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

Preparing for your baby’s arrival can be overwhelming, but having a well-packed hospital bag can bring peace of mind when the big day comes. A complete hospital bag checklist ensures you have everything you, your birth partner, and your newborn need during labor, delivery, and hospital stay. Essentials typically include personal items, comfort items, important documents, and baby necessities.  

Here’s a quick overview of what to pack in your hospital bag:  

• For Mom. ID, insurance info, birth plan, comfortable clothes, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, and nursing essentials.  

• For Baby. Onesies, swaddles, and a going-home outfit.  

• For Birthing Partner. Change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, and a phone charger.  

By organizing your hospital bag by category and packing it by week 36, you’ll be better prepared for a smooth experience. Below, we break down each item in detail to help you build the perfect hospital bag checklist.

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag

Your baby might arrive earlier than expected, so it’s worth having your hospital bag (or bags, if you’d like one for labor and delivery and one for after delivery) and your baby’s hospital bag organized and packed during month eight of your pregnancy—just in case.

Pack the bags with your partner or whoever might accompany you to the hospital, so you can double-check the checklist and make sure you’ll have everything you might need. Once they’re packed, keep them handy either in your car or near the door, so you'll be ready to go at a moment's notice.

Keep reading for a full list of what to pack in your bag for the hospital, and download your hospital bag checklist below!

Being ready for your labor and delivery includes having a few administrative items handy in your hospital bag, as well as being prepared to pass the time as you wait for your baby to be born:

Being comfortable during labor and delivery is key, and many of the above items for your hospital bag may help you relax a bit. But, let’s be honest, fuzzy socks and soothing music might not cut it! Take the quiz below to discover your personalized plan for pain management during labor.

C-Section Hospital Bag

Wondering what to bring in your hospital bag for a c-section? If you’re having a c-section or want to be prepared just in case, you can still use the other checklists in this article to help you decide what to pack in your hospital bag. However, these additional hospital bag items might come in handy before and after your cesarean delivery.

• Loose-fitting nightgown or robe. Having some loose and comfortable to wear will be easier on the incision area.

• High-waisted underwear. Wearing comfortable underwear that doesn’t irritate the incision area is important. High-waisted underwear can avoid irritating the incision and provide extra support for your abdominal area after giving birth.

• Abdominal support band. This is optional and may provide added comfort post-op. It’s best to ask your healthcare provider if they recommend using an abdominal support band.

• Compression socks. To help with circulation after surgery.

• Medications. Any prescribed meds or a list of your current ones.

• Snacks and drinks for recovery. Choose light and easy-to-digest options.

• Extra-long phone charger. Outlets may be far from the bed.

These items can make your hospital stay more comfortable and support your healing process after a C-section.

You might also want to check with your healthcare provider to see if there’s anything specific you need to bring in your post-cesarean hospital bag.

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Mom (After Delivery)

You’ll want to make yourself feel at home as much as possible despite being in the hospital, so here are some must-haves to pack in your hospital bag for after delivery:

• Nightgowns. You’ll need something comfortable to sleep in during your hospital stay, and a soft, loose nightgown is a good option. Choose a front-opening style if you plan to breastfeed.

• Heavy-duty maternity pads. The hospital will provide some of these, but you may want to pack a few heavy-duty maternity pads, just in case. It’s normal to bleed a lot after the birth, and maternity pads are softer and more absorbent than standard pads. Initially you may need to change pads every one to two hours, but within a few days, the flow will start to decrease.

• Underwear. Hospitals often provide stretchy underwear, but you may want to pack several pairs that are large enough to wear over heavy-duty maternity pads. 

• Bras. Be prepared with a few nursing bras or other comfortable, well-fitting bras. 

• Toiletries. Don’t forget tissues, a hairbrush, a comb, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, a hairdryer, hair clips, and hair ties. Pack a plastic bag to pop dirty clothes in.

• Cosmetics and skin care products. If makeup is part of your usual routine, then don’t forget your cosmetics. Plus, make sure you pack some moisturizer, as your skin may feel drier than usual.

• Glasses and contact lenses (if you need them). It may seem obvious, but sometimes it’s these little things that can escape your mind when packing your hospital bag. Don’t forget contact lens solution and a lens case if you use contact lenses.

• Phone and charger. Unless you opt for a little digital detox during this special time, don’t forget your phone and charger. You can stay in touch with loved ones, use it to take those first few pictures, and post your special news on social media.

