Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labor and Delivery

Packing your hospital bag is an exciting milestone in your pregnancy journey. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a comfortable labor, delivery, and postpartum stay—plus what you can skip. Get organized early and head to the hospital with confidence.

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag

Timing is important when it comes to hospital bag preparation. Here's the recommended timeline:

36 Weeks: Have your bag fully packed and ready to go. This is your safe deadline, as baby could arrive anytime after this point (37 weeks is considered full-term). Even if you're feeling great and expect to go past your due date, it's better to be prepared.

32-35 Weeks: Ideal time to start gathering items and creating your packing list. Shop for any essentials you don't already have. This gives you time to find specific items without the pressure of an impending due date.

After 36 Weeks: You can add final touches and last-minute items, but the main bag should be complete. Keep it in an easy-to-grab location near your door.

Special Circumstances

  • High-risk pregnancy: Pack by 32-34 weeks
  • Previous preterm birth: Pack by 30-32 weeks
  • Scheduled induction or c-section: Pack at least one week before scheduled date
  • Carrying multiples: Pack by 32 weeks (twins often arrive earlier)

Packing Strategy

Smart packing makes your hospital stay more comfortable and less stressful. Consider this organizational approach:

Use Multiple Bags

  • Labor bag: Items needed during active labor (small bag or backpack)
  • Postpartum bag: Items for after delivery (can stay in car initially)
  • Baby bag: Everything for baby's hospital stay and going home
  • Partner bag: Supplies for your support person

Alternatively, use one large bag with clearly labeled sections or packing cubes.

Create Redundancy

  • Keep phone chargers in multiple bags
  • Pack extra snacks—you'll eat more than you think
  • Bring backup entertainment options
  • Have duplicates of essential items like lip balm and hair ties

Easy Access Matters

  • Put items you'll need during labor in outside pockets or on top
  • Keep going-home outfits easily accessible
  • Store snacks where partner can grab them quickly
  • Keep important documents in a zippered pocket

Essential Items for Mom: Labor

These are the must-have items you'll want during active labor:

Documents and Technology

  • Photo ID and insurance card (most important!)
  • Hospital pre-registration paperwork if you completed it in advance
  • Birth plan (print multiple copies) - create yours at BirthPlan.net
  • Phone and charger (bring an extra-long charging cable)
  • Portable phone charger/power bank for when outlets aren't convenient
  • Camera if you prefer it over phone photos
  • List of important phone numbers (in case your phone dies)

Comfort Items

  • Lip balm (hospitals are dry; bring multiple tubes)
  • Hair ties or headband to keep hair off your face
  • Massage tools (tennis balls for counter-pressure, massage roller)
  • Your own pillow with a colored pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed with hospital linens
  • Essential oils for aromatherapy if your hospital allows them
  • Music playlist downloaded or portable speaker (check hospital policy)
  • Comfortable labor outfit (if you prefer not to wear hospital gown) - sports bra, loose tank top
  • Warm socks with grips for walking halls
  • Focal point item for breathing exercises (photo, meaningful object)
  • Eye mask and ear plugs for rest between contractions

Labor Tools

  • Birthing ball (check if hospital provides one first)
  • Battery-operated candles for mood lighting (real candles not allowed)
  • Fan for cooling during intense contractions
  • Hand-held mirror if you want to see baby crowning

Hydration and Snacks

  • Reusable water bottle with straw (easier to drink during labor)
  • Sports drinks with electrolytes
  • Honey sticks or lollipops for quick energy
  • Light snacks if allowed: crackers, granola bars, dried fruit (check hospital policy on eating during labor)

Essential Items for Mom: Postpartum

After delivery, you'll appreciate having these items for comfort and recovery:

Clothing

  • 2-3 comfortable nightgowns or pajama sets with front opening for nursing and skin-to-skin
  • Robe for walking hallways and receiving visitors
  • Nursing bras (2-3, size up from pregnancy)
  • Comfortable going-home outfit (similar to 6-month pregnancy size—you won't fit pre-pregnancy clothes yet)
  • Underwear you don't mind ruining (or plan to use hospital disposables)
  • Slip-on shoes or slippers with non-skid soles
  • Extra socks (hospitals are cold!)

