Labor and delivery hospital bag check list for mom, dad and baby. What to pack and when?

HOSPITAL BAG CHECK LIST:

WHAT TO PACK FOR DELIVERY AND WHEN?

December 26, 2025

Getting your bag ready to head to the hospital means you're getting closer to your delivery date. This can be an exciting and stressful time. Packing a hospital bag for delivery is an important step to ensure you have everything you need during your hospital stay. Having your bag ready to go can help reduce stress.

Hospital bag check list: what to pack for both labor and your stay after and when to have it ready by.

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WHEN TO PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG

Deciding when to have your hospital bag ready is based on your trimester. Ideally you should have your bag ready sometime in your third trimester, around 32 to 36 weeks. A full-term pregnancy is considered 39 to 40 weeks, at this time you can have your bag in your car ready to go. 

Here are a few reasons why packing your hospital bag early is a good idea:

Preparedness for Early Labor: Labor can sometimes begin earlier than expected, so having your hospital bag ready in advance ensures that you're prepared for any surprises.

• Reduced Stress: As your due date approaches, you may feel more tired or preoccupied with other preparations. Having your hospital bag packed early eliminates one thing from your to-do list, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your pregnancy and impending arrival of your baby.
• Organization and Planning: Packing your hospital bag early gives you time to carefully plan and organize what you'll need for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. You can make a list, gather items gradually, and ensure that you have everything you need without feeling rushed.
• Accessibility: Having your hospital bag packed and ready to go means that it's easily accessible when the time comes to head to the hospital. You won't need to scramble to gather items while in labor, and you can simply grab your bag and go.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your hospital bag is packed and waiting gives you peace of mind as you approach your due date. You can rest assured that you're prepared for the arrival of your baby, no matter when labor begins.

Ultimately, the exact timing of when to pack your hospital bag is up to you, but aiming to have it ready by the beginning of your third trimester is a good guideline to follow. This ensures that you're prepared for any scenario and can approach the end of your pregnancy with confidence and readiness.

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For the mother:

1. Medical Documents:

   • ID, insurance information, and any hospital paperwork.
   • Birth plan (if you have one).

2. Comfortable Clothing:

   • Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes for labor.
   • Nightgown or robe.
   • Nursing bras or comfortable bras.
   • Comfortable underwear (consider disposable ones).

3. Toiletries:

   • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
   • Hairbrush or comb.
   • Hair ties or headbands.
   • Unscented lotion.
   • Lip balm.
   • Facial wipes.
   • Deodorant.
   • Any specific toiletries you prefer.

4. Personal Items:

   • Phone and charger.
   • Camera or video recorder (optional).
   • Snacks and drinks (if allowed).
   • Entertainment (books, magazines, tablet).
   • Nursing pillow (optional).
   • Eyeglasses or contact lenses.
   • Any medications you're currently taking.

5. For Comfort:

   • Pillow from home.
   • Blanket or shawl.
   • Slippers or non-slip socks.
   • Flip-flops for the shower.

6. Labor Aids:

   • Birthing ball or peanut ball.
   • Massage tools.
   • Aromatherapy oils or scents (if permitted).

7. Hygiene and Health:

   • Sanitary pads (maternity pads).
   • Nursing pads.
   • Nipple cream.
   • Lanolin cream (for sore nipples).
   • Herbal tea (for postpartum recovery).

8. Postpartum Care:

   • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for after delivery.
   • Nursing tops or shirts.
   • Nursing pads.
   • Maternity underwear.
   • Postpartum support belt (if desired).
   • Belly wrap or binder.

For the Baby:

1. Clothing:

   • Onesies or sleepers.
   • Hats and socks.
   • Swaddle blankets.

2. Feeding:

   • Formula (if not breastfeeding).
   • Bottles and nipples (if not breastfeeding).
   • Burp cloths.

3. Diapering:

   • Diapers (newborn size).
   • Wipes.
   • Diaper cream.

4. Miscellaneous:

   • Infant car seat (installed in the car).

For the Partner or Support Person:

1. Comfort Items:

   • Change of clothes.
   • Toiletries.
   • Snacks and drinks.
   • Entertainment.
   • Pillow and blanket.
   • Camera or phone charger.

2. Support Tools:

   • Birth plan (if involved).
   • Massage tools.
   • Notebook and pen for jotting down notes or questions.

Remember, this list can be adjusted based on your personal preferences, the hospital's policies, and the expected duration of your stay. It's also helpful to have a bag packed and ready several weeks before your due date to avoid last-minute scrambling.