Hospital Bag Essentials: Complete Packing Checklist for Labor

Packing your hospital bag is one of the final preparations before meeting your baby. Having everything organized and ready will give you peace of mind and ensure you have what you need during labor, delivery, and recovery. Start packing around 36 weeks, as babies can arrive earlier than expected.

Packing Tips

Pack two bags: one for labor and one for postpartum recovery
Keep your bag easily accessible at home
Consider leaving one packed bag in your car if you travel frequently
Make copies of important documents

For Mom: Labor and Delivery

Essential Documents

Photo ID and insurance cards
Birth plan copies
Medical records if from different provider
Pre-registration paperwork
Emergency contact list

Comfort Items

Comfortable labor gown or your own
Cozy robe and slippers with grip
Extra underwear (disposable recommended)
Hair ties and headband
Lip balm and lotion

Labor Support Items

Relaxation Tools:

Essential oils (hospital-approved)
Music playlist and portable speaker
Massage oils or lotions
Tennis balls for back labor
Focal point object

Personal Care:

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Face wash and moisturizer
Deodorant
Glasses or contacts
Any medications you take

For Mom: Postpartum Recovery

Clothing

Going home outfit: Comfortable, around 6-month pregnancy size
Nursing bras: 2-3 comfortable, well-fitting bras
Nursing tops: Easy-access shirts
Comfortable pants: Loose-fitting or maternity
Extra underwear: Disposable mesh or cheap cotton

Recovery Supplies

Heavy-duty pads: Hospitals provide but bring your preference
Nipple cream: For breastfeeding comfort
Stool softener: Ask your doctor's recommendation
Comfortable slippers: With good grip
Nursing pads: Disposable or reusable

Breastfeeding Essentials

Nursing pillow: Boppy or similar for comfortable positioning
Nipple cream: Lanolin-based for healing and protection
Breast pads: To prevent leaking
Nipple shields: If recommended by lactation consultant
Manual breast pump: Hospital-grade pumps usually available

For Baby

Going Home Outfit

Pack two sizes since you don't know baby's exact size:

Newborn Size:

Onesie or bodysuit
Sleeper or outfit
Socks or booties
Hat
Blanket

0-3 Month Size:

Onesie or bodysuit
Sleeper or outfit
Socks or booties
Hat
Blanket

Car Seat (Essential!)

Car Seat Requirements

Must have: You cannot leave the hospital without a properly installed car seat
Installation: Have it professionally installed and inspected before your due date
Type: Rear-facing infant car seat appropriate for newborns
Practice: Learn how to properly secure your baby before labor

For Your Partner/Support Person

Comfort & Support

Change of clothes (2-3 days worth)
Comfortable shoes
Toiletries and personal care items
Pillow and blanket
Phone charger
Snacks and drinks

Documentation & Support

Camera with extra batteries/memory
List of people to call
Birth plan copies
Insurance information
Cash for parking/vending machines
Entertainment (book, tablet, etc.)

Electronics and Entertainment

Tech Essentials

Phone chargers: Bring multiple charging cables
Portable power bank: In case outlets aren't available
Camera: For capturing first moments
Tablet or laptop: For entertainment during early labor
Headphones: For relaxation music or entertainment

Items the Hospital Typically Provides

Don't worry about packing these items - hospitals usually provide:

For Mom:

Hospital gowns
Basic toiletries
Mesh underwear
Heavy-duty pads
Ice packs and comfort items
Basic medications

For Baby:

Diapers and wipes
Receiving blankets
Hospital t-shirts
Hats and mittens
Formula (if needed)
Pacifiers

What NOT to Bring

Valuables: Jewelry, expensive electronics
Too many clothes: You'll mostly wear hospital gowns
Your own towels: Hospitals provide these
Perfumes or strong scents: May trigger nausea
Too many "just in case" items: Keep it manageable

Special Considerations

C-Section Delivery

Additional items for planned or emergency C-section:

High-waisted, loose-fitting underwear
Loose-fitting pants and dresses
Abdominal binder (if recommended)
Extra-long phone charger for bed rest
Slip-on shoes (no bending over)

Multiple Babies

Multiple going-home outfits in different sizes
Two car seats properly installed
Extra receiving blankets
Additional help for getting babies home safely

Final Packing Tips

Organization Strategy

Use clear bags: Easy to see and find items quickly
Pack by person: Separate bags for you, partner, and baby
Keep essentials accessible: Documents and immediate needs on top
Label everything: In case bags get separated
Pack 36-37 weeks: Babies can come early

Having your hospital bag packed and ready will give you one less thing to worry about as your due date approaches. Remember that hospitals provide most essentials, so focus on comfort items, personal preferences, and special things that will make your experience more pleasant.

Most importantly, don't stress if you forget something – hospitals have most necessities, and your partner or family can always bring forgotten items later. The most important thing is getting you and your baby safely through delivery!