Hospital Bag Checklist

As you preparing for delivery, do not forget about the items you need to bring to the hospital. We drafted this hospital bag checklist for you to print or download.

Hospital Bag Packing List Essentials for Mom

The paperwork

  • Health insurance card
  • Pre-registration forms from the hospital

Personal Items

  • Nursing bra(s): This supports swollen, tender breasts, and helps keep breast pads in place.
  • Breast pads: You will need these whether or not you are breastfeeding because they stop leaks by absorbing milk.
  • Nursing pillows: These can be used if you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding - either way they reduce the strain on your arms, neck, and back when feeding your baby.
  • Nightgown and robe: Make sure they open in the front (if you are planning on breastfeeding).
  • Slippers: During early labor it is always recommended to walk around. These will also come in handy as you make trips to the nursery to check on your new baby.
  • Socks: Many women complain of their feet being cold during the delivery, so prepare at least two pairs in case one gets soiled.
  • Going home outfit: Choose one that fit when you were around 6 months pregnant.
  • Toiletries: To be more comfortable, take a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, lotion, hairdryer, etc.
  • Sanitary pads: The hospital can provide you with these, but many women feel more comfortable when they bring their favorite brand with them. Take note: you are going to need a pad designed for a heavier flow.
  • Hair clip or band (if you have long hair): Women with long hair like to have it pulled out of their faces during labor and delivery.
  • Pillow from home: This makes you more comfortable; just make sure you have a different colored pillowcase on it to distinguish it from hospital pillows.
  • Extra washcloths: These also need to be colored to distinguish them from the hospital washcloths.
  • Book/Magazines: You will not have a lot of downtimes, but there could be a few minutes here and there when you could read.
  • Mints or breath strips: Many women experience nausea/vomiting during labor and delivery; these will help freshen your mouth or the mouths of your support people.
  • Lollipops or other hard candles: These can alleviate dry mouth.
  • Glasses and contact case.
  • Breastfeeding book: Take along any reference book that would be helpful.
  • Baby book: The nursery often will take your baby book and put your baby’s footprints in it. This will save you a lot of time and trouble.
  • Large envelope/file folder: This may be used to store any loose paperwork.
  • Tube socks that have been filled with tennis balls or rice: These can help alleviate the sore aching muscles during labor. Just take a tube sock and place three tennis balls inside the sock. Tie or sew off the open end of the sock to keep the tennis balls in place. Many women like to place these between their backs and the bed because the pressure applied makes them feel better. You can also fill a sock with uncooked rice (but no instant). These can either be heated or placed in the freezer and provide comfort during painful contractions.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Baby

  • Infant car seat and infant head support: You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one; make sure you bring the instructions.
  • Going-home outfit
  • Hat: Babies lose the vast majority of their body heat through their heads.
  • Booties/socks
  • Receiving blankets: Newborns love to be swaddles.
  • Diapers: If they do not have the umbilical cord area cut out, make sure you fold them down.
  • Wipes: begin with the wipes that are designed for newborns or sensitive skin.
  • Mittens: Many newborns will have longer nails, so they can easily scratch their face and other parts of their bodies.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Your Partner

  • Change of clothes
  • Pajamas
  • Bathing suit: This is important if you and your partner are planning on a water birth or using the birthing pool during labor.
  • Toiletries.
  • Snacks: Labor can be a long process, so you want to be prepared.
  • A cooler filled with drinks and sandwiches: This keeps the partner close by and can help avoid multiple trips to the hospital cafeteria.
  • Quarters: Use for vending machine and/or payphone - Remember not all hospitals allow cell phone use.
  • Watch with second hand.
  • Video/still camera: Make sure to bring extra tape, film, batteries, chargers, etc.
  • Massage oils: Many labor classes discuss the use of massage oils during class because they can help alleviate back labor.
  • iPod/CD player: Soothing music may help you and your partner relax both during and after labor.
  • Take out menus.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Siblings

  • Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books
  • Books to read
  • Toys
  • Snacks
  • Special camera
  • A gift from big brother/sister to the baby: This can be something that was picked out prior to delivery by the older sibling.
  • A gift from mom and baby to the big brother/sister: many times older siblings tend to get jealous around the birth of the baby. A special gift can help alleviate this problem and allow the big brother/sister to know that they are still important.