The Ultimate Hospital Bag Essentials Checklist

‘What do I pack in my hospital bag?’ is a question every single mum will ask as they are approaching their due date. Find out everything you need to know with this hospital bag essentials checklist!

With everything you need to think about when you’re having your baby, this is a question that may be more important than you think. Having your baby is a unique time when you want to make sure you have everything you need before and after labor.

There is so much advice out there, both from friends and family as well as online, about what to pack. However, what do you really need in your maternity hospital bag to make sure you have everything without over-packing?

This article will tell you everything you need to know when packing your hospital bag. If you follow this hospital bag essentials checklist, you will be well prepared for any eventuality without taking your kitchen sink. 

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

The first thing to think about when packing your bag is the best time to do it. 

Generally, the best time to pack your hospital bag is anytime within your third trimester. At this point, you will know the sex of your baby (if you choose to) and any other necessary information.

However, you really should have it packed by 35 weeks and definitely fully packed by 37 weeks (when you’re technically classed as full-term). 

Once your bag is packed, it’s a good idea to keep it in the car you will be traveling to the hospital in. When labour sets in, it’s one less thing to think about, especially if you end up needing to rush to get there. 

How Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

You may not think you need to think about how your hospital bag should be packed, as it may seem pretty obvious: just chuck everything you will need in one bag. However, a little more thought will prove helpful. 

You will need different things at different stages of having a baby. So you will need things specifically while you are in labor and delivery, and then other things after delivery – when your baby has arrived. You may also want to think about things your baby’s dad (or birthing partner) will need to bring with them.

You will want to easily be able to access the items you need at the right time without rummaging through things. Organisation is really helpful here. 

There are two main ways you can organise your hospital bag for ease of use. 

The first option is to have one larger bag and compartmentalise them into labour, baby’s and dad’s (or birthing partner) items. 

This is a good option if you only want to think about one bag. However, things can easily get mixed up and it could be quite bulky.

The alternative is to pack 3 smaller bags. A hospital bag for mom, a hospital bag for baby, and a hospital bag for dad. This is probably the easiest and simplest way to go.

What Is A Good Bag To Use For Having A Baby?

This very much depends on how you choose to pack your things.

 If you are going to pack everything into one bag, then a medium suitcase that is lightweight and definitely with wheels would be ideal. 

If you are choosing to pack everyone’s things separately for mom, dad, and baby – then 3 sturdy backpacks are probably ideal. 

The bags you use should be strong but lightweight and easy to carry with other bags. A mix of backpacks and holdalls will also be useful, depending on how easily they are able to carry together.

It’s most likely dad will be doing all the carrying, so as long as he is comfortable, the bags you choose will be fine. 

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag – Checklists

So now you know how you are going to pack your maternity hospital bag (or bags) and what bag you will use. It’s time to find out what needs to go inside with this hospital bag essentials checklist.

What to pack in the hospital bag for mom during labour?

The Hospital Bag Essentials:

Medical/ pregnancy files.
Your pregnancy notes are normally kept with you throughout your pregnancy, so don’t forget to make sure you have these with you when you go into labour. Also, depending on what country you are in, you may also need to take your insurance card.

Birth plan.
If you have a birth plan, bring this with you to the hospital or birth center.

Clothes for labour.

• Bring more than one set.
• Nighty, comfy pyjamas, or comfortable clothing of our choice.
• A nighty is more practical for giving birth, plus your own nighty will be nicer than the hospital gowns they provide!
• Slippers.
• Comfortable nightgown

Hair bands/ hair ties – you really want to make sure your hair is out of your way and not bothering you while you’re in labour. 

Phones and chargers – Important for keeping family members updated. 

Lip balm – Labour can sometimes cause chapped lips, so this will help keep them hydrated

TENS machine – If you are planning to use one of these to help manage the pain in pregnancy

Favorite Snacks and water – labour can take a while, so malign sure you have enough food and water to keep you going is important. Pack a reusable water bottle to help keep you hydrated. 

Nice Additions:

Books and magazines – sometimes labour can be very slow – having books and magazines will help pass the time. These will especially help if you are having an epidural.

