Maybe you’re in your first pregnancy, 32 weeks along and eagerly wondering what to pack for labor and delivery. Maybe you’re like me and in your second pregnancy, 38 weeks along thinking, “Hmm, what the heck did I even pack last time?!”
Either way, I’ve got you covered.
Below is the ultimate hospital bag checklist for mom, dad, and baby. And don’t worry, I only included the stuff you really need. I also included a lovely printable PDF for your convenience.
Now, let’s get packin’!
Table of Contents:
- What is Provided
- Hospital Bag Checklist for Mama
- Hospital Bag Checklist for Dada (or Partner)
- Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
- Logistics of Packing Your Hospital Bag
- Printable PDF
- The Wrap Up
What is Provided
What the Hospital / Birthing Center (Likely) Provides:
- Birthing Ball
- Mesh Underwear
- Pads
- Ice Packs
- Peri Bottle
- Medication
- Non-Skid Socks
- Nursing Pillow
Pro Tip: You can call your birthing place and ask if the provide certain things. Typically, you can even ask to take a tour of the facility.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mama
Important Documents:
- Identification Card (ID)
- Insurance Card
- Birth Plan (hard copy)
ID & Insurance Cards
The hospital or birthing center where you choose to give birth will likely already have both your ID and insurance information on hand. But it never hurts to be prepared.
If you’re a gal who wants to cover all her bases, you can make a copy of the front and back of your ID and insurance card and have that neatly tucked away in a folder in your packed hospital bag.
Birth Plan (hard copies)
I cannot stress this enough: Bring a few hard copies of your birth plan.
While delivering my daughter, I rapidly spiked a fever. The NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) team was called in. I had gone from a room with one RN to a room with no less than 9 staff members.
Luckily, I had a printed copy of my birth plan neatly placed on a table by the door. Every person that entered my room saw my birth plan and, in turn, did their damndest to abide by my wishes.
One nurse even told me how great it was that I had my birth plan printed and readily available. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had that precious skin-to-skin time I so deeply wanted.
Seriously, bring printed, easy-to-read copies of your birth plan.
Clothes:
- Birthing Gown
- Robe
- (2-3) Nursing Bras / Tanks
- Going Home Outfit
Birthing Gown
Did you know you can opt out of wearing that horrible, starchy gown from the hospital? It’s true.
You can labor in whatever you want. Personally, a paper sheet didn’t exactly scream comfort. But, you do you, boo boo.
I packed a hospital gown, but only wore it after the baby came. I happened to be very comfortable laboring in my sports bra and nothing more. You’ll make a game-time decision.
Whether you chose to wear the gown during birth (or for the days following), you’ll want something comfy. Here are two that I own and love: 3-in-1 Maternity/Labor/Nursing Gown and this Sleeveless Gown with Snaps.
I packed and wore both during my hospital stay.
Robe
Same goes for a robe. My daughter had to be in the NICU for 24-hour monitoring. The robe came in handy when walking to and from the NICU.
I love robes and treated myself to this one for the event. I liked the natural tone and waffle texture. Plus, it didn’t break the bank, so I didn’t feel bad when it got a little messy during my hospital stay.
Nursing Bras / Tanks
Nursing bras and tanks are a godsend. You should pack 2 or 3 of them. (Your milk might come in full-force and absolutely drench your first one.)
Pro Tip: Even mamas that don’t intend to breastfeed should pack a nursing bra. Or a supportive sports bra, at the very least. Your milk will come in, and your boobies will appreciate some extra support.
Going Home Outfit
If you don’t know, you need to know: After giving birth, you will still look 6-months pregnant. I mean think about it, your body has been growing and expanding for 9 months. It’s going to need a little time to deflate.
With that said, when you leave the hospital, you will still be swollen and tender. It’s also very likely you will be torn and bleeding. So, you’ll probably be wearing a diaper. Your best bet for a going home outfit will be maternity clothes. Loose and comfy.
We brought my daughter home on an unseasonably hot October day. I wore a black maxi dress (pictured below). I wouldn’t describe the outfit as sexy. Luckily, I was going for practical. And I nailed it.
My son will be born in the winter, so I’m opting for loose joggers with an extra wide waistband and a comfy sweater.
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush / Tooth Paste
- Hair Ties
- Deodorant
- Hair Brush / Comb
- (Dry) Shampoo / Conditioner
- Lip Balm
- Glasses / Contacts / Solution
- Nipple Cream
Toothbrush / Tooth Paste
This (hopefully) doesn’t warrant further explanation.
Hair Ties
I can’t think of anything worse than having your long luscious locks draped down your neck while in the midst of an already hot and sweaty labor. Have a few hair ties ready.
Deodorant
Again, self-explanatory.
Hair Brush / Comb
Your birthing place may have combs available, but still something to consider packing.