Toiletries and Personal Care

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
  • Body wash or soap
  • Deodorant
  • Face wash and moisturizer
  • Brush or comb
  • Dry shampoo for quick freshening up
  • Hair dryer if you want one (hospitals don't always provide)
  • Glasses/contacts and solution if you wear them
  • Prescription medications (notify nurses and get provider approval first)
  • Basic makeup if you want it for photos (keep it minimal)

Postpartum Recovery

  • Your own pads if you prefer them (hospital provides heavy-duty ones)
  • Nipple cream (like Lansinoh) for breastfeeding
  • Nursing pads (disposable or reusable)
  • Hemorrhoid cream (hospitals usually provide but bring your own if you have a preferred brand)
  • Stool softener (hospital will likely provide)
  • Adult diapers (optional—some women prefer these to pads for the first day or two)
  • Peri bottle (hospital provides, but you might prefer a fancier one)

Breastfeeding Support

  • Nursing pillow (like Boppy or My Brest Friend)
  • Nipple shields if recommended by your lactation consultant
  • Breast pump and supplies if planning to pump (check if hospital provides)
  • Breastfeeding guide or app for reference

Entertainment and Comfort

  • Tablet or e-reader for those quiet postpartum hours
  • Books or magazines
  • Notebook and pen for tracking feedings, diaper changes, and notes from nurses
  • Earbuds or headphones

Essential Items for Baby

Hospitals provide most baby essentials, but you'll want these items:

Clothing

  • 2-3 onesies or sleepers (newborn and 0-3 month sizes—you don't know baby's size yet)
  • Going-home outfit in two sizes (NB and 0-3 months)
  • Weather-appropriate outerwear (jacket, bunting, or snowsuit for cold weather)
  • Hat and mittens (for warmth and scratch prevention)
  • Socks or booties
  • Swaddle blankets (2-3, though hospital provides some)

Gear

  • Infant car seat (MUST HAVE—you cannot leave hospital without one, properly installed)
  • Pacifiers if you plan to use them (hospital may provide)
  • Diaper bag for the trip home

Optional Items

  • Your own diapers and wipes (hospital provides, but bring your own if you have sensitive skin concerns)
  • Baby book for footprints and first photos
  • Special blanket or stuffed animal for photos
  • Going-home outfit for photo shoot (if different from car seat outfit)

Essential Items for Partner/Support Person

Don't forget to pack for your support person—they'll be with you for many hours!

Basic Needs

  • Change of clothes (1-2 outfits)
  • Comfortable shoes for standing/walking during labor
  • Pajamas or comfortable loungewear
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
  • Pillow and light blanket (hospital may not provide for partners)
  • Sweatshirt or jacket (hospital temperature varies)

Sustenance

  • Substantial snacks (protein bars, trail mix, jerky, nuts)
  • Easy meals (sandwiches, instant soup cups)
  • Cash and credit card for cafeteria or vending machines
  • Water bottle
  • Coffee/tea supplies or cash for hospital coffee

Entertainment

  • Phone charger
  • Book, tablet, or magazine for long labor
  • List of people to call/text with updates

Support Role Items

  • Massage oil or lotion
  • Copy of birth plan to advocate for mom's wishes
  • Notepad to track contractions and take notes from medical staff
  • Camera or good phone camera for photos and video

What to Leave at Home

These items are unnecessary or prohibited in most hospitals:

