Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Mom, Baby and Partner

Aim to have your bag packed by about 36 weeks, earlier if you're expecting twins or your provider has mentioned an early delivery. Keep it by the door or in the car, and pack light: most people stay one to two days after a vaginal birth and two to four after a cesarean.

Tip: call your hospital or birth center and ask what they provide. Most supply diapers, wipes, pads and mesh underwear, so you can skip those or bring just a few favorites.

Documents and must-haves

• Photo ID and insurance card
• Any hospital pre-registration paperwork
• A few copies of your birth preferences
• A list of your medications, allergies and your pediatrician's details
• Phone and an extra-long charging cable (outlets are rarely near the bed)
• Glasses, contact lenses and case

For mom: labor

• A robe or a loose nightgown, if you'd rather not wear the hospital gown
• Non-slip socks or slippers
• Lip balm (hospital air is very dry)
• Hair ties or a headband
• A water bottle with a straw, so you can drink lying down
• Your own pillow, in a colored pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital's
• Something calming: a playlist and headphones, an eye mask, earplugs

For mom: after birth

• 2–3 nursing bras or soft bras, and nursing pads
• High-waisted, comfortable underwear (soft enough for a cesarean incision)
• Your favorite maxi pads, in case you prefer them to the hospital's
• Nipple cream, if you're planning to breastfeed
• Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, dry shampoo
• Your fragrance-free body cream. Post-birth skin feels tight and dry, and a familiar routine helps you feel like yourself.
• A going-home outfit in your maternity size, since your belly takes weeks to shrink
• Snacks: granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers

For baby

• A rear-facing car seat, installed before you go into labor. Most hospitals won't let you leave without one.
• A going-home outfit in newborn and 0–3 month sizes, since you don't know which will fit
• A soft hat and socks or booties
• A swaddle or receiving blanket, and a warmer blanket for the car seat in cold weather (over the straps, never under)
• Scratch mittens (optional)

For your partner or support person

• A change of clothes, a sweater and comfortable shoes
• Toiletries and any medications they take
• Snacks and a water bottle, as they may not have time to find food
• A phone charger and headphones
• Cash or cards for parking and vending machines

Leave at home

• Jewelry and other valuables (rings may not fit with swelling anyway)
• Large amounts of cash
• A full newborn wardrobe; one or two outfits is plenty

Before you head out

• Know your route and where to park at night
• Arrange childcare and pet care, with a backup
• Keep the hospital's labor and delivery phone number in your phone

More in our pregnancy guide

• First trimester essentials (weeks 1–13)
• Second trimester essentials (weeks 14–27)
• Third trimester essentials (weeks 28–40)
• The fourth trimester: postpartum essentials
• Healthy meals and fruits · Prenatal vitamins · Pregnancy skin care

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow your hospital's and provider's guidance.