Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Delivery

When labor starts, you don't want to be throwing things into a duffel bag. A packed, by-the-door hospital bag is one of the simplest ways to lower the stress of your delivery day. This checklist covers what to pack for mom, your partner, and the baby — including the documents most lists forget — so you can grab it and go.

When to pack your hospital bag

Aim to have your bag packed and ready by 36 weeks. Full-term is anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks, and labor can begin earlier than expected — so treat 36 weeks as your deadline. Keep the bag somewhere obvious (by the door or in the car) and leave a short list taped to it for the last-minute items you use daily, like your phone charger and glasses.

For mom

• Documents: photo ID, insurance card, hospital pre-registration and birth plan.
• Comfort: a robe, warm socks with grip, slippers, and your own pillow (in a colored case so it doesn't get lost).
• Toiletries: toothbrush, lip balm, hair ties, face wipes, and travel-size basics.
• Going-home outfit: loose, comfortable clothes — you'll still look a few months pregnant.
• Postpartum: nursing bras, high-waisted underwear, and any items your provider recommends (the hospital supplies pads and mesh underwear).
• Extras: phone charger with a long cord, snacks for after delivery, and a small amount of cash.

For your partner or support person

• A change of clothes and basic toiletries — labor can be long.
• Snacks and a refillable water bottle (the birthing person may not be able to eat much).
• Phone, charger, and any camera you want for first photos.
• A pillow and light blanket — partner sleeping arrangements are rarely comfortable.
• A list of who to call or text, and cash or a card for parking and the cafeteria.

For the baby

The hospital provides diapers, wipes, and a first outfit, so you don't need much — but a few things make the trip home smoother:

• Going-home outfit: two sizes (newborn and 0–3 months) since you won't know baby's size, plus a hat and socks.
• Weather layer: a swaddle blanket, and for cold weather, a car-seat-safe cover (never a bulky coat under the harness).
• Car seat: installed and ready in the car — most hospitals will not let you leave without one.

What to leave at home

• Lots of newborn diapers and wipes — the hospital supplies these.
• Valuables and jewelry — leave them home.
• Your own medications without checking first — tell your care team about anything you take rather than self-administering.

Packing the bag is one to-do; the paperwork that follows the birth is another. FirstDays builds your full new-baby checklist — birth certificate, Social Security number, insurance, and more — with reminders before every deadline, tailored to your state (see the state guides). Start free.