Items to Skip

  • Valuables: Jewelry (except wedding ring), expensive electronics, cash beyond small amounts
  • Full-size toiletries: Bring travel sizes to save space
  • White or light clothing: Bodily fluids will happen; wear dark colors
  • Tight or complicated clothing: You want loose, easy on/off
  • Your entire medicine cabinet: The hospital provides pain relief and other medications
  • Candles or incense: Fire hazard (use battery candles instead)
  • Too many clothing options: You won't need 7 outfit choices
  • Newborn toys: Baby can't use them yet
  • Bottles and formula: Unless you're definitely not breastfeeding, hospital provides
  • Breast pump: Unless specifically advised, hospital has ones you can use

Nice-to-Have vs. Must-Have

Understanding priorities helps you pack smart without overpacking:

Absolute Must-Haves

  • ID and insurance card
  • Phone and charger
  • Infant car seat
  • Going-home clothes for mom and baby
  • Basic toiletries

Really Nice to Have

  • Your own pillow
  • Comfortable nightgowns
  • Lip balm and hair ties
  • Snacks for partner
  • Entertainment (books, tablet)
  • Nursing pillow

Bonus Comfort Items

  • Essential oils
  • Special blanket for photos
  • Your own peri bottle
  • Sound machine
  • Fancy going-home outfit

Special Considerations

Planned C-Section

If you're having a scheduled cesarean, you'll need mostly the same items, but consider:

C-Section Specific Items

  • High-waisted underwear or c-section underwear that won't rub on incision
  • Abdominal binder for support (hospital may provide)
  • Front-opening clothing exclusively (you won't want to lift arms over head)
  • Pillows for car ride home to cushion seatbelt
  • Longer recovery stay items (you'll typically stay 3-4 days instead of 2)

Learn more about c-section preparation in our cesarean birth planning guide.

Winter Births

  • Warm baby bunting or car seat cover
  • Extra blankets for baby
  • Your own warm robe and slippers
  • Moisturizer for dry hospital air
  • Humidifier if hospital allows

Summer Births

  • Lightweight clothing for baby and you
  • Sunshade for car windows
  • Personal fan
  • Light blankets (hospitals are air-conditioned)

Multiples

  • Double everything for babies (clothes, blankets)
  • Two properly installed car seats
  • Extra help—consider a second support person if allowed
  • Longer stay supplies (twins often stay longer)

Hospital Vs. What You Provide

Understanding what hospitals typically provide helps you avoid unnecessary packing:

Hospitals Usually Provide

  • Maternity pads (heavy duty)
  • Mesh underwear (disposable)
  • Peri bottle for perineal care
  • Ice packs and heating pads
  • Sitz bath supplies
  • Stool softeners
  • Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo—though quality varies)
  • Hospital gowns
  • Baby diapers, wipes, and basic clothing
  • Baby blankets and hats
  • Formula and bottles if needed
  • Pacifiers
  • Basic nursing supplies

You Should Bring

  • All personal toiletries you prefer
  • Your own comfortable clothing
  • Nursing bras and pillow
  • Going-home outfits
  • Entertainment and comfort items
  • Car seat and special baby items
  • Snacks and personal preferences

Ask Your Hospital

Policies vary, so call your delivery hospital's maternity ward and ask:

Questions to Ask

  • What toiletries and supplies are provided?
  • Can I wear my own clothing during labor?
  • Are birthing balls and other labor tools available?
  • Can partners sleep in the room? Are they provided bedding?
  • Is there a cafeteria and what are the hours?
  • What items should I definitely bring vs. leave at home?
  • Are there restrictions on photos, music, or aromatherapy?

