Hospital Bag Essentials
Hospital Bag ChecklistWhat to Pack for Labor
Complete checklist for mom, baby, and partner. What to bring, what the hospital provides, and what to leave at home.
When to Pack
For Mom
Documents
- Photo ID and insurance cards
- Hospital pre-registration paperwork
- Birth plan (if you have one)
- List of medications/allergies
Comfort During Labor
- Lip balm (hospitals are dry)
- Hair ties and headband
- Pillow from home (bright pillowcase so it doesn't get lost)
- Massage tools or tennis balls
- Phone charger (long cord!)
- Bluetooth speaker for music
After Delivery
- Comfortable robe
- Nursing bras (2-3)
- Nursing pads
- Comfortable underwear (dark, large—or use hospital mesh)
- Loose going-home outfit
- Slippers with grip
- Toiletries (travel size)
Entertainment
- Phone and charger
- Book or tablet
- Headphones
- Snacks for after delivery
For Baby
Going-home outfit
Bring newborn AND 0-3 months size. Babies vary in size.
Swaddle blanket
For photos and the ride home.
Car seat
INSTALLED before you go into labor. Hospital won't discharge without it.
Socks or booties
Little feet get cold.
Hat
Hospital provides one, but you may want your own for photos.
Pacifier (optional)
If you plan to use one. Hospital may have some.
For Partner/Support Person
- Change of clothes (2-3 days worth)
- Toiletries and deodorant
- Phone and charger
- Snacks and drinks
- Cash for vending machines/cafeteria
- Pillow and blanket (hospital chairs are uncomfortable)
- Entertainment (book, tablet)
- List of people to notify after birth
- Camera (if not using phone)
Get the Printable Hospital Bag Checklist
Download and print our detailed hospital bag checklist for mom, baby, partner, and important documents. Part of our 29-tool Complete Parenting Toolkit for $19.
Get the Toolkit — $19What the Hospital Provides
Don't pack these—the hospital has them (and you can often take extras home!):
- Pads and mesh underwear
- Peri bottle
- Nursing pillows
- Diapers and wipes (while there)
- Baby blankets
- Baby hat
- Gown for you
- Basic toiletries
- Formula if needed
- Nipple cream samples
Leave at Home
Jewelry
Can get lost, may need to remove for procedures
Lots of cash
Most things are card-based now
Valuables
Hospital rooms aren't secure
Too many outfits for baby
You're only there 1-3 days
Your own diapers and wipes
Hospital provides and you can take extras home
Breast pump
Hospital has medical-grade ones to use
Pro Tips
Pack two bags
One for labor (just essentials), one for after. Partner can grab the second later.
Bring long phone charger
Hospital outlets are often far from the bed. 10ft cord is ideal.
Dark underwear
You will bleed. Black or dark underwear hides stains better.
Button-front pajamas
Easier for skin-to-skin and nursing than pullover styles.
Pack going-home outfit last
Put it on top so it's easy to find.
Take the hospital freebies
Mesh underwear, pads, peri bottle, nipple cream—take it all home. You'll use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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