The Only Hospital Bag Checklist You’ll Need for Mom, Baby & Even Dad!

Pack your bags, you’re going to have a baby! Yes, that’s right, bags. As in plural. One for you, one for baby, and one for your partner or support person. That’s a lot to keep track of, which is why you’re going to need a hospital bag checklist. 

Whether you live for ticking off checklists or have skated through life with nary a thought for keeping track of what you need to do (or pack), you’re going to want to get into ‘checklist mode’ before the baby arrives. 

You’ve hung nursery decorations, filled diaper caddies, and strategically placed the changing stations around the house. If you’re a real go-getter, you probably even installed and uninstalled the car seat multiple times. Check, check, and check. You have it all covered, and the only thing standing in your way is sweet anticipation. 

As you reach the third trimester, though, there’s one more thing to check off your list: prepare the hospital bags. One bag probably won’t do it unless you want to drag a Santa-sized sack through the hospital halls.

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together hospital bag essentials checklists for mom, baby and partner/support person. Now all you have to do is gather everything together (tick off the items as you go, we promise it feels great!), pack the bags and get ready for the next chapter in your life to arrive.

Mom’s Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist

When packing the mama-to-be’s hospital bag, you’ve got to keep three things in mind: practicality, comfort, and entertainment.  She’s going to need practical necessities, such as her hospital insurance card and photo ID.  Creature comforts are also key to helping her relax and recover after birth – we’re talking ALL the soft and cozy things you can stuff into that bag!

And don’t overlook the value of having some sources of entertainment at hand. Yes, your new baby is going to get your undivided attention while in your arms, but babies sleep A LOT plus there’s the chance of a long labor. You may find yourself with time to spare while lying in your hospital bed, awaiting baby’s arrival. Take advantage of it while you still can! 

So, with all of the above in mind, here’s our curated listed of must-haves for mom’s hospital bag: 

• Insurance Card, hospital paperwork, photo ID. When the time comes, you don’t want to be scurrying through the house, searching for documents. Make sure your ID and insurance card are handy. You’ll probably still be carrying those around daily, but organize your hospital paperwork into a folder and keep it safely in your hospital bag.
• Birth Plan. You may not have one, and that’s okay. With our first child, we just rolled the dice. Babies tend to have a mind of their own during labor anyway. If you do have a plan, though, keep it close to your hospital paperwork, so your documents are all together.
• Socks, Flip Flops, or Slippers. Feet get cold, labor lasts for hours, and you’ll be a hospital resident for a couple of days. If you’re walking around in the middle of the night, you’ll want to keep your feet clean and warm. That favorite pair of socks will also give you some comfort during and after delivery.
• Pillows. The hospital will supply pillows, but comfort is everything during labor. We waited in Labor and Delivery 28 hours before active labor started. Make yourself comfortable because you might be there for a while. 
• Entertainment. Time crawls, even stands still, during labor. Bring books, music, or, better yet, a deck of cards to occupy your minds.
• Pajamas/Robe. Retail stores don’t sell hospital gowns for a reason. You’ll want to feel cozy and get some rest after the baby arrives. Change into your own comfortable clothes to feel more at home.
• Maternity Pads. Hospitals will supply these, but you’ll want to have options. Bleeding is standard after birth, and maternity pads from home are likely softer and more absorbent than hospital-issue maxi pads. 
• Underwear/Bras. Bring a few pairs of extremely comfortable underwear. Make sure they’re large enough to fit those diaper-like maternity pads. Nursing bras are a great idea, but make sure you’ve got comfortable, supportive bras handy. 
• Toiletries. Bring the essentials: toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hair ties, lip balm, wipes, etc. Pro Tip: dry shampoo may become your best friend in the hospital.
• Phone and phone charger. Good news spreads quickly. Let everyone know you and baby are doing wonderfully.
• Drinks and snacks. Comfort food for the win! Have your favorite snack(s) handy, mainly after you deliver. Water is probably the best option, have plenty around.

