Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Delivery Day

You are in your third trimester, the nursery is (mostly) done, and you are starting to think about the big day. One of the most practical things you can do to prepare is pack your hospital bag. Having everything ready to go means one less thing to think about when labor starts — and trust us, you will have plenty of other things on your mind.

Most experts recommend having your bag packed by week 35-36. Babies do not always follow the schedule, and you do not want to be scrambling at 3am trying to find your phone charger and nursing bra.

Here is a comprehensive, practical checklist for exactly what to pack — and what to leave at home.

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag

Aim to have your bag packed by 35-36 weeks. This gives you a comfortable buffer before your due date and ensures you are ready if your baby decides to arrive early. Keep the bag somewhere accessible — by the door, in the trunk of your car, or in the baby's room where you can grab it quickly.

Pro tip: Pack a separate bag for your partner or support person. When contractions are 5 minutes apart, they will not want to be running around the house searching for their toothbrush.

For Mom: The Essentials

Labor and Delivery

These are the items you will want access to during labor itself:

• Photo ID and insurance card — The hospital will need these for admission
• Birth plan — If you have one, print a few copies for the nurses and your provider
• Phone and charger — Make sure you have a long charging cable; hospital outlets are not always conveniently located
• Comfortable robe or button-down nightgown — Hospital gowns work fine, but many women prefer their own clothing
• Slippers or grip socks — Hospital floors are cold, and you will be walking the halls
• Hair ties and headband — You will want your hair out of your face during labor
• Lip balm — Hospital air is dry, and labor breathing dries out your lips
• Snacks — Check your hospital's policy, but having crackers, granola bars, or fruit on hand can be a lifesaver (especially for your partner)
• Water bottle — A large one with a straw is ideal
• Comfort items — A pillow from home (bring a colored pillowcase so it does not get mixed up with hospital linens), a favorite blanket, or anything that makes you feel calm

Postpartum Recovery

After delivery, your body will be recovering and your needs will change:

• Nursing bras or tank tops — Even if you are not planning to breastfeed, these are more comfortable than regular bras in the early days
• Nursing pads — Whether you breastfeed or not, you will need these for leaks
• Comfortable underwear — Dark, oversized, disposable is best — the hospital provides mesh underwear, but many women prefer their own
• Loose, comfortable clothes — Think maxi dresses, loose pajamas, or sweatpants. You will still look about 5-6 months pregnant right after delivery
• Going-home outfit — Something loose and comfortable; do not pack your pre-pregnancy jeans
• Toiletries — Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, shampoo, body wash
• Adult diapers or heavy pads — Postpartum bleeding is heavy for the first few days
• Perineal spray or witch hazel pads — For soothing after vaginal delivery
• Nipple cream — If you are breastfeeding, this will become your best friend

Optional but Nice to Have

• Your own pillow — Hospital pillows are famously thin and uncomfortable
• Bluetooth speaker — For your labor playlist
• Essential oils — Lavender or peppermint can help with relaxation or nausea
• Massage tools — A tennis ball in a sock is a simple, effective back massager
• Heating pad — For back labor discomfort
• Camera — If you want photos beyond your phone
• Eyeglasses or contacts and solution — If you wear them

For Baby

Hospitals provide most of what your newborn needs during the stay, but you will want a few things:

• Going-home outfit — Choose something seasonally appropriate and easy to put on (avoid complicated buttons and zippers near the face). Size newborn or 0-3 months
• Receiving blanket or swaddle — The hospital provides these, but a cute one for going-home photos is nice
• Car seat — This is non-negotiable. The hospital will not let you leave without an installed, approved car seat. Have it installed and checked well before your due date
• Socks or booties — Tiny feet get cold
• Mittens — To prevent your newborn from scratching their face
• Hat — Especially important in cooler months

Note: You do not need to pack diapers, wipes, or formula — the hospital provides plenty of these. Take whatever is leftover when you leave (they expect it).

For Your Partner or Support Person

Your partner will be your lifeline during labor and delivery. Make sure they are comfortable too:

• Change of clothes — Comfortable, layered options (hospital rooms can be hot or cold)
• Pajamas or comfortable sleep clothes — If staying overnight
• Toiletries — Toothbrush, deodorant, face wash
• Phone charger — Their own, with a long cable
• Snacks and drinks — Hospital cafeteria hours are limited, and labor can be long
• Pillow and blanket — Hospital "cots" for partners are notoriously uncomfortable
• Entertainment — Book, tablet, or downloaded shows for the waiting periods
• Cash and cards — For vending machines and the cafeteria
• Camera or phone for photos — Discuss beforehand what moments you want captured

What NOT to Pack

Keep your bag manageable by leaving these at home:

• Jewelry — You will need to remove it for medical procedures, and it is one more thing to keep track of
• Perfume or strongly scented products — Newborns bond through scent; keep it neutral
• Expensive clothes — Stains are inevitable
• Too many outfits — You are not going to a fashion show; pack light
• Tight clothing — Your body needs room to recover
• Laptop and work items — This is not the time

Packing Tips from Moms Who Have Been There

• Use a checklist — Check items off as you pack so nothing is forgotten
• Pack in categories — Use separate bags or packing cubes for labor, postpartum, baby, and partner
• Pre-register at the hospital — Do this online or by phone before your due date to save time when you arrive
• Take a hospital tour — Knowing where to go and what the rooms look like can reduce anxiety on delivery day
• Keep snacks in the car — For the drive to the hospital (and the drive home)
• Install the car seat early — Do not leave this until the last week
• Have your bag by the door — Or better yet, in the car by 37 weeks

Preparing for the Big Day

Packing your hospital bag is just one part of preparing for your baby's arrival. By this point in your pregnancy, you are probably deep into planning mode — and if you have not already found out your baby's gender, it is not too late! Our professional gender prediction service can analyze your ultrasound images using proven methods like nub theory and skull theory to give you a prediction.

If you are still working on your baby name list, knowing the gender can help you narrow it down. And for more pregnancy preparation tips, check out our complete pregnancy dos and don'ts guide.

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Every hospital has different policies and amenities. Check with your specific hospital or birthing center about what they provide and any restrictions on what you can bring.