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Is your due date approaching and you want to prepare your hospital bag? It's so easy to forget what to pack amid all the excitement and rush! In this guide, we've prepared a complete hospital bag checklist for mom, baby, and dad. Save the list, check items off, and have a comfortable birth experience.
When to Prepare?
Have your hospital bag ready by week 36. Early labor is always a possibility - being prepared reduces stress. Keep your bag near the door, in an easily accessible spot.
Recommended Age Group
This list is prepared for birth and hospital stay (1-4 days).
Quick Summary: Essentials
Hospital Bag - Must-Haves
8/8 checks completed
- ID and insurance documents(Critical)
- Maternity pads (at least 2 packs)(Critical)
- Nursing bra(Critical)
- Baby clothes (4-5 outfits)(Critical)
- Newborn diapers (1 pack)(Critical)
- Car seat (ready in car)(Critical)
- Phone charger
- Going home outfits
Hospital Bag for Mom
Documents and Papers
Documents (In Small Pouch)
7/7 checks completed
- ID card / Passport(Critical)
- Insurance card (public/private)(Critical)
- Pregnancy follow-up card / file
- Ultrasound and test results
- Birth plan (if any)
- Marriage certificate copy
- Emergency contact numbers list
For During Birth
For the Delivery Room
9/9 checks completed
- Comfortable slippers (non-slip sole)
- Lip balm (lips dry during labor)
- Hair tie / clip
- Glasses (if you wear contacts)
- Phone charger and long cable
- Headphones (for music/meditation)
- Small handheld fan
- Light snacks (energy bars, fruit)
- Water bottle (prefer one with straw)
Lip balm is so important! You're constantly doing breathing exercises during labor, lips get incredibly dry. A small but critical detail.
After Birth at Hospital
For Hospital Stay (2-4 Nights)
9/9 checks completed
- Nightgown or pajamas (3-4 pieces, front-opening)(Critical)
- Nursing bra (3 pieces)(Critical)
- Nursing pads (1 box)
- Maternity pads - overnight/maxi size (2 packs)(Critical)
- Maternity underwear (5-6 pieces) or old underwear
- Socks (2-3 pairs)
- Cardigan or robe
- Personal care items
- Towels (2 pieces)
Kindred Bravely
Kindred Bravely Nursing Bra 2-Pack
Always
Always Discreet Postpartum Pads
Why Front-Opening Nightgown?
Provides easy access for breastfeeding. With c-section, allows examination without exposing the abdomen. Get at least 3 - both baby and mom get dirty often!
Personal Care
Personal Care Kit
9/9 checks completed
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shower gel / soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant (prefer fragrance-free)
- Hairbrush / comb
- Skin moisturizer
- Makeup items (optional)
- Nail clippers
- Glasses / contact lens solution
Going Home Outfit
For Discharge Day
4/4 checks completed
- Comfortable pants (maternity pants ideal)
- Loose t-shirt or blouse
- Comfortable shoes
- Cardigan or coat (depending on season)
Wear your maternity clothes when going home! Your belly doesn't flatten immediately, there may be swelling after c-section. Don't struggle with tight clothes.
Hospital Bag for Baby
Keep everything for your baby in a separate bag or compartment.
Clothes
Baby Clothes (4-5 Outfits)
8/8 checks completed
- Bodysuits / undershirts (4-5 pieces)(Critical)
- Footed sleepers (3-4 pieces)
- Socks / booties (3 pairs)
- Hats (2 pieces)
- Mittens / scratch mittens (2 pairs)
- Cardigan (1-2 pieces)
- Going home outfit (special)(Critical)
- Blanket / swaddle (2 pieces)
Size Selection
Get both newborn and 0-1 month sizes. Some babies are born 8+ lbs and don't fit newborn size - pack some 0-1 month size just in case.
Carter's
Carter's Newborn Hospital Coming Home Set 5-Piece
Aden + Anais
Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle 2-Pack
Baby Care Products
Baby Care Supplies
7/7 checks completed
- Newborn diapers (1 pack - 30-40 pieces)(Critical)
- Baby wipes (for sensitive skin)(Critical)
- Diaper rash cream
- Umbilical cord care solution / antiseptic
- Baby nail clippers or file
- Baby brush (soft)
- Nasal aspirator
Pampers
Pampers Swaddlers Newborn
WaterWipes
WaterWipes Newborn Baby Wipes 3-Pack
Aquaphor
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Prefer newborn diapers with umbilical cord cutout (like Pampers Swaddlers). They don't irritate until the cord falls off (7-14 days).
Feeding Supplies
Baby Feeding
5/5 checks completed
- Nursing pillow (optional)
- Nipple cream (Lansinoh recommended)(Critical)
- Bottles (1-2 pieces, if needed)
- Pacifier (optional)
- Gas drops (Simethicone, if needed)
Lansinoh
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream
Going Home (Very Important!)
