Hospital Bag Checklist
Everything you need to pack for labor, delivery and your hospital stay
Documents & Paperwork
0/6Labor & Comfort
0/13Toiletries & Personal Care
0/14Postpartum & Recovery
0/12C-Section Recovery
0/3VBAC Planning
0/4Baby
0/11Nursing & Feeding
0/7Partner / Support Person
0/10Snacks & Drinks
0/6Entertainment & Tech
0/6Extras
0/3What the Hospital Usually Provides
Most hospitals provide these items, but availability varies. Call ahead to confirm what your hospital offers.
- Hospital gown - For labor and recovery
- Mesh underwear - Postpartum
- Maternity pads
- Ice packs and cooling pads
- Peri bottle
- Ibuprofen and basic medications
- Baby diapers and wipes
- Baby hat
- Receiving blankets and swaddles
- Baby T-shirts
- Nasal bulb syringe
- Formula and bottles - If needed
- Breast pump - Hospital-grade, during stay only
- Basic toiletries - Soap, lotion, shampoo
This checklist is compiled from recommendations by the American Pregnancy Association, hospital guides, and experienced parents. Your progress is saved automatically in your browser so you can come back anytime. Start packing around 35-36 weeks so you're ready when the big day arrives!
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Most experts recommend having your hospital bag packed and ready by 35-36 weeks of pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or are expecting multiples, consider packing even earlier around 32 weeks.
What are the most important things to pack?
The essentials are: your ID and insurance card, a going-home outfit for you and baby, an installed car seat, phone charger, comfortable clothes, and basic toiletries. Everything else is nice to have but not critical.
What extra items do I need for a C-section?
For a planned or possible C-section, add an abdominal binder or belly band, high-waisted underwear that won't irritate your incision, and silicone scar patches for recovery. Loose, high-waisted pants are also recommended for going home.
What does the hospital provide?
Most hospitals provide a hospital gown, mesh underwear, maternity pads, ice packs, a peri bottle, basic medications, baby diapers and wipes, receiving blankets, and a hospital-grade breast pump during your stay. Call your hospital to confirm what they offer.