Hospital Bag Essentials: What to Pack + Free Downloadable Checklist

If you’re pregnant and nearing the finish line, congratulations! You’ve probably got a nursery coming together, a car seat box waiting to be opened, and a to-do list a mile long. But one of the most practical (and oddly emotional) things you'll do to prep for baby’s arrival? Packing your hospital bag.

I started building my hospital bag checklist around month two (what can I say—I’m a planner) and spent the next several months thoughtfully refining it. I researched birthing methods, meditations, and medicines, trying to prepare for every possibility. In the end, I didn’t use half the things I packed, and a few items I was sure would be game-changers turned out to be totally impractical. So in the checklist I’ve created for you here, I’ve narrowed it down to what you actually need—plus a few thoughtful extras that, in my opinion, are genuinely worth the space.

When it came time to actually pack, I knew I wanted everything to be easy to find—especially for my husband, who’d be the one digging through the bags while I focused on, well… labor. I ordered a set of clear storage pouches from Amazon and labeled each one by category (think: toiletries, nursing, baby clothes, snacks) so he wouldn’t be left guessing. Around 30 weeks, I organized and labeled everything, and by 34 weeks we had our hospital bags (we used small suitcases) packed and loaded in the trunk. His bag stayed in the closet until labor started, but it was packed and ready to go. This system gave both of us peace of mind—we weren’t scrambling, and he could grab whatever I needed in seconds without turning the whole bag upside down.

So if you’re in the nesting phase or just want to check one more thing off your list, I’ve got you covered. Below is the hospital bag checklist I wish I had the first time around—what I actually used, what I’m glad I brought, and the few nice-to-haves that are actually worth it.

---

The Hospital Bag Checklist Every Pregnant Woman Needs

For Mom

Essentials

• ID, insurance card, hospital forms

• Birth plan (if you have one)

• Phone + charger (extra-long cord or portable charger)

• Wallet with cash and/or card

Clothing

• Comfy robe

• Nursing bras or nursing tanks

• Mesh underwear (hospital provides mesh ones, but extras are nice)

• Button-down nightgown or pajama dress (preferably 100% cotton or linen)

• 2–3 pairs of pajamas or labor & delivery gowns (especially helpful if your hospital stay ends up being longer)

• Shower shoes or 2 pairs of house shoes/slippers (one may get bloody during delivery — plan to toss; fresh pair for afterward)

• Cozy socks with grip

• Going home outfit (loose, comfy, and weather-appropriate)

Toiletries

• Toothbrush + toothpaste

• Face wash or wipes

• Lip balm (a must!)

• Hair ties or headband

• Hairbrush or comb

• Deodorant

• Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash

• Nipple balm/butter

• Peri bottle (hospital provides one, but the upside down one is well worth the extra purchase)

• Adult diapers or heavy postpartum pads (hospital provides some)

• Witch hazel (pads or liquid — hospital may provide but nice to have your own)

• DermaPlast spray (hospital often provides but helpful to pack just in case)

• Glasses/contacts & solution (if needed)

Health & Wellness

• Prenatal or postnatal vitamins

• Electrolyte drinks or packets

• Medications

Comfort Items

• Your own pillow with a non-white pillowcase

• Blanket (Linen or Cotton) or shawl

• Essential oils, roller blends, or mini diffuser

• Massage tools or tennis ball for back labor

• Yoga mat (for stretching, squatting, or comfort during contractions)

• Bluetooth speaker (to play music or calming sounds)

• Music playlist + headphones

• SNACKS + DRINKS — lots! (think trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, coconut water, electrolyte drinks, etc.)

• Water bottle with straw lid

For Baby

• 2–3 newborn outfits (include one with built-in hand mitts or separate mittens)

• Going home outfit

• Hat and socks

• Blanket or swaddle

• Pacifiers (hospital often provides one — and it might be baby’s favorite — but it’s helpful to have backups)

• Newborn diapers (hospital provides plenty, but extras are okay)

• Wipes (gentle/sensitive, though hospital provides)

• Car seat (already installed!)

For Partner or Support Person

• Change of clothes

• Toiletries + any daily medications

• Pillow + blanket

• Phone + charger w/ extra long charging cable

• SNACKS + DRINKS — bring a solid stash!

• Energy drinks + electrolyte drinks — helpful for long labor stretches

• Water bottle

Nice to Haves

• Folder or large envelope for hospital papers & baby’s documents

• Breastfeeding pillow (like a Boppy or My Brest Friend)

• Thank-you cards or small gifts for nurses

• Notepad + pen for questions, instructions, or journaling

• 1–2 dimmable night lights — crucial for overnight baby care without waking your partner; hospital lights are harsh and jarring; Pro Tip: Using the red light option while your partner sleeps works wonders to not disturb them

• Birth plaques for writing baby's name and birth stats (adorable for first photos!)

• Baby-safe ink pad for capturing newborn footprints

• Sharpie (to fill out birth plaques or add birth details to keepsakes)

• Silk or Satin Pillowcase

• Makeup

• Hair Styling Tools

---

Downloadable Checklist:

The Hospital Bag Checklist Every Pregnant Woman Needs.docx.pdf

Download PDF • 110KB

The Hospital Bag Checklist Every Pregnant Woman Needs.docx - Editable PDF.pdf

Download PDF • 168KB