Hospital Bag Checklist: Packing for Mom and Baby

You’ve assembled the crib, prepped the changing table and installed the car seat. Baby time is just weeks away. That means it’s time to pack your hospital bag. But with what, exactly?

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Here’s what nurse manager Jenna Cahill, MSN, RN, recommends adding to your hospital bag checklist.

What to pack for labor and delivery

It may not be the first thing you think about, but empty space is just as important as any other entry on a hospital checklist for mom. That’s because Cahill says you need to leave room for all the items you’ll bring home from the hospital.

“It’s common to be sent home with things like peri bottles, diapers and wipes, mesh underwear and maternity sanitary pads,” she notes.

Items to have in your hospital bag checklist for labor and deliver

Must-have items

Photo ID and insurance card: If you didn’t preregister for labor and delivery, you’ll be showing these cards to a lot of people during your stay.
A folder or binder for documents: If you have a birth plan, it’s a good idea for you or your support person to have it printed and ready to share at a moment’s notice. The folder will also come in handy with the mountain of paperwork you’ll be handling.
Your cell phone (and charger): You’ll want to call loved ones to share your good news! Depending on the phone, you may also use it to take pictures and videos.
Personal toiletries: Some hospitals provide toiletries. But you may feel more comfortable using your own lip balm, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, hairbands, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Glasses and/or contact lenses (if needed): All the better to see your baby with!
Comfortable clothes to wear home: Unlike in the movies, where it’s common to slip right back into your favorite pre-baby clothing, Cahill notes that it’ll take time for your body to adjust to being baby-free. “You’ll likely go home in maternity clothes,” she says, “And that’s normal.”
Footwear: Bring a pair of shower shoes (with treads so you don’t slip). Some hospitals provide socks and slippers, but bringing your own is also a good idea.
Nursing bras or sports bras (two or three): If you plan to breastfeed your baby, you’ll be grateful for the convenience of a nursing bra. If you’re planning on formula-feeding your baby, Cahill recommends wearing snug-fitting sports bras. It’ll take some time for your milk to dry up, so it’s helpful to have that extra support.
Nipple cream or ointment: Many hospitals provide it, but it’s better not to gamble on something this important!
Personal breast pump: “If you plan on breastfeeding and pumping, many hospitals encourage you to pack your personal breast pump and sanitized parts,” Cahill shares. “That way, you can get familiar with your own machine.”

Optional items

Back massage aids (tennis ball, hand-held massager, etc.): No matter how you deliver, you’ll feel the effects for quite a while. It may be worth bringing massage aids to help soothe your aching muscles.
A robe: Some people are robe people. Some people aren’t. Be whoever you are!
One or two nightgowns or sleep clothes: Hospital gowns are provided, but you may be more comfortable in your own clothes.
Personal entertainment: A lot of people don’t end up using books, games, laptops, etc. But if you have space in your hospital bag, adding something to pass the time can’t hurt.

Things you may not need

Jewelry and other valuables: You don’t want anything with big monetary or sentimental value getting lost. “Some hospitals require you to remove any jewelry you’re wearing — including a wedding ring — particularly if you’re having a C-section,” Cahill notes. Ask your obstetrician or midwife about your birthing facility’s policy regarding rings and jewelry.
Clothing you like: You’re going to be bleeding for some time after giving birth … and babies are stain machines. Pick out a nice outfit for pictures if you want, but be prepared to throw away any clothing you wear to and from the hospital.
Underwear and sanitary products: The hospital will provide mesh postpartum underwear and plenty of pads to deal with postpartum bleeding. Cahill explains that you’ll be extremely sensitive after delivering a baby — so much so that regular underwear probably won’t be comfortable.
Medications: “With a little pre-planning, the hospital pharmacy will provide everything you need,” Cahill confirms. Discuss any medications (prescription and nonprescription) you need with your provider ahead of time and bring a list with you. Bonus: You won’t have to remember when to take your meds!
Diapers, diaper wipes, bottles, nipples and (if you decide to use them) pacifiers: Everything your baby will need during their hospital stay is provided. You only need to pack for the trip home.
Candles: Open flames are a big no-no in a hospital. If you’re trying to create a calming mood, try flameless candles.

What to pack for baby

While most of the hospital bag essentials you need are for mom, Cahill notes that there are a couple things that can make your little one’s trip home more comfortable. Here’s what to pack in a hospital bag for baby.

Sleepers: You need at least one sleeper to bring your baby home in, but it’s better to bring a couple, just in case. Make sure they’re not too tight — you don’t want to irritate their umbilical cord. Also, consider bringing a size up. If your kiddo’s larger and in charge when they make their debut, they might not fit in newborn clothes.
Receiving blankets: Receiving blankets are the Swiss Army® knives of infant care. You can use them as swaddling blankets, burp cloths, bath towels, cleaning cloths and much more. Having at least one for the trip home will come in handy.

Packing a bag for a partner/support person

Chances are, you’re going to have somebody staying with you at the hospital, whether that’s a partner, family member, friend or your birthing coach. Here’s what they should pack:

Money: “As they aren’t actually receiving care, your support person will need to make sure to have money on hand to buy snacks and meals,” Cahill reminds us. Small bills are a must-have for those times when a vending machine is the only option.
A change of clothes: Your support person’s clothes may get stained, so encourage them not to wear anything they’re attached to.
Personal toiletries: If they’ll be staying at the hospital, they should make sure they have all the personal hygiene items they need.
Slippers, socks and comfortable clothes for sleeping: “Nothing else about their sleeping arrangement is going to be comfortable, so they might as well make themselves as cozy as possible,” Cahill recommends.
A camera (if you’re old school): If you want higher-quality pictures and video than your phone can handle, bringing a real-deal camera is a great idea.
Electronics and chargers: You don’t want your support person filming a major motion picture in your room or anything, but a laptop, tablet or handheld gaming system can be a welcome distraction for those moments when they’re the only one awake.

When to pack your hospital bag

It’s a good idea to pack your bag a month or two before your due date. “That way, you don’t have to rush around when it’s time to get to the hospital,” Cahill says.

Expect the unexpected

No matter how much you prepare for your baby’s arrival, you can bet that something won’t go according to plan. It’s a normal part of having a baby.

If you arrive at the hospital and realize you forgot to pack an item in your hospital bag, it’s not the end of the world. You might be able to get somebody to run back to the house for you. If not, that’s OK, too.

“Your healthcare team is going to make sure you and the baby are fine,” Cahill reassures.