• Clothes. Aside from your nightgown, you might choose to take some comfortable clothes to wear during your hospital stay. Pack an extra outfit to wear home. Choose something loose-fitting with a drawstring or elastic waist.

• Handouts and reference books. You might have received some handy notes from your prenatal classes or have some reference books about newborns. The doctors and nurses will be able to give you lots of personalized guidance, but you might find these resources more useful once you actually have your newborn in your arms.

• Snacks and drinks. Labor can sometimes be very long, so you could consider packing some snacks and drinks. However, speak to your medical team about whether or not you’ll be allowed to eat or drink anything during labor. Also, consider packing some of your favorite snacks for after labor as you may feel like some comfort food during your hospital stay.

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Your Birth Partner

As a birth partner, whether you’re the father, friend, partner, or family member, you may want to pack a hospital bag with useful items to support your loved one during their time in the hospital. Here are some hospital bag essentials for dad, partner, friend, family member, or whoever your birthing partner will be:

• Snacks and water. Labor can be thirsty work even for supportive partners. Consider packing some snacks and water, as well as change for the hospital vending machines.

• Phone, camera, and/or video camera, plus chargers and batteries. Don’t forget to pack a phone to stay in contact with loved ones, and for some entertainment during downtimes. The camera will come in handy to take some happy snaps. (Make sure the camera’s memory card has plenty of free space on it.)

• Clothes. Labor is an unpredictable process, so a change of clothes is always a good idea, as you never know how long the stay will be. 

• Toiletries. After a long labor, you might need to freshen up in the shower. Most hospitals are fine with this, but you can confirm this beforehand.

• Spare glasses or spare contact lenses. It might be a long day, so having spares of these essentials could come in handy.

• Small pillow. You might appreciate getting a bit of rest during downtimes, as well. 

• Entertainment. Something to do: Books, a tablet, and a personal music player are all good options.

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Your Baby

This list of basic baby gear will come in handy once your newborn arrives:

Printable Hospital Bag Checklist

Download our free, printable hospital bag checklist below to keep track of what you’ve packed.

Download Hospital Bag Checklist

What Not to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Although it’s a great idea to be prepared, you don’t need to overpack your hospital bag. And there are some things that many hospitals don’t allow, so it’s a good idea to double-check beforehand.

Here are a few things you probably won’t need to pack in your hospital bag: 

• Too many clothes. You'll likely be in your nightgown for most of your stay, so you won’t need a lot of clothes. Pack a going-home outfit that is comfortable and easy to put on, like leggings and a loose shirt.

• Valuables. Leave valuables, such as jewelry, at home where it will be safe. The last thing you want to worry about is losing something important while you're focused on giving birth and taking care of your new baby.

• Electronic devices. Your phone and camera might come in handy, but you won't need larger devices such as portable TVs or music players. If you want to watch or listen to something, remember to have headphones handy so you don’t disturb other guests.

• Too much food. A few of your favorite snacks and some water is good to have on hand, but don’t bring too much food with you. You might not get a chance to eat it, and if your stay is longer than expected, the hospital will likely provide you with food, or your partner can bring some extra snacks if needed.

• Diapers and wipes. Most hospitals provide baby diapers and wipes during your stay, so it’s a good idea to double-check with your hospital before packing your bag. Alternatively, you might prefer to bring your own if you have a diaper preference.

Sibling Hospital Bag

If your older child/children will be staying with family or a sitter while you're in the hospital, pack a small bag to help them feel comfortable and cared for:

• A few changes of clothes and pajamas

• Favorite comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket, etc.)

• Toiletries and any medications

• Snacks and a water bottle

• Small toys, books, or coloring supplies

• A note or photo from you for reassurance

• Schedule or routine info for the caregiver.

This little bag helps keep things familiar and fun for the sibling(s)-to-be while you focus on welcoming the new baby.

The Bottom Line

With this hospital bag checklist, mom, dad, and baby can be well prepared for time in the hospital. Read up on the signs of labor, which includes things like your water breaking or seeing the mucus plug discharge.

If you're getting close to your due date, it's helpful to know how to time your contractions as well as how to spot other signs of labor. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you're going into labor—they'll be able to let you know when it's time to grab your hospital bag and be on your way. Good luck!

While you’re here and in the mood for preparing for the birth of your baby, download the Pampers Rewards app. You can use the app to earn rewards for all the diapers you’ll be buying once your little one’s here.