Baby’s Hospital Bag Checklist

They haven’t even arrived yet, and already they’re counting on you to take great care of them. We know you’re up to the task. Pack your baby’s diaper bag full of cute and comfortable items that will let them know they’re as safe in your arms as they were in your womb. D’awwww. 

• Blankets. The hospital will provide all you need, but you may want to give your baby his or her first blanket in those early days and have your own for the return trip home.  
• Swaddles/Bodysuits. Hospitals have varying guidelines for newborns, so make sure you consult your doctor and nursing staff before dressing the baby. 
• Socks. Tiny baby toes get cold quickly. Keep those adorable little feet warm even during skin-to-skin contact.
• Headed home outfit. Be aware of the season and weather outside. Ensure your baby has an outfit that will keep her warm in cold months or comfortable in the heat (and is super cute, of course). 
• Car seat. You’ve already got this covered.

Checklist for Partner / Support Person’s Hospital Bag

While the spotlight will be on mom and baby, the partner or support person plays an incredibly important role before and during the hospital stay. It’s a team effort, and the partner or support person is going to be acting as coach, cheerleader, and running back all at once. 

Here’s our checklist of ‘must-packs’ for the partner or support person’s hospital bag:

• Positive Attitude. It may not fit into a bag per se, but it’s paramount. Be supportive, be patient, be the soothing voice momma needs. 
• Phone/Camera. You’ll probably be responsible for communicating with the outside world, so be prepared. Your phone might be enough, but a camera or video camera undoubtedly helps capture those precious first days. 
• Clothes. Be comfortable and ready to lounge on a couch or makeshift bed for a couple of days in comfy clothes. 
• Toiletries. Bring the essentials. A shower can do wonders after a long day of delivery.
• Pillow and blankets. You’ll probably be resting on a couch, recliner, or pull-out bed. Bring some pillows and blankets to keep warm and comfortable.
• Drinks and snacks. Don’t steal mom’s goodies. Bring enough to satisfy yourself.
• Entertainment. Keep yourself occupied when mom and baby are resting.

Tips to Prepare Your Hospital Bags

When preparing a hospital bag checklist, there are a few critical steps to take. First, speak to your hospital or birthing center. Make sure you know what they do and do not provide. Ask your friends and family. Your loved ones may have some life-saving tips to offer.

When Should You Pack Your Bags

Get your hospital bag checklist narrowed down and start packing your bags between weeks 35 and 38. High-risk pregnancies will want to be on the earlier side. It’s a good idea to get the essentials packed first in case labor begins unexpectedly.

Who Will be Responsible for Bringing Bags to the Hospital?

Most of the hospital bag checklist items are for mom, and will probably go with her to the hospital. She will have plenty to deal with as the due date approaches, especially once labor hits, so the partner or support person should account for the hospital bags. Just make sure everyone is aware of how the bags are getting there.

How Long Do You Expect to Be at the Hospital?

After a vaginal delivery, most moms stay in the hospital for an extra day or two. C-section deliveries or complications during labor often extend the hospital stay to three or four days. Lengthy labors will add hours or even days as well.

Stylish & Practical Hospital Bags

These bags are adorable and functional, so grab one to use as your hospital bag and for years afterward.

Being Prepared is Key

There’s a lot to keep track of in the lead-up to your hospital visit. Scan your hospital bag checklists for mom and baby. Make sure to keep your bags close to the door, so they’re ready when you are. Clarify who’s responsible for them. It’s wise to include an additional friend or family member in case of emergencies. 

Tour the hospital if you haven’t already. Scrambling around a large building with a handful of bags can add stress to an already stressful event. Save your hospital bag checklist so you can reuse it in the future and make any changes after your first birthing experience. 

Now that you’ve got your hospital bags sorted, you can go back to waiting for those first contractions to signal it’s the big day. Good luck, we know you’ve got this! 

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