Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

A printable hospital bag checklist for labor, delivery, and the first 48 hours — with what you actually need and what hospitals will provide.

Pack your hospital bag by week 36. Earlier if you're carrying multiples or your provider mentioned anything about early arrival. The trick is packing enough to feel human, not so much you're hauling a steamer trunk into triage. Here's a battle-tested list.

Documents & admin

• Photo ID and insurance card
• Hospital pre-registration paperwork
• Birth plan (3 copies if you have one)
• Pediatrician info
• Phone, charger, long charging cable (hospital outlets are never where you'd want them)

For labor

• Lip balm — labor breathing dries you out fast
• Hair ties + headband
• Cozy socks with grippy soles
• Robe or oversized button-down shirt
• Massage tools or tennis balls for counterpressure
• Playlist or audiobook downloaded offline
• Snacks for your partner (you may not be allowed to eat)

After delivery

• 2–3 pairs high-waisted, dark cotton underwear (size up)
• Nursing bra or comfortable sleep bra
• Loose pajamas with button or zipper front (nursing access)
• Toiletries: toothbrush, dry shampoo, face wipes, deodorant
• Going-home outfit — still maternity sized, loose and comfortable
• Maternity pads (hospital will provide but extras help)

For baby

• Going-home outfit in two sizes (newborn AND 0–3 months)
• A receiving blanket and a swaddle blanket
• Cap and mittens
• Properly installed, rear-facing car seat (hospitals will not discharge without one — they often inspect)

For your partner / support person

• Change of clothes (you may be there 2+ days)
• Toiletries
• Snacks and a water bottle
• Pillow and blanket from home (those hospital fold-out chairs are brutal)

What you don’t need

Hospitals provide: gowns, pads, mesh underwear, peri bottle, diapers, wipes, baby blankets, baby hats, formula or pumping supplies if needed. Skip the giant nursing pillow (use folded blankets), aromatherapy oils (often banned), and your own pajamas for early labor (you'll get bloody — wear the gown).