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Hospital Bag Checklist
Midwife-reviewed packing guide • hospitalbagchecklists.com
Format: US Letter & A4
Goal: Fully Packed by 36 Weeks
Mom's Name:
Estimated Due Date:
Hospital L&D Triage #:
OB / Midwife / Doula:
Pediatrician & Phone:
Partner Emergency #:
For Mom
Nurse Tip: Pack items you need for labor in an easy-to-reach top compartment or a separate tote!
Essentials
- ID & insurance cardGovernment photo ID, health insurance card, and hospital pre-registration documents.ℹ️ Bring your photo ID, health insurance card (US), and pre-registration documents, or your digital health records (e.g. UK Badger Notes app, Medicare, or provincial health card).
- Copies of birth planPrinted copies for your doctor, midwife, and labor nurses.
- Pediatrician contact informationHospital staff will notify your chosen pediatrician once baby arrives.
- Hydrating lip balm / chapstickHospital air is intensely dry; keep lips moisturized during labor breathing techniques and postpartum recovery.
- ToiletriesToothbrush, toothpaste, facewash, hairbrush, etc.
- Postpartum padsExtra-absorbent, soft pads designed specifically for postpartum bleeding (lochia).ℹ️ US hospitals supply basic mesh undies and pads, but bringing ultra-soft organic ones is much more comfortable. (Essential for UK NHS & public hospitals worldwide, which require parents to supply 2–3 packs).
- Disposable underwearHigh-waisted, seamless mesh or disposable postpartum briefs.
- RobeComfortable, lightweight dark robe for walking halls and skin-to-skin.
- Labor & delivery gownSoft front-opening or snap-back gown for monitoring and breastfeeding.
- Slippers or grip socksWarm socks with rubber traction grips for hospital room floors.
- Going home outfitLoose, breathable lounge set or maternity dress (fits ~6 month pregnancy size).
- Walking shoesSlip-on shoes or slides that accommodate swollen postpartum feet.
- Hospital bagA structured weekender bag or rolling carry-on with organized compartments.
Popular Suggestions / Comfort
Deodorant
Dry shampoo
Headband or hair ties
Makeup
Hairbrush / comb
Glasses or contact lenses & solution
Water bottle
Peri bottle
Perineal cushion
Stool softener
Pajamas
Compression socks
Pillows or blanket
Washcloth or towels
Stress relief items
Phone or tablet & extra long charger cord
Headphones
Entertainment
Personal medications
Portable fan
Motivational or inspiration images
Extra tote bag
Thank you cards for staff
Flip-flops for shower
Dimmable touch nightlight
Ultra-soft toilet paper or gentle wipes
Post-delivery snacks & electrolytes
For Partner
Nurse Tip: Partners frequently forget their own pillow and warm layers—hospital partner couches are chilly!
Essentials
- ID & insurance cardGovernment photo identification and relevant cards for hospital security sign-in.
- Change of clothesBring 2-4 outfits including comfortable layers for temperature changes.
- SleepwearComfortable sweatpants or joggers for sleeping on the partner cot/sleeper chair.
- ToiletriesToothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, mints, contact lens case.
- Pillow & blanketHospital guest pull-out chairs are notoriously stiff; bring home comfort.
- Drinks & snacksHigh-protein bars, jerky, electrolyte packets, nuts, and cash for vending machines.
- EntertainmentBooks, journal, music, games, chargers, earphones for downtime.
Popular Suggestions / Comfort
Button-down shirts (for skin-to-skin)
For Baby
Nurse Tip: Bring going home outfits in two sizes (Newborn & 0-3M) because baby sizes vary greatly!
Essentials
- Infant car seatInstalled in car ahead of time; hospitals legally require inspection before discharge.
- Going home outfit: Newborn sizeTwo-way double-zipper footie or kimono bodysuit with enclosed feet (protects umbilical cord stump).
- Going home outfit: 0-3M sizeBackup size with two-way zipper in case baby weighs over 8.5 lbs (3.8 kg) or spits up on outfit #1.
- SwaddlesBring 2-3 velcro or zipper swaddles plus soft cotton/bamboo muslin blankets.
- Burp clothsBring 4-5 absorbent cloths for spit-ups and feedings.
- Baby mittensSoft mittens to prevent baby from scratching delicate face skin.
- Baby hatWarm newborn knit beanie to regulate newborn body temperature.
Popular Suggestions / Comfort
Cloth diapers
Newborn diapers & wipes
Pacifiers
Nursing & Feeding
Nurse Tip: Ask the hospital lactation consultant to visit your room on day 1 to evaluate baby’s latch!
Essentials
- Breast pumpBring your pump and parts so the hospital lactation team can teach you how to use it.
- BottlesIf bottle-feeding or combo-feeding, bring 2-4 bottles with slow-flow newborn nipples.
- Nipple cream100% pure lanolin or organic plant-based nipple balm to soothe initial tenderness.
- Nursing brasBring 1-2 wire-free nursing bras or sleep crossover bralettes.
- Nursing padsDisposable or washable bamboo pads for catching early milk leaks and colostrum.
- Nursing pillowC-shaped or strap-on nursing pillow (Boppy/My Brest Friend) for ergonomic arm support.
Popular Suggestions / Comfort
Baby formula
Lactation massager
Nursing cups
C-Section Recovery
Nurse Tip: Ensure underwear and bottoms sit well ABOVE your bikini-line incision to avoid friction!
Essentials
- Abdominal binderSupportive postpartum belly wrap that stabilizes your surgical incision when standing.
- C-section postpartum underwearUltra-high-waisted full-coverage briefs that sit comfortably above your incision site.
- Scar patchesMedical-grade silicone scar sheets or cooling hydrogel pads for surgical comfort.
Planning for a VBAC
Nurse Tip: Have your previous surgical summary and operative report readily accessible for your care team.
Essentials
- VBAC birth planDocument outlining preferences for continuous monitoring, labor positions, and pain management.
- Previous C-section recordsCopy of previous uterine incision details (low transverse vs classical incision).
- Medical history documentsDetailed prenatal lab results and prenatal physician sign-off.
- Back-up C-Section suppliesHigh-waisted briefs and abdominal support in case an unplanned repeat cesarean is needed.