Discharge Day - For Baby
3/3 checks completed
- Season-appropriate outer clothing(Critical)
- Car seat installed in vehicle(Critical)
- Blanket (to cover in the car)
Car Seat Required!
Hospitals will not release a baby without a car seat. Buy the car seat before birth, install it in your vehicle, and learn how to use it correctly. Make the first journey safe!
Joie
Joie i-Snug 2 Baby Car Seat
For Dad / Support Person
Dad or support person will also stay at the hospital - don't forget their needs!
Support Person's Bag
9/9 checks completed
- ID card(Critical)
- Comfortable clothes (2 outfits)
- Slippers
- Personal care items
- Phone charger
- Snacks and drinks
- Book / tablet / headphones
- Small pillow (optional)
- Cash / credit card
Speaking as a dad: comfortable shoes and slippers are very important. There might be hours of standing, walking in corridors. And bring lots of snacks - cafeterias aren't always open!
Vaginal Birth vs C-Section Differences
Extras for Vaginal Birth
Vaginal Birth Additional Needs
4/4 checks completed
- Lip balm (extra important)
- Music playlist ready
- Massage oil (if desired)
- Sports bra (during labor)
Extras for C-Section
C-Section Additional Needs
4/4 checks completed
- High-waisted maternity underwear (doesn't press on incision)(Critical)
- Loose and long nightgowns
- Pillow (for belly support)
- Non-slip slippers (first steps after surgery)
After C-Section
Hospital stay is 2-3 days longer after c-section. You may need more nightgowns and maternity pads. Choose clothes that don't put pressure on the incision area.
Don't Bring to Hospital!
Some things should stay at home:
- Valuable jewelry: You'll be asked to remove it in the OR
- Too much cash: Card payment is safer
- Laptop/valuable electronics: Risk of loss
- Perfume: May disturb newborns
- High heels: Not practical
- Too many baby clothes: 4-5 outfits are more than enough
Final Checklist
One last check before closing your bag:
Hospital Bag - Final Checklist
10/10 checks completed
- Documents complete (ID, insurance, file)(Critical)
- Mom's clothes complete (nightgown, bra, underwear, pads)(Critical)
- Baby clothes complete (bodysuit, sleeper, hat, mittens)(Critical)
- Baby care supplies complete (diapers, wipes, cream)(Critical)
- Personal care kit ready
- Phone chargers in bag
- Going home outfits set aside (mom + baby)
- Car seat installed and ready in vehicle(Critical)
- Support person's bag ready
- Bag by the door
Pro tip: Take a photo of your bag and share with your partner. If you forget something in the rush, they can bring it from home. Also save the list on your phone!
Printable List
You can print this list and stick it on your fridge:
HOSPITAL BAG - QUICK LIST
=============================
FOR MOM:
□ ID + insurance card
□ Nightgowns x3 (front-opening)
□ Nursing bras x3
□ Maternity pads x2 packs
□ Maternity underwear x6
□ Slippers + socks
□ Personal care kit
□ Phone charger
□ Going home outfit
FOR BABY:
□ Bodysuits x5
□ Sleepers x4
□ Hats x2 + mittens x2
□ Blanket/swaddle x2
□ Newborn diapers x1 pack
□ Baby wipes
□ Diaper rash cream
□ Going home outfit
□ CAR SEAT (IN CAR!)
FOR DAD:
□ ID
□ Clothes x2
□ Slippers
□ Phone charger
□ Snacks
Complete Your Hospital Bag Essentials
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I prepare my hospital bag?
Have your bag ready by week 36. You can start at week 34 in case of early labor. Fatigue increases in the final weeks, early preparation helps you relax.
How many days will I stay at the hospital?
Vaginal birth: 1-2 days C-section: 2-4 days May extend depending on complications. Prepare for at least 3 nights.
Does the hospital provide diapers?
Most hospitals provide basic supplies but not guaranteed. Bring your own diapers, you'll use them at home if not needed at hospital.
Is a nursing bra necessary?
Yes, very important. Regular bras make breastfeeding difficult and can damage breast tissue. Get at least 2-3 pieces.
How many outfits should I bring for baby?
4-5 outfits is sufficient. Newborns get dirty a lot (spit-up, diaper leaks) but hospitals don't do laundry - replacements can be brought from home.
What size should first clothes be?
Bring both newborn and 0-1 month sizes. Babies' birth weights vary.
Related Guides
- Newborn Essentials Checklist - A to Z baby needs
- Nursery Setup Guide - Safe nursery
- Baby Car Seat Comparison - Best car seats
This guide was last updated on January 22, 2025.