(Dry) Shampoo / Conditioner
Most women want to shower at some point during their hospital stay. But some don’t want to (or have a hard time with) washing their hair.
I would suggest bringing a travel-size container of your normal shampoo and conditioner. And, if washing your hair proves to be too difficult, have a dry shampoo in your toiletries bag, too.
I love Primally Pure’s Natural Dry Shampoo. They have two options: One for dark locks and one for light locks. And the best part if, it’s not full of toxic chemicals. Hashtag winning.
Lip Balm
There is a special place in Hell, designated for all things that make for chapped lips. Bring some lip balm.
Glasses / Contacts / Solution
I’m a lucky soul that has the privilege of not needing these items. But I would imagine, if you’re someone that wears glasses and/or contacts, you’ll want them during labor. If nothing else, to actually have the ability to see your new bundle of joy.
Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding is natural and beautiful and causes your nipple to crack and bleed. You’ll want to start moisturizing your nips early and often.
Seriously, if you forget everything else from your toiletries cabinet, life will go on. Nipple cream is all that matters.
MotherLove is the only way to go. It’s organic, unscented, free of lanolin, and doesn’t need to be removed prior to nursing. Don’t even bother with other nipple creams.
Other Essentials:
- Cell Phone / Charger
- Snacks
- Water Bottle
- Nursing Pads
- Prenatal Vitamins / Medications
- Gift for Hospital Staff
- FridaMom Perineal Comfort Cushion
- Other Comfort Items
Cell Phone / Charger
Obviously, you won’t be able to pack your cell phone ahead of time. But you can (and should) pack a charger.
I suggest an extra long, fast-charging cord like this. It’ll come in handy when your hospital bed is 8 feet away from the nearest outlet.
Snacks
A 2015 study reported. “Childbirth is arguably one of the most dramatic musculoskeletal events the human body undergoes.” To say it’s intense is the understatement of the year.
You will want snacks. Healthy, nutrient-dense foods to assist in the workout. Consider something like these No-Bake Energy Bites from Gimme Some Oven. Trail mix, dried fruit, or yogurt are also good options.
During my first labor, I was not allowed to eat. 📣 This is a dumb, outdated rule 📣
Despite most women wanting to eat during labor, many are told it is unsafe to do so. The fear stems from the risk of aspirating if you need to be put under anesthesia. It’s incredibly unlikely to happen. If you want to read up on it, here is a great article.
Water Bottle
Again, the hospital or birthing center is sure to have water cups available to you. But you can bring your own, especially if you want something larger than a Dixie cup.
It’s a good idea to have a large, insulated water bottle before, during, and after childbirth. I love my YETI Rambler because it keeps my drink cold all day long. It’s also stainless steel, so no gross plastic will leak into the water. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe. Basically a win-win-win.
Nursing Pads
Again, your milk might come in sooner rather than later. (It generally takes 2-5 days, but can come in very quickly for some women.) To avoid excessive leakage, use nursing pads.
I have both, disposable and reusable options. If I’m on the go, typically disposable is nice to have. But when I’m home, I prefer these reusables.
For sake of ease at the hospital, I would just bring 6-10 disposable nursing pads.
Prenatal Vitamins / Medications
Get one of those old man daily pill containers (but make it cute), fill it up with your prenatal supplements and other needed medications, and toss it in your bag.
I recommend a daily pill case because, with the whirlwind of childbirth, you won’t want to have any other things on your mind. You can eliminate the question, “Did I take my pills today?”
Also, if you plan to be medicated during delivery, I would suggest adding a stool softener to your arsenal of pills. Epidurals are known to back you up. And if I’m being totally honest, I was more afraid of the first poop post-delivery, than I was of actual childbirth. That sh*t sucks. Pun-intended.
If you want other recommendations on which vitamins and supplements I take, check out my post:
Gift for Hospital Staff
Childbirth brings out a variety of colors in a person. Though, after getting my epidural, I was a lovely shade of calming blue. When the epidural wore off, I became a violent shade of red. Ending my birthing experience with screaming – literally screaming, “GET HER OUT OF ME” as she was crowning.
Labor and delivery staff are little angels sent from above, and they deserve gifts.
There are a variety of gifts one could give after legitimately screaming at an undeserving, unsuspecting soul. I opt for gift cards to a coffee shop. Gift cards are the best because they don’t assume a person wants a synthetically scented candle and no one needs another mug.
I actually reached out to a couple labor and delivery nurses to verify this. Mommy.labornurse on Instagram replied with, “As a coffee lover, I think a gift card is a wonderful gift!!” Another L&D RN said, “Coffee gift cards are literally the best. You can’t go wrong with them!”
Pro Tip: Write 10 generic thank you cards and put a $10 gift card in each. Don’t seal the envelope. Instead, bring a pen with you. That way, if you want to add a special note, you can. Otherwise, you can just label the envelope with the nurses’ name and gift upon your departure.