Packing Tips and Tricks

Organization Hacks

  • Use packing cubes or gallon bags to organize categories (toiletries, baby clothes, electronics)
  • Label everything clearly so partner can find items when you're focused on baby
  • Create a laminated checklist of bag contents and tape it to the bag
  • Pack outfits in complete sets (onesie, pants, socks together in one bag)
  • Put items for car ride home in a separate small bag so you can find them easily

Space-Saving Ideas

  • Use travel-size or sample toiletries
  • Roll clothes instead of folding (saves space and reduces wrinkles)
  • Stuff socks and small items inside shoes
  • Download entertainment instead of bringing physical books
  • Share items when possible (one large water bottle instead of two)

Last-Minute Add System

Some items can't be packed weeks in advance. Create a "grab list" for last-minute additions:

Last-Minute Grab List

  • Phone chargers that you use daily
  • Glasses or contacts
  • Daily medications
  • Wallet and keys
  • Fresh snacks

Keep this list visible on your bag or posted on your fridge so you or your partner can quickly grab these items when labor starts.

What to Keep in Your Car

Some items can live in your car from 36 weeks onward:

Car Essentials

  • Car seat (practice installing it)
  • Extra blankets for baby
  • Postpartum bag (if using a multi-bag system)
  • Backup snacks
  • Towels (in case water breaks in car)
  • Plastic bags
  • Extra phone charger

Don't Forget: The Return Trip

Plan ahead for bringing everything home, plus baby and new parent exhaustion:

Return Trip Planning

  • Bring reusable shopping bags for hospital freebies (they'll send you home with supplies)
  • Have bags ready to repack (you'll accumulate items during your stay)
  • Designate a bag manager (partner tracks what came from which bag)
  • Don't stress about leaving things (hospitals have lost and found)

Sample Hospital Bag Checklist

Print this checklist and keep it with your bags:

For Mom - Labor

☐ ID & insurance card
☐ Birth plan (3 copies)
☐ Phone & charger (long cord)
☐ Lip balm (2-3)
☐ Hair ties
☐ Pillow with colored case
☐ Socks with grips
☐ Massage tools
☐ Water bottle
☐ Labor outfit (if desired)

For Mom - Postpartum

☐ Nightgowns (2-3)
☐ Robe
☐ Nursing bras (2-3)
☐ Going-home outfit
☐ Slippers/shoes
☐ Toiletries (full list above)
☐ Nipple cream
☐ Nursing pillow
☐ Entertainment items

For Baby

☐ Car seat (installed!)
☐ Going-home outfit (2 sizes)
☐ Onesies/sleepers (2-3)
☐ Weather-appropriate outerwear
☐ Hat & mittens
☐ Blankets (2-3)
☐ Pacifiers (if using)

For Partner

☐ Change of clothes
☐ Pajamas
☐ Toiletries
☐ Pillow & blanket
☐ Snacks & meals
☐ Cash/credit card
☐ Phone charger
☐ Entertainment

After You Pack

Once your bags are packed:

Final Steps

  • Show your partner where bags are stored
  • Review contents with your partner so they know where to find things
  • Keep bags near your door or in your car trunk
  • Take a photo of your checklist on your phone
  • Set a reminder at 38 weeks to check and refresh perishable items
  • Practice installing car seat if you haven't already
  • Fill your gas tank and keep it at least half full

Birth Setting Variations

Birth Center

Birth centers are more home-like but still require packing:

  • Most items on hospital list still apply
  • May need to bring your own food entirely
  • More flexibility with personal items and atmosphere
  • You'll likely leave sooner (6-12 hours), so less clothing needed
  • Ask specifically what they provide vs. what you bring

Learn more about different settings in our guide to choosing where to give birth.

Home Birth

For home birth, you'll prepare your space rather than pack bags:

  • Your midwife will provide a supply list
  • Typically includes: waterproof pads, towels, receiving blankets, etc.
  • You'll have access to all your home comforts
  • Still pack a "just in case" hospital transfer bag

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Most experts recommend packing your hospital bag by 36 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you a comfortable buffer before your due date (typically 40 weeks) and ensures you're prepared if baby arrives early. Babies are considered full-term at 37 weeks, so having everything ready by 36 weeks means you won't be caught off guard. Pack the essentials by 36 weeks, then add final touches and perishable items in the last few weeks as you think of additional items you might want.

