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Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labor & Delivery
Back to Baby Sleep
There's a lot about labor you can't plan. Your hospital bag is one of the things you can. Packing it early means that when the moment comes, you're grabbing one bag by the door, not talking your partner through which drawer the "good" pajamas are in. Here's a simple hospital bag checklist for you, your baby and your support person, plus when to pack it and what to leave at home.
The short answer
Aim to have your hospital bag packed by around 36 weeks, so you're ready if your baby arrives early. For you, pack comfy clothes, postpartum pads, nursing bras, toiletries, snacks, your phone charger, your ID and insurance card. For your baby, pack diapers, wipes, a few onesies or sleepers, a swaddle and a going-home outfit. Your support person needs snacks, a change of clothes and a charger. And have a rear-facing car seat installed before the big day.
When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag?
Aim to have your bag packed by around 36 weeks. Babies don't always stick to their due date, and packing a few weeks early means you're not hunting for a phone charger between contractions.
If you're expecting twins, have a scheduled C-section or your OB has mentioned an early arrival, pack a little sooner. Leave a few last-minute items off (like your phone, charger and toiletries you use every day) and pop a sticky note on the bag so they don't get forgotten.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
This bag is all about getting you through labor and the first few days feeling as comfortable as possible. You won't use everything, and that's fine. Cleveland Clinic suggests thinking of it as three bags: one for you, one for your support person and one for your baby.
Your bag
Tick these off as you go:
- Photo ID, insurance card, hospital paperwork and your birth plan
- A few changes of loose, comfy clothes, plus an outfit to go home in
- Front-opening pajamas or a nightgown for feeding, and a light robe
- Nursing bras and nursing pads
- Big, comfy underwear (more than you think you'll need)
- A couple of packs of postpartum pads
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, lip balm and hair ties
- Slippers, plus flip-flops for the shower
- Phone, charger and an extra-long cable
- Snacks and a water bottle
- Your own pillow, if you'd like it
- Cash or a card for hospital parking
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Your baby's kit is small but mighty. Cleveland Clinic recommends packing a couple of sleepers, not just one, and making sure they're not too tight around the umbilical cord. Many hospitals supply diapers and wipes during your stay, so it's worth asking what's covered.
Many parents like to pack a swaddle for those first nights. The Swaddle Up™ zips on in seconds, which helps when your hands aren't quite steady yet, and lets your baby sleep with their hands up near their face, just like they did in the womb.
Your baby's bag
Small but mighty:
- Newborn diapers
- Wipes
- 2 or 3 onesies or sleepers
- A swaddle
- A hat and a couple of pairs of socks
- A going-home outfit in two sizes (newborn and 0 to 3 months), just in case
- A rear-facing car seat, installed before your due date (not in the bag, but the most important item)
Packing for your newborn
Hospital Bag Checklist for Your Support Person
Birth is a big day for your support person too, and a hungry, flat-phoned partner isn't much help to anyone. Ask them to pack their own bag, so they know where everything is.
Your support person's bag
Happy helper, happy birth room:
- A change of clothes and a toothbrush
- Plenty of snacks and drinks (for them, not just you)
- Phone charger or power bank
- A swimsuit, if you might use a shower or tub in labor
- Cash or a card for parking and vending machines
- A pillow, if they're staying overnight (check your hospital's policy)
Extra Things to Pack for a C-Section
If you're having a planned C-section, you'll likely stay a little longer and move a little slower. Add these to your bag:
- High-waisted underwear that sits well above your incision.
- Loose dresses or soft pants without a tight waistband.
- Dry shampoo, in case you can't shower straight away.
- Slip-on shoes, so there's no bending down to tie laces.
- An extra day or two of clothes for a longer stay.
What to Leave at Home
Space is tight on a maternity floor, so travel light:
- Valuables and jewelry. Leave them somewhere safer than a shared room.
- A whole wardrobe for your baby. Most newborns live in onesies and a swaddle for the first few days.
- Candles. Naked flames aren't allowed in hospitals. Check before packing oils or a diffuser too.
- Anything you'd be sad to lose. Things go missing in the chaos, and that's OK when it's replaceable.
Hospital Bag Packing Tips
- Pack two bags. A small one for labor and a bigger one for your stay, so the essentials are easy to find.
- Put your baby's first outfit on top. A Ziploc bag with a diaper, onesie and hat means your support person can find it fast.
- Pack together. If your support person helps pack, they won't need to ask where things are at 3am.
- Keep it by the door. From around 36 weeks, leave the bag near the door or in the car.
- Get the car seat checked early. Have it installed and checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician before your due date. The NHTSA lists free inspection stations.
Planning ahead for the drive home? Our guide to bringing baby home from the hospital covers what comes next.
Every hospital is different
What's provided, how long you'll stay and what's allowed in the delivery room all vary. A quick call to your hospital before you pack can save a lot of lugging.
FAQs About Packing Your Hospital Bag
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim for around 36 weeks. If you're expecting twins, have a scheduled C-section or your OB expects an early arrival, pack a little sooner.
What do I need to pack for my newborn in the hospital?
Diapers, wipes, 2 or 3 onesies or sleepers, a swaddle, a hat, socks and a going-home outfit. Have a rear-facing car seat installed before you go.
How many diapers should I pack for the hospital?
Newborns can go through 8 to 10 diapers a day, but many hospitals supply diapers during your stay. Pack a small stash and check what's provided.
Do hospitals provide diapers and pads?
Many US hospitals do, but it varies. Check with your hospital before you pack.
What size clothes should I pack for my baby?
Pack a going-home outfit in newborn size and a spare in 0 to 3 months. It's hard to know exactly how big your baby will be until you meet them.
Do I need a car seat to take my baby home?
Yes. Your baby needs to ride in a rear-facing car seat from their very first ride home, and many hospitals check before you leave.
Key Takeaway
Pack your hospital bag by around 36 weeks, keep it by the door, and don't overthink it. Comfy clothes, pads, snacks and chargers for you. Diapers, onesies, a swaddle and a going-home outfit for your baby. Snacks and a change of clothes for your support person. Have the car seat installed early, and you're ready to go. Everything else can wait until you're home, and the rest of the adventure begins.
Getting ready for life with a newborn? Explore the Love to Dream baby sleep blog.