Hospital Bag Checklist for New Parents: Don’t Forget These Must-Haves

As your due date approaches, you may feel like you’re juggling a thousand tasks. Between doctor appointments, nursery preparations, and last-minute shopping, packing your hospital bag might seem minor. But when labor starts, you’ll be grateful you took the time to pack wisely.

This isn’t just about tossing clothes and toiletries into a suitcase. It’s about preparing for one of the most intense, emotional, and life-changing experiences you’ll ever have. Let’s break it down into a no-nonsense, deeply practical guide to ensure you’re fully ready—whether it’s your first baby or your third.

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

It’s best to have your hospital bag packed and ready by week 36 of pregnancy. Babies don’t always follow the calendar. Starting early gives you peace of mind and eliminates last-minute chaos if your baby decides to show up earlier than expected.

Some parents even keep their bags in the car once they hit 38 weeks—just in case.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Complete Checklist

We’ve divided this guide into four key sections:

1. What mom needs for labor and recovery
2. What baby needs
3. What the partner or support person needs
4. Bonus items you’ll be glad you brought

1. What Mom Needs for Labor and Recovery

The hospital will provide some supplies, but many parents prefer their own comforts. Here’s what to pack for yourself:

Documents

• Health insurance card and photo ID
• Copies of your birth plan (if you have one)
• Hospital pre-registration paperwork, if applicable

During Labor

• A comfortable gown or labor-friendly dress
• Socks with grips or non-slip slippers
• Lip balm (hospital air is dry)
• Hair ties or a headband
• Refillable water bottle with a straw lid
• Phone and long charging cord
• Massage oil or tennis ball for back labor
• Essential oils or calming spray if you use aromatherapy
• Playlist or app for music and relaxation
• Snacks (protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit)

For Recovery

• Nursing bras or supportive sports bras
• Postpartum underwear or adult diapers
• Maternity pads or heavy flow sanitary pads
• A soft robe and button-down pajamas for nursing
• Loose-fitting going-home outfit (nothing tight around your waist)
• Nipple cream for breastfeeding (lanolin or natural alternatives)
• Breast pads to handle leaks
• Peri bottle (the hospital may provide one, but yours may be better)
• Witch hazel pads or medicated cooling wipes
• Pain relief spray, especially for vaginal delivery
• Towel from home (hospital towels are often thin and scratchy)
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, facial wipes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hairbrush, and lip balm

2. What to Pack for Baby

You won’t need a lot for the baby in the hospital. Still, a few essentials will make your stay smoother.

Clothing

• 3 to 4 onesies or sleepers (look for zipper styles)
• One going-home outfit (weather-appropriate and car seat-friendly)
• Baby socks and a hat
• Mittens to prevent scratching

Feeding Items

• Nursing pillow (makes latching easier for breastfeeding moms)
• Formula and bottles if you’re not breastfeeding (optional; hospitals usually provide this)

Diapering

• A small pack of newborn diapers
• Gentle baby wipes
• Diaper rash cream (optional)
• Burp cloths (bring two or three)

For the Car Ride Home

• Rear-facing infant car seat (pre-installed)
• Blanket or car seat cover depending on the season

Note: Most hospitals provide diapers, wipes, and swaddle blankets during your stay, but it’s helpful to have extras packed just in case.

3. What the Partner or Support Person Should Pack

Your birth partner plays a crucial support role and should be just as prepared.

• Change of clothes and underwear (pack for 2–3 days)
• Comfortable shoes
• Snacks and drinks (for the long wait)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, face wash)
• Phone and charger
• A hoodie or sweater (hospital rooms can be cold)
• Reusable water bottle
• Entertainment (books, tablet, headphones)
• List of people to notify once the baby arrives
• Cash or coins for parking, vending machines, or hospital cafeteria

If your partner plans to stay overnight, they might also want a pillow and blanket from home for better rest.

4. Bonus Items You’ll Be Glad You Packed

These aren’t strictly necessary but have been lifesavers for many parents:

• A soft pillow in a colored case (so it’s not confused with hospital linens)
• A small nightlight (useful for late-night feedings or diaper changes)
• Notebook or journal (record baby’s firsts or jot down questions for doctors)
• Eye mask and earplugs for better sleep
• Thank-you cards or small treats for nurses and staff
• Folder for all hospital paperwork and baby’s birth certificate forms
• A camera if you prefer it over your phone

What NOT to Bring to the Hospital

Some things just add clutter or aren’t allowed. Here’s what to skip:

• Expensive jewelry or anything valuable
• Lots of baby clothes—they’ll mostly be swaddled
• Diaper bag—you won’t need it until you leave
• Large electronics or laptops (no time, no space)
• Pre-pregnancy jeans—you likely won’t fit into them just yet
• Books about pregnancy or labor—this moment has arrived, you’re in it now

Pro Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag

• Pack two bags if needed: one for labor and one for recovery
• Place a checklist on top with last-minute items (like your phone or charger)
• Use packing cubes or clear pouches to stay organized
• Keep your bag by the door or even in the car by week 38
• Don’t overpack—the hospital stay is usually 1–3 days for vaginal birth or 3–4 days for cesarean

Sample Packing List: Printable Breakdown

You can create your own checklist based on the categories above, but here’s a simplified version to get you started:

For Mom:

• Birth plan
• ID and insurance
• Labor gown, robe, nursing bras
• Pads, underwear, postpartum supplies
• Toiletries
• Phone + charger
• Going-home outfit

For Baby:

• 3 sleepers
• Hat, mittens, socks
• Diapers, wipes
• Blanket
• Car seat (installed)

For Partner:

• Change of clothes
• Snacks and drinks
• Toiletries
• Phone + charger
• Entertainment
• List of contacts

A Packed Hospital Bag Means Peace of Mind

You can’t control how or when labor starts, but you can control how prepared you are for it. Packing your hospital bag is one of the last things you’ll do before welcoming your baby—and it matters.

Think of it as packing for an adventure. Because that’s exactly what it is.

Whether your hospital stay is smooth or surprises you at every turn, having the right items with you will make the journey easier, more comfortable, and less stressful. You’ll thank yourself when the contractions hit and you know everything you need is right there beside you.

So, what’s going in your hospital bag first?