Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labor
The ultimate hospital bag checklist for mom, partner, and baby. Printable list with everything you need for delivery day.
Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labor
Knowing what to pack in your hospital bag takes one major worry off your plate as your due date approaches. The key is packing early enough that you are not scrambling, but not so early that you forget last-minute essentials.
According to ACOG, most women should have their hospital bag packed and ready by week 36. About 10% of babies arrive before their due date, so being prepared early gives you peace of mind. This complete checklist covers everything you, your partner, and your new baby will need.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
Most healthcare providers recommend packing your hospital bag between weeks 35 and 37. According to the NHS, having your bag ready by week 36 ensures you are prepared even if labor starts early.
A good strategy is to pack in two phases:
- Weeks 32-34: Pack everything you can gather early (documents, baby clothes, toiletries)
- Weeks 35-36: Add last-minute items (phone charger, snacks, pillow)
Keep your packed bag near the door or in your car so you can grab it quickly when the time comes.
What to Pack for Mom: Labor and Delivery
Documents and Essentials
- Photo ID and health insurance card
- Hospital pre-registration paperwork
- Birth plan (printed copies for your medical team)
- List of medications and allergies
- Phone and phone charger (bring a long cord)
- Pen for signing documents
Comfortable Clothing
According to Mayo Clinic, you will likely be in the hospital for 24-48 hours after a vaginal delivery and 2-4 days after a cesarean section. Pack accordingly.
- Loose, comfortable nightgown or labor gown (front-opening for skin-to-skin and breastfeeding)
- Non-skid socks or slippers (hospital floors are cold)
- Robe for walking the halls during labor
- Going-home outfit (think maternity clothes — you will still look about 6 months pregnant)
- Nursing bra (if planning to breastfeed)
- Comfortable underwear you do not mind getting stained, or disposable underwear
- Hair ties and headband
Toiletries and Personal Care
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Glasses or contact lenses (and solution)
- Makeup (optional — for photos if you want)
Comfort Items for Labor
- Pillow from home (use a bright or patterned pillowcase so it does not get mixed up with hospital pillows)
- Massage oil or lotion
- Essential oils (lavender and peppermint are popular — check with your hospital first)
- Bluetooth speaker for a labor playlist
- Eye mask and earplugs for rest between contractions
- Stress ball or labor comb for pain management
- Fan or handheld misting fan (many women get overheated during labor)
Postpartum Essentials
The hospital provides many postpartum supplies, but these extras help:
- Nipple cream (lanolin-based) if breastfeeding
- Breast pads
- Stool softener (ask your nurse — many hospitals provide this)
- Witch hazel pads for perineal comfort
- Extra-long phone charger for those middle-of-the-night feeds
- Snacks and water bottle (see the snack section below)
What to Pack for Your Partner
Your partner will be with you for hours or even days. According to the Cleveland Clinic, labor can last 12-24 hours for first-time mothers, so your partner needs their own supplies.
| Item | Why It's Needed |
|---|---|
| Change of clothes (2 sets) | Long labor means freshening up |
| Comfortable shoes | Lots of standing and walking |
| Toiletries | Deodorant, toothbrush, etc. |
| Phone and charger | Photos, calls, updates |
| Snacks and drinks | Hospital cafeterias close at night |
| Pillow and blanket | Partner sleeping arrangements are basic |
| Cash/cards | Vending machines, parking, cafeteria |
| Camera (optional) | For higher-quality photos than a phone |
| Entertainment | Book, tablet, headphones for waiting |
| List of people to notify | Names and numbers for the announcement |
What to Pack for Baby
Your newborn needs surprisingly little for the hospital stay, but a few items are essential.
Clothing
- 2-3 onesies or sleepers in newborn size (bring one 0-3 month size too, just in case)
- 2 pairs of socks or booties
- Mittens (to prevent scratching)
- Hat or beanie
- Swaddle blanket
- Going-home outfit
Car Safety
According to ACOG and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you cannot leave the hospital without a properly installed car seat. This is non-negotiable.
