them. If you’re considering pacifiers, these guides may help:
  • The Pros and Cons of Pacifiers: Should You Give Your Baby One?
  • Pacifiers and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
• Burp cloths: Burp cloths are great for cleaning up any milk or if your baby spits up. But you can also use the baby blankets they give you.
• Birth announcement items: If you have a name badge or personalized blankets with your baby’s name, don’t forget to bring them. This way, you can document and share with the world (or just your family) that your little one has arrived.

5 Often-Forgotten Hospital Bag Items

In this quick video, I share five hospital bag items that are easy to overlook.

Final Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag

Before you zip up your bags, show your partner where the important items are and leave a short list of anything you’ll add at the last minute, like your phone, charger, and glasses.

I also recommend leaving a little room for items you bring home. Ask your nurse which supplies are yours to keep. I hope this checklist helps you pack what you need and leave the rest at home!

Free Printable Hospital Bag Checklist

Use the free printable checklist to mark off what you’ve packed and note anything you still need to add. Print a copy or save it to your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions parents have when preparing their hospital bag.

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