Hospital Bag Checklist
Pack your bag by 36 weeks so you are ready when labor begins. Our providers helped curate this list based on what patients actually use (and what they wish they had brought). Save this page and check items off as you pack.
For You (the Birthing Parent)
Comfort items and essentials for labor, delivery, and your hospital stay.
For You (the Birthing Parent)
- Photo ID and insurance cardDocuments
- Birth plan copies (3 to 4 printed copies for your nurses and provider)Documents
- Hospital pre-registration paperwork (if not completed online)Documents
- Comfortable robe or zip-front pajamas (dark colors hide stains)Clothing
- Non-skid socks or slippers for walking the hallsClothing
- Nursing bra or comfortable sports braClothing
- Going-home outfit (loose, stretchy, and comfortable; you will still look about 6 months pregnant)Clothing
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, dry shampoo)Essentials
- Lip balm (hospital air is extremely dry)Essentials
- Hair ties and headband to keep hair off your face during laborEssentials
- Your own pillow with a bright or patterned pillowcase (so it does not get mixed up with hospital pillows)Essentials
- Phone charger with a long cord (at least 6 feet)Essentials
- Eye mask and earplugs for sleeping between nurse check-insEssentials
- Snacks for early labor and recovery (granola bars, crackers, dried fruit, electrolyte drinks)Essentials
- Glasses or contacts and solution (skip contacts during labor; opt for glasses)Essentials
- Loose, warm socks for post-delivery (your feet may swell)Clothing
- Nursing pads if you plan to breastfeedEssentials
- Nipple cream (lanolin-based) if you plan to breastfeedEssentials
For Baby
The hospital provides basics, but these items are yours to bring.
For Baby
- Going-home outfit (seasonally appropriate; bring a backup in case of blowout)Baby
- Swaddle blanket or muslin wrapBaby
- Infant car seat, rear-facing and properly installed (hospitals will not discharge without one)Baby
- Newborn hat or beanieBaby
- Receiving blanket for the car rideBaby
- Pacifier if you plan to use oneBaby
- Baby nail file (newborn nails can be surprisingly sharp)Baby
For Your Partner or Support Person
Your support person will be spending long hours at the hospital too.
For Your Partner or Support Person
- Change of clothes (at least two sets for a potential multi-day stay)Partner
- Comfortable shoes (they will be on their feet a lot)Partner
- Phone and chargerPartner
- Snacks and drinks (the cafeteria may be closed during overnight labor)Partner
- Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes)Partner
- Cash or card for vending machines and cafeteriaPartner
- A book, tablet, or entertainment for downtime during early laborPartner
- Camera or phone with storage cleared for photos and videoPartner
- List of family and friends to notify after deliveryPartner
- Pillow and light blanket (hospital recliners are not known for comfort)Partner
For the Car Ride Home
You will not want to make stops on the way home. Pack these in the car ahead of time.
For the Car Ride Home
- Car seat installed and inspected (many fire stations offer free inspections)Car
- Window shade for baby's side of the carCar
- Extra receiving blanketCar
- Plastic bag for dirty laundry from the hospitalCar
- Water bottle and a snack for the rideCar
- Comfortable pillow for behind your back (the ride home can be tender)Car
What the Hospital Provides
You do not need to bring everything. Most hospitals in the MomDoc network provide these items during your stay:
- For you: Hospital gown, mesh underwear, postpartum pads, peri bottle, ice packs, basic toiletries, and warm blankets
- For baby: Diapers, wipes, newborn hat, receiving blankets, formula (if needed), and a bassinet
- Feeding support: Lactation consultants are available at all MomDoc-affiliated hospitals
Ask your provider during your 36-week visit which specific items your delivery hospital provides, since amenities vary slightly between facilities.
Packing Tips from Our Providers
Pack light. Most hospital stays for vaginal delivery are 24 to 48 hours and 48 to 96 hours for a cesarean. You do not need a week's worth of supplies.
Use a small bag, not a suitcase. Hospital rooms have limited space, especially in shared recovery rooms. A medium duffel bag or backpack works best.
Leave valuables at home. Hospitals are busy places with many people coming and going. Leave jewelry, large amounts of cash, and expensive electronics at home.
Pre-install the car seat. Do not wait until discharge day to figure out how the car seat works. Install it at least two weeks before your due date, and get it inspected at a local fire station or certified inspection station.
Pack a separate bag for your partner. If their bag is separate from yours, it is easier to grab the right items without digging through everything during labor.