Music – relaxing music downloaded onto your phone and a portable speaker can help you relax during labour

Essential oils- These can be extremely relaxing and soothing during labour

Favorite pillow – You may want a few extra pillows to prop yourselves up. Your own will be more comfy than hospital pillows. 

What to pack for mom after labour?

Comfortable clothes for going home in  – Make sure you have fresh clothes for going home that are comfortable to wear. Maternity clothes such as a nursing tank, loose pants and flat comfortable shoes are perfect.

Toiletries – You will want to have a nice shower after giving birth, so make sure you being body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a hairbrush.

Bath towel – You may feel more comfortable using your own bath towel. Hospital towels can be quite small and not as soft as your own. 

Feminine care – you will need to make sure you bring maternity sanitary pads for after labour. These should be for a heavy flow, as you will be bleeding significantly after giving birth.

Breastfeeding nipple cream– To help keep your nipples moisturised if your breastfeeding as they can easily become chapped.

Breast pads – To soak up any breast milk leakage you may have make sure to take some nursing pads.

What to pack in your hospital bag for the baby?

Newborn size nappies / baby diapers

Baby wipes

Newborn size and 0-3 month size baby suites – At this stage, you don’t know how big your baby will be so it’s good to have options.

Baby Going-Home Outfit

Baby Scratch Mittens

Baby Hat

Baby Nail Files – sometimes these newborns are born with very sharp nails!

Baby Blanket – a nice cosy blanket to keep your new baby nice and warm.

Baby Bottles of Pre-Made Baby Milk – some hospitals don’t provide formula for you, so take your own

Infant Car seat – While this won’t be packed in your bag, make sure it’s in your car as you will need it to take your baby home. 

What to pack in Dad’s (birth partner) bag?

Dad (or your birth partner) is going to be there for the duration, whether it’s a short or long labour. So they may want to pack a few items themselves with a full list about what should dads pack in their hospital bag. 

Camera – to record any special moments and capture your newborn

Healthy Snacks and drinks – they will also need some to keep them going and full of energy

Spare change of clothes – You don’t know how long you are going to be or how involved your birth partner will be, so a change of clothes is a good idea. 

List of people to call

Entertainment – if it’s a long labour they will also need something to keep them occupied in the quieter times. 

Money/ change – for hot drinks from the vending machines and to pay the hospital car park.

Cell Phone and phone charger

Maternity Hospital Bag FAQ’s

Read on if you need any extra clarity on packing your hospital bag for giving birth.

How many clothes do I need to pack for a baby?

It’s hard not to pack all the newborn outfits you have in your hospital bag. You may want lots of choices on the day or you may be there a little longer than expected. 

Packing about three outfits for your little one is a practical number of clothes. 

It means you have enough clothes if you are there a little longer than expected and also if they get soiled or dirty before you get home. 

If you are there a lot longer than expected, three outfits should be enough to keep you going until someone can drop more off. 

What clothes should I wear home after giving birth?

You may be unsure about what types of clothes you should pack for yourself to go home in. 

Your stomach will still have a bump after you have given birth (it will still look about 4-5 months pregnant). So you definitely won’t be back to wearing any pre-pregnancy clothing. 

Any loose-fitting and comfortable clothing will work well, as will any of your comfy maternity clothing. 

It’s also important to be prepared with the right underwear. As you will be wearing maternity pads, you will need practical ‘Bridgit Jones’ style knickers as well as a nursing bra if you are planning on breastfeeding.  

How many clothes should I pack for myself?

You will need to pack comfy clothes for yourself. You will need clothes for while you are in labour and for going home. 

You should probably pack at least two nighties for when you are in labour as well as two pairs of pyjamas for if you need to stay in hospital afterward.

Your going home outfit should be super comfy and not too tight. Pack a couple of outfits as new babies can be messy things and you may need to stay in a bit longer than you anticipate. 

So there you have it, your ultimate hospital bag checklist for mom. 

Everything you need to take to the hospital for you, your baby, and your birth partner are all listed here. 

If you manage to get all of this nicely packed, then you need not worry about forgetting anything when you have to make that exciting trip to the hospital. 

Good luck!

Printable Hospital Bag Checklist

You can get a hospital bag essentials printable pdf right here. There are pages pre-filled with things you will need to pack in your hospital bag as well as blank pages should you wish to create your own!