Hospital Bag Checklist
Having your hospital bag ready by around 36 weeks means one less thing to think about when labor starts. Here's a practical checklist covering you, your baby, and your birth partner. Adjust it to your hospital's guidance and your own needs.
For You (Labor and Recovery)
- Your ID, hospital notes, and birth plan
- Comfortable, loose clothing and a going-home outfit
- Maternity pads (heavy flow) and comfortable, high-waisted underwear
- Nursing bras and breast pads if you plan to breastfeed
- Toiletries, lip balm, hair ties, and a phone charger with a long cable
- Snacks and drinks for energy during labor
- Slippers, warm socks, and a dressing gown
For Your Baby
- Bodysuits and sleepsuits (a few sizes, including newborn)
- A hat, scratch mittens, and socks
- Muslin cloths and a blanket
- Newborn diapers and cotton wool or wipes
- A properly fitted car seat (needed to take baby home)
For Your Birth Partner
- Snacks, drinks, and a change of clothes
- Phone charger and small cash for parking or vending machines
- A pillow and something to help pass the time
Tips
Pack two smaller bags rather than one heavy one — a labor bag and a postnatal bag — so your partner can find things easily. Keep the bags and car seat somewhere easy to grab.
Count down to your due date.
Due Date Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim to have it ready by around 36 weeks, since babies can arrive earlier than expected.
Do I really need a car seat?
Yes — most hospitals won't let you drive a newborn home without a properly installed, appropriate car seat.
Should I pack one bag or two?
Two smaller bags (labor and postnatal) are easier to manage than one heavy bag, especially for your birth partner.