Your No-Regret Hospital Bag Packing List For Birth Day

Packing your hospital bag feels like prepping for the weirdest trip of your life—you’re not going on vacation, but you are coming home with a whole new human. The tricky part? Figuring out what’s actually essential and what’s just going to make your partner look like a pack mule dragging three suitcases through the hospital halls.

But don’t worry. This isn’t something you need to be very worried about, according to Emily Silver, NP-C, IBCLC, co-founder of NAPS, a nurse-led pregnancy and parenting support service. “The truth is, hospitals are well stocked, and if you forget something, you’ll be fine. Focus on packing the things that will make you feel most comfortable and cared for during your stay. A few personal touches—your favourite toiletries, a robe, or snacks—can make a hospital room feel more like home while you recover and get to know your new baby.”

Here’s a no-regrets checklist with everything you need for the big day, from the things you know you’ll want to the items you might not realize you do. Plus, a few notes on the items you can leave at home. Download a clickable, printable PDF of the list.

When to pack your hospital bag

It’s important to pack your bag early, but not too early. Silver says, “Packing your bag ahead of time means one less thing to think about on the big day, and it helps you feel more in control heading into an unpredictable experience. I typically recommend families pack by 37 weeks, and plan as if they’ll be there for several days, even if they’re hoping for a shorter stay.”

After all, if you go into early labour, you don’t need the additional pressure of having to pack your hospital bag once your water breaks and be left scrambling (which sounds impossible, but it isn't because it happened to me). Remember, you can always add a few extra things at the last minute that you might not want to pack early, such as your makeup bag or favourite face wash.

Pro tip: Make a list of those items either on your phone or on a piece of paper you keep in the bag so you don’t forget anything.

One small thing to keep in mind is the bag you choose. If you already have a weekender or a duffle, that will definitely get the job done. However, keep in mind that the bag may get dirty on the hospital floor, so it’s best to leave the designer duffles at home. A wheeled carry-on-sized suitcase is a great choice because it will be easy for your partner to transport, especially since you may change rooms.

Hospital bag essentials for mom: labour and delivery

Silver suggests bringing the following:

• ID, health and insurance card, because you will definitely need them.
• Glasses and contact lenses, if you wear them.
• Basic toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer, lip balm, and hair ties.
• Comfortable clothing, ideally what fit around six months of pregnancy. Dark colours are best postpartum.
• Nightgowns or high-waisted pants/shorts to cover hospital mesh underwear.
• A robe and slippers or grippy socks for walking the halls.
• A phone charger with an extra-long cord.
• A refillable water bottle with a straw.
• Nursing bras or tanks if you plan to breastfeed.
• Your own pillow (with a coloured pillowcase so it doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital pillows).
• You may also want to bring physical copies of your birth plan and preferences if you have them.

A few other things to consider

Your own labour and delivery gown The ones the hospital provides aren’t always soft. I wore one from Frida Mom, and it was very comfortable. Remember, you may be wearing the same gown for more than 24 hours, and labour isn’t comfortable, so something soft can definitely help make it feel a little better.

A silk pillowcase Hospital beds and bedding can be very uncomfortable. If you tend to run hot, a silk pillowcase can be a game-changer.

Your own soft blanket
Choose a dark colour and something that washes easily because it may get stained.

A large, soft towel from home
Pending medical clearance, you will probably want to take a shower after giving birth. Silver recommends bringing a nice towel from home to make you feel refreshed.

Postpartum recovery essentials

It’s crucial to make sure you are comfortable postpartum, so be sure you have everything you need. While Silver notes that hospitals generally provide postpartum recovery items like mesh underwear, pads, and peri bottles, you may prefer adult diapers (I did), and the hospital may not provide them (mine didn’t). If you are particular, you may want to consider bringing your own supplies. If you don’t use them in the hospital, you will likely use them at home.

Other items to pack include:

• Comfortable postpartum outfits, such as robes and pyjamas
• A going-home outfit
• Postpartum underwear/adult diapers (Some hospitals will provide these; others won't.)
• Perineal care items
• Nursing essentials, such as a nursing pillow

Hospital bag essentials for baby

Silver advises bringing the following:

• A going-home outfit (bring both newborn and 0–3 month sizes)
• A hat and socks if the hospital doesn’t provide them
• A blanket for the ride home (remember, no coats in the car seat)
• A properly installed car seat

You may also want to bring:

• Swaddle blankets
• Newborn diapers and wipes (if you are particular about brands)
• Baby nail file or clippers
• Pacifier (optional)
• Formula (if you are particular about the brand and ingredients)

Silver notes, “Most hospitals supply diapers, wipes, and onesies. Some provide pacifiers and formula, though not all. If you know you’ll want those, it’s worth asking ahead or bringing your own.”

Hospital bag essentials for your partner or support person

Silver recommends bringing:

• Change of clothes
• Toiletries
• Snacks and drinks
• Pillow and blanket (partner accommodations at hospitals are usually not the most comfortable)
• Laptop, tablet, and/or phone
• Phone charger and portable power bank
• Tylenol or Advil (“Your partner is not a patient, so the nurses cannot give them medication if they get a headache,” says the nurse)

Important documents and technology

• Identification
• Hospital registration forms/pre-admission paperwork
• Insurance information
• Phone and extra-long charging cord
• Camera (optional)
• Headphones

What not to pack in your hospital bag (and why)

• Too many baby outfits (narrow it down to two or three; there will be plenty of photo opps once you’re home)
• Large amounts of diapers/wipes (hospitals provide them, and they take up a lot of space in your bag)
• Expensive jewellery or valuables (you have enough going on, and you don’t want to worry about anything getting lost or stolen)
• Excessive makeup or styling tools (bring the basics, but you don’t need your entire kit)
• Too many books or elaborate entertainment (you won’t have as much free time as you think; a laptop or tablet, and your phone, will more than suffice)

Smart packing tips for a stress-free experience

• Pack separate bags You and your partner should have separate bags. It just makes it easier to keep your hospital room organized.
• Organize with packing cubes or Ziploc bags Packing cubes and bags make it easier to keep your items and your baby’s things separate. Because you won’t be unpacking, it’s best to make sure everything is easy to find.
• Keep essentials accessible Whether it’s your favourite pair of comfy pyjamas or your phone charger, make sure the items you really need are easy to find.
• Pre-wash baby clothes Make sure your baby’s clothing is pre-washed, as the chemicals in new baby clothes are generally not safe for newborn skin. Use an unscented detergent formulated specifically for baby clothes.
• Have a designated spot for the bag If you go into labour early, you don’t want to forget where your bag is. Be sure it’s in a spot that’s easy to find, and let your partner know where it is.

The bottom line

There’s a lot of pressure in the final weeks of pregnancy. It always seems as if your to-do list is endless. But getting your hospital bag ready is one of the least challenging aspects of this time. Getting it done early can be a great relief.

While it may seem like you need lots of things, the truth is that you could probably walk into the hospital with nothing and be completely fine. All of these items are for your comfort, but if you forget your favourite pillowcase, it’s unlikely to change the outcome of your child’s birth.

And if you forget something really important, more likely than not, your partner can go back home and get it, a friend can bring it, or, in a worst-case scenario, you can use a delivery app to have it brought to you.