- Infant car seat — installed and inspected before your due date
- Many local fire stations and hospitals offer free car seat installation checks
- Practice buckling and unbuckling the car seat before labor day
Feeding Supplies
- If breastfeeding: a nursing pillow (optional but helpful)
- If formula feeding: pre-mixed ready-to-feed formula bottles and newborn nipples (hospitals usually provide these, but check ahead)
- Pacifiers (if you plan to use them — discuss with your pediatrician)
- Burp cloths (2-3)
Other Baby Items
- Diapers and wipes (hospitals provide these, but having extras does not hurt)
- Receiving blanket
- Baby nail file
Hospital Bag Packing Checklist Summary
For Mom
| Category | Items | Packed? |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | ID, insurance card, birth plan, medication list | |
| Tech | Phone, charger (long cord), camera | |
| Labor clothing | Gown, robe, non-skid socks | |
| Postpartum clothing | Nursing bra, comfortable underwear, going-home outfit | |
| Toiletries | Toothbrush, lip balm, face wash, deodorant, shampoo | |
| Comfort | Pillow, eye mask, earplugs, massage oil, music | |
| Postpartum | Nipple cream, breast pads, witch hazel pads | |
| Snacks | See snack list below |
For Partner
| Category | Items | Packed? |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | 2 changes of clothes, comfortable shoes | |
| Toiletries | Toothbrush, deodorant | |
| Tech | Phone, charger, camera | |
| Comfort | Pillow, blanket | |
| Food | Snacks, drinks, cash for cafeteria | |
| Info | Contact list for announcements |
For Baby
| Category | Items | Packed? |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | 2-3 onesies, socks, hat, going-home outfit | |
| Safety | Installed car seat | |
| Feeding | Nursing pillow or formula, burp cloths | |
| Other | Swaddle blanket, receiving blanket |
Best Snacks to Pack for the Hospital
Hospital food is notoriously unreliable, and you may deliver in the middle of the night when the cafeteria is closed. According to the NHS, eating during early labor is encouraged to keep your energy up.
For the laboring parent:
- Honey sticks or hard candy for quick energy
- Coconut water or electrolyte drinks
- Applesauce pouches
- Granola bars
- Trail mix
- Crackers with peanut butter
For the partner:
- Protein bars
- Sandwiches (pack in a cooler)
- Fruit (apples, bananas)
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Coffee or energy drinks
- Cash for vending machines
What NOT to Pack
Avoid overpacking. The hospital provides more than you think.
- Skip: Large amounts of cash or jewelry
- Skip: Too many baby outfits (you only need 2-3)
- Skip: Full-size toiletry bottles (travel size is fine)
- Skip: Expensive electronics you would worry about
- Skip: Books or magazines (you will likely be too busy)
- Skip: Your own towels (use the hospital's)
- Skip: Breast pump (the hospital has hospital-grade pumps available if needed)
According to March of Dimes, hospitals typically provide: mesh underwear, maxi pads, peri bottles, baby diapers, wipes, formula samples, swaddle blankets, and basic toiletries. Ask your hospital during your tour what they supply.
Hospital Bag Tips from Experienced Parents
- Pack two bags — one smaller bag for labor and delivery, one larger bag for postpartum recovery
- Use packing cubes — separate your items from your partner's and baby's
- Bring an empty bag — for the freebies and gifts you will receive
- Charge everything — phone, camera, portable battery the night before
- Pre-download entertainment — streaming services may not work well on hospital WiFi
- Wear your going-home outfit to the hospital — you can change into a labor gown when you arrive
Prepare Beyond the Bag
While you are packing, take care of these pre-labor tasks too:
- Pre-register at your hospital (saves time on arrival)
- Take a hospital tour if available
- Confirm your pediatrician for the baby's first checkup
- Prepare meals or arrange meal delivery for when you get home
- Set up the baby's sleeping area
- Wash baby clothes in gentle detergent
- Install the car seat and have it inspected
Track all your preparation milestones with MyBumpGuide — from week 1 through week 40 and into your baby's first year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I pack for in my hospital bag?
Pack for 2-3 nights. According to Mayo Clinic, the average hospital stay is 24-48 hours after a vaginal delivery and 2-4 days after a cesarean section. If complications arise, the hospital can provide additional supplies, and your partner can bring more from home.
Can I bring my own pillow to the hospital?
Absolutely. Hospital pillows are thin and wrapped in plastic. Bringing your own pillow from home is one of the most common recommendations from experienced parents. Use a distinctive pillowcase so it does not get mixed in with hospital linens.
What should I wear during labor?
You can wear a hospital gown (provided) or your own labor gown. Many women prefer gowns that open in the front for easy monitoring, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding. Some women labor in just a sports bra and underwear. Wear whatever feels most comfortable.
Should I bring a car seat to the hospital?
Yes, it is required. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and hospital policy at virtually every facility, you will not be discharged without a properly installed, rear-facing infant car seat. Install it weeks before your due date and have it checked by a certified technician.
When should I pack my hospital bag if I am having a planned cesarean?
Pack by week 35 at the latest. Even with a scheduled cesarean, your baby could decide to arrive earlier. Pack the same items as a vaginal delivery, plus high-waisted underwear that will not rub against your incision, and a loose-fitting going-home outfit.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). "Preparing for Labor and Delivery." acog.org
- Mayo Clinic. "Labor and delivery: What to expect." mayoclinic.org
- Cleveland Clinic. "Labor & Delivery." clevelandclinic.org
- National Health Service (NHS). "Pack your bag for birth." nhs.uk
- March of Dimes. "Getting ready for labor and delivery." marchofdimes.org
