Packing your hospital bag is one of those exciting moments that makes everything feel real. Whether you’re a first-time mama or doing this all over again, it’s easy to overpack or forget essentials. So here’s a practical, mom-approved checklist that covers everything you need — and nothing you don’t — for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
📅 When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
Most moms aim to have their bags ready by week 36. Babies have their own timeline, and being prepared can ease last-minute stress.
✅ Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
🩺 Essentials for Labor & Delivery
- Hospital paperwork, ID, and insurance card
- Birth plan (if you have one)
- Phone + charger (extra-long cable recommended)
- Lip balm (hospitals are dry!)
- Hair ties or headband
- Comfortable labor gown or robe (if you prefer your own over the hospital’s)
- Socks or slippers with grip
👚 Postpartum Comfort Items
- Nursing bras or tanks
- Loose, high-waisted underwear (think postpartum comfort)
- Maternity pads/adult diapers (some moms prefer their own brands over hospital supplies)
- Cozy robe and pajamas
- Going-home outfit (something soft and loose)
💅 Toiletries
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Face wash or cleansing wipes
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Dry shampoo (lifesaver!)
- Minimal makeup (if you’d like for photos)
🧸 What to Pack for Baby
- Going-home outfit (choose newborn and 0–3 month size — you never know!)
- Swaddles or receiving blankets
- Baby hat and mittens
- Socks or booties
- Approved infant car seat (you’ll need this to leave the hospital)
- Pediatrician’s contact info (the hospital may ask)
🤍 Optional Comforts
- Pillow from home (with a colored pillowcase so it doesn’t get mixed up)
- Favorite snacks or electrolyte drinks
- Bluetooth speaker or calming playlist
- Essential oils or massage tools for labor
- Camera or tripod for photos
🤝 What Your Partner Should Pack
- Change of clothes
- Toiletries
- Snacks + water
- Charger
- Blanket or pillow (optional, but handy)
- Patience and support 😊
🧼 What You Don’t Need
- Diapers and wipes — the hospital provides them
- Fancy outfits for baby — they’ll mostly be swaddled
- Tons of baby clothes — just a going-home outfit is enough
- Breast pump — if needed, the hospital will supply one
💬 Final Tip:
Pack your bag with ziplock pouches or small organizers to make it easy to find things quickly — especially in the middle of the night or mid-contraction!