What should I not pack in my hospital bag?

Avoid packing valuable jewelry (except your wedding ring if desired), large amounts of cash, your entire makeup collection, full-size toiletries, or items the hospital already provides like pads, mesh underwear, basic toiletries, and diapers for baby. Leave white or light-colored clothing at home as bodily fluids can stain them. Skip bringing your own medications unless specifically instructed by your provider—the hospital will provide what you need and must track all medications you take while there.

How many days worth of clothes should I pack?

Pack enough for a typical 2-3 day hospital stay for a vaginal birth (3-4 days for c-section). Include 2-3 comfortable nightgowns or pajama sets for yourself, 2-3 onesies for baby, and 1-2 outfit changes for your partner. You can always have someone bring additional items if your stay is extended unexpectedly. It's better to pack light and have backup available than to lug excessive clothing that you won't use.

Should I bring my own pillow to the hospital?

Yes! This is one of the most recommended comfort items. Hospital pillows are often thin and uncomfortable. Bringing your own pillow from home can help you rest better during a long labor and postpartum recovery. Use a brightly colored or patterned pillowcase that's different from white hospital linens so it doesn't accidentally get mixed up with hospital laundry. Many women bring two pillows—one for labor and one for sleeping after delivery.

Can my partner sleep at the hospital?

Most hospitals allow one support person to stay overnight in your room, though policies vary by hospital and room type. However, hospitals typically don't provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for partners—they may have a chair that converts to a small bed or a cot, but your partner will likely want to bring their own pillow and blanket for comfort. Some hospitals have limitations on partner stays, especially in shared rooms, so check your hospital's specific policy during your facility tour.

What size should I pack for baby's going-home outfit?

Pack going-home outfits in both newborn and 0-3 month sizes since you don't know how big your baby will be. Some babies are born small enough that newborn sizes are too big, while others are born larger and skip newborn sizes entirely. Having options ensures you'll have something that fits properly. Choose stretchy, soft fabrics that are easy to get on and off—avoid outfits with complicated buttons or those that need to go over baby's head if possible.

Do I really need to pack snacks for my partner?

Absolutely! Your partner needs to maintain their energy to support you through labor, which can last many hours or even days. While most hospitals have cafeterias, they have limited hours (typically closed overnight and on weekends). Vending machines are expensive and offer limited options. Pack substantial, protein-rich snacks like nuts, protein bars, jerky, crackers with peanut butter, and trail mix. Your partner shouldn't have to leave your side to search for food during crucial moments.

Will the hospital provide everything for the baby?

Hospitals provide the basics during your stay: diapers, wipes, basic clothing (like a t-shirt and hat), blankets, formula if needed, and sometimes pacifiers. However, you need to provide the car seat (legally required to leave the hospital), going-home outfit, weather-appropriate outerwear, and any special items you want for photos or comfort. Many hospitals send you home with some supplies (diapers, wipes, etc.), but you should have your own supplies ready at home for after you're discharged.

The Bottom Line

Packing your hospital bag is an important preparation task that helps you feel ready and confident as your due date approaches. While it might seem overwhelming at first, breaking it down by category and person makes it manageable.

Remember that hospitals provide many essentials, so you don't need to pack your entire home. Focus on personal items that will make you comfortable, documentation you absolutely need, and special touches that will make your birth experience more enjoyable.

The most important items are your ID, insurance card, phone charger, and car seat. Everything else is bonus comfort. Don't stress if you forget something—your partner can bring it, or you can make do with hospital supplies.

Pack by 36 weeks, keep bags accessible, and then relax knowing you're prepared for whenever your baby decides to arrive. This is an exciting milestone—enjoy the process of getting ready to meet your little one!

Prepare for Your Complete Birth Experience

Now that your hospital bag is packed, create a comprehensive birth plan outlining your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Share it with your healthcare team and pack it in your hospital bag.

Create Your Birth Plan