Packing a hospital bag for labor and delivery ensures you have everything you need for comfort during labor, your hospital stay (typically 1-3 days for vaginal birth, 2-4 days for C-section), and the trip home with your newborn. The bag should be packed by 35-37 weeks of pregnancy and kept somewhere easy to grab.
12 steps across 6 sections
1. Pack by 35-37 Weeks
- Choose your bag — A small rolling suitcase or large duffel bag works well. Consider a separate smaller bag for your partner.
2. For Mom -- Labor and Delivery
- Comfort items: Robe or loose-fitting nightgown (front-opening for breastfeeding), non-slip socks or slippers, lip balm (hospitals are very dry), hair ties/clips, massage oil or lotion, pillow from ...
- Entertainment: Phone charger (bring a long cord), tablet/book, music playlist and portable speaker or earbuds.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, lotion, contact lens supplies, glasses.
3. For Mom -- Recovery and Going Home
- Clothing: Nursing bras (2-3), comfortable underwear you do not mind staining (or disposable underwear), going-home outfit that fits your 6-month pregnant size, warm socks.
- Postpartum supplies: Heavy-flow pads (hospital usually provides, but extra does not hurt), perineal spray or witch hazel pads if desired, nipple cream if breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding aids: Nursing pillow, breast pads, breastfeeding reference book or app.
4. For Baby
- Clothing: 2-3 newborn outfits with easy snap closures, going-home outfit, scratch mittens, hat, socks.
- Swaddling blankets: 2-3 receiving blankets for swaddling.
- Car seat: Must be properly installed in the vehicle before you arrive at the hospital. You will not be discharged without one. Practice installing and buckling it before labor.
5. For Partner/Support Person
- Essentials: Change of clothes, toiletries, phone charger, snacks and water, cash/change for vending machines, bathing suit (in case they help in the shower/tub during labor), pillow and blanket (ho...
6. Documents and Paperwork
- Must-have documents: Photo ID, insurance card, hospital pre-registration paperwork, birth plan (2-3 copies), list of current medications and dosages, pediatrician's name and contact information, li...
Common Mistakes
- Overpacking
- Forgetting the car seat
- Packing too late
- Not packing for the partner
- Bringing brand-new baby clothes that are too big
Pro Tips
- Pack a separate "labor bag" with items you want during active labor (lip balm...
- Bring a plastic bag for dirty laundry
- Pack your own pillow — hospital pillows are flat and uncomfortable
- Bring a going-home outfit for baby in both newborn and 0-3 month sizes since ...
- Take a photo of your packed bag contents so you can quickly re-pack if anythi...