FridaMom Perineal Comfort Cushion
This comfort cushion was an intregal part in getting home from the hospital semi-comfortably. With a second degree tear, any little bump or dip in the road is massively painful. The comfort cushion softens the blow.
You don’t need to bring the comfort cushion in the hospital. But you’ll definitely want it in the car for the ride home. It also comes with a cooling pack. So for the days following the birth of your baby, sitting becomes bearable.
I may not have started packing until almost 39 weeks along. But you can bet your butt, I had the comfort cushion in my car long before that.
Other Comfort Items
Other comfort items will be completely unique to you. Maybe you still have a stuffed animal or blankey that brings you a sense of calm. Maybe it’s a bottle of wine (totally kidding).
Optional Items:
- Music Playlist
- AirPods / Portable Speaker
- Essential Oils & Diffusor
- Sugar-Free Gum / Mints
- Your Fav Pillow / Towel
- Slippers / Shower Shoes
- Breast Pump
- Make-Up
Music Playlist
You might want some calming music during labor. Or you might want some serious head-banging rock n’ roll. Whatever floats your boat. Make your Spotify list in advance.
AirPods / Portable Speaker
Bring something to actually play your playlist.
Essential Oils & Diffusor
There is ample research to support using high-quality essential oils as a way to relax your body and mind. This article explains how lavender is one of those beautiful oils.
You’re welcome to pack oils and a diffusor to stay zen during your hospital stay.
Sugar-Free Gum / Mints
Dry mouth during labor? I’ll pass. Sugar-free gum or mints can help keep your mouth nice and moist.
Your Fav Pillow / Towel
Let’s be honest, your hospital or birthing center will provide pillows and towels. But they will suck.
As an added luxury, consider bringing your own, comfy pillow. You also might want a towel that actually wraps around your entire body. I personally did not bring these items, and was totally fine. But again, this section is just additional considerations.
Pro Tip: I’ve also heard people recommend putting your personal pillow in a colored pillow case. This ensures your pillow doesn’t get mixed up with the hospital pillow.
Breast Pump
I got my breast pump from the durable medical equipment (DME) store on-site at the hospital.
I didn’t actually use my pump during my hospital stay. But, if you want help on how to use one, the lactation consultant or other L&D staff are great resources for that. So, again, consider it.
Make Up
Birth leaves you feeling exhausted beyond measure. You will be swollen and have (what looks to be) 10-pound sand bags under your eyes.
Unfortunately, society doesn’t embrace and celebrate the natural beauty of birth. What I’m saying is, though you are in fact beautiful even after pushing a 9-pound bowling ball out of a small hole, you may want a small amount of make up.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Dada
Essentials:
- (2-3) Comfy Outfits
- Wallet
- Important Documents / Notes
- Toiletries
- Medications / Supplements
- Cell Phone / Charger
- Snacks
Comfy Outfits
You’ll likely be at the hospital for about 48-hours. Pack whatever is going to be most comfortable for you during that time.
Remember: You’re there to support Mama. Dress for the event.
Wallet
You may need your ID to be allowed in as a visitor. Be sure to grab this in your haste of getting out the door.
Important Documents / Notes
Ask your baby mama about important information you should know during the course of labor. This could include having a copy of her birth plan on your phone as back up. Maybe having a copy of the insurance cards, too. And you should probably know your baby’s chosen pediatrician’s information.
You will likely also be designated the job of updating family and friends about your new bundle of joy. It would be super awkward if you forgot to update Aunt Becky. So discuss (and keep a list of) who you should be contacting with progress updates.
Toiletries
See Mama’s List above. Also, maybe shaving cream and a razor? Or if you’re in the middle of No Shave November, beard oil? I’m not a dude. Pack what you use.
Medications / Supplements
Pack any meds, vitamins, or supplements you take daily.
I would suggest the same to you as I did for Mama. Get a daily pill pack. You don’t want sleep deprivation messing with your medication schedule.
Cell Phone / Charger
Same thing goes for you as it did for Mama. You can’t pack your phone in advance. But be sure to have an extra long, fast-charging cord like this.
Snacks
Let me say this loud and clear: DO NOT STEAL MAMA’S SNACKS. Pack your own.
Optional Items:
- Water Bottle
- Entertainment Items
- Comfort Items
- Sandals / Shower Shoes
- Push Present for Mama
- COVID Protocol Items
Water Bottle
You will probably be on water duty. Meaning, you will be running up and down the hospital hallways to get Mama water. Get some for yourself, too.
Entertainment Items
Please do not read this and think, “I’ll bring my Xbox console.” Absolutely not.
Entertainment items might include a book, an iPad or laptop, and AirPods. If/when Mama gets an epidural, she may already be spent from being in labor and want a nap. This would be your time to quietly read or watch a movie.
There may be a few other small windows of opportunity to want some entertainment or distraction. Pack accordingly.
Sandals / Shower Shoes
It’s nice to have a pair of sandals for the shower or to slip on for your walk down the hallway to grab ice chips.
Push Present for Mama
A push present is a small (or big) gift for given to Mama after she just endured the most physically and mentally intense day(s) of her life.
…but, Lindsey, the baby is her present. I call BULLSH*T.
The baby is, of course, a beautiful blessing and a wonderful new addition to your family. But, believe me, after you bear witness to what your wife will soon endure, you too, will think she deserves a little cherry on top.
Push present ideas:
- Jewelry with baby’s birthstone
- Jewelry with baby’s name or initial
- Jewelry, in general
- Spa gift card
- Other luxuries or indulgences you know she loves
COVID Protocol Items
At the time of writing this, we are mostly beyond the awful days of the pandemic. Yet, many health settings still require certain things like masks, limits on visitors, and more.
In some areas, you may not be allowed to leave the hospital until mama and baby are discharged. Call your hospital or birthing center and ask what their current policies are.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Essentials:
- Swaddle Blanket
- (5) Footie Pajamas or Knotted Gowns
- Hat / Mittens
- Going Home Outfit
- Car Seat and Base Installed in the Car
Swaddle Blanket
The hospital will provide swaddle blankets. They usually have blue and pink footprints or stripes or something along those lines.
If you want something a little cuter or more original, you should pack your own.
Footie Pajamas or Knotted Gowns
There are few things more adorable than a fresh baby in little jammies. I ALWAYS opt for two-way zipper pajamas because… poop. You can read my post, 5 sh*tty Things to Know About Babies to learn more about that.
Newborns are also notorious for peeing all over themselves. I highly recommend bringing more jammies than you think you need. Even for a two-day hospital stay, I would pack 5 pajamas.
Hat / Mittens
Hats are not only super cute, but they also serve a purpose. Babies have a hard time regulating their temperature. Hats help.
Baby mittens are worn so they don’t scratch their face. You’ll be surprised by how sharp their tiny fingernails are.
Going Home Outfit
It’s aways fun to dress your new little baby in a cute welcome home outfit. Like how stinkin’ cute is this little outfit?!
Car Seat and Base Installed in the Car
You will not be allowed to go home without putting the baby in the car seat. In some places, the hospital staff are actually required to check that you have a car seat. Get this done pronto.
Optional Items:
- Photo Props
- Pediatrician’s Information
- Seasonal Considerations
Photo Props
Let’s just be honest: We’ve all thought about how we plan to introduce the baby to social media. This is the part where you bring the letter sign or an embroidered blanket.
Pediatrician’s Information
Before actually pushing a baby out, you’ll want to decide on a pediatrician. It’s one less thing to do after the baby is born. Plus, it’s likely that your doctor will be asking where to send baby’s information. Have this info handy.
Seasonal Considerations
If your birthing in the cold months of winter or during the holiday season, think about bringing an extra warm blanket for baby’s car ride home. Or if Christmas in on the horizon, you might want a reindeer stuffy.
Logistics of Packing Your Hospital Bag
Pack Your Items in a Roller Bag
We packed a carry-on size roller bag. On one side was all of Mama’s items. And on the other was Dada’s and Baby’s stuff. Both parents knew where items were in the suitcase, making it easy to find all the things.
Pro Tip: We specifically used a roller bag because, upon exiting the hospital, you will have an additional thing to carry (ehmm, your baby). Having a bag on wheels was much easier to manage than say a duffle bag.
Finally, as I mentioned up top, there are a few things on the list that are hard to pack ahead of time. Don’t worry. I have a solution. It’s called the Last Minute Bag.
The Last Minute Bag
The Last Minute Bag is exactly as it sounds. All last minute items (phones, wallets, glasses, etc.) go into the Last Minute Bag. That way, it all stays together and can be easily accessed by both soon-to-be parents.
Using a backpack (again, hands free) is a great option. You can also use your new baby bag. Just make sure you leave enough room in the last minute bag to bring extra items back home with you.
Pro Tip: The hospital will send you home with disposable undies, pads, and ice packs galore. Save room in the Last Minute Bag to stash these extra goodies.
Printable PDFs
The Wrap Up: What Mom, Dad, and Baby Really Need for Labor and Delivery (2023)
The bottom line: Even if you spontaneously go into labor before packing a hospital bag, the hospital will have the bare necessities to get you through.
If you want a little more comfort and peace-of-mind, have your hospital bag packed when you’re 35-weeks along. Pack your things in a roller bag and don’t forget about the Last Minute Bag.
You can do this, Mama (and Dada and Baby)!
Read Next: How to Successfully Transition into Being a Stay-at-Home Mom
