Hospital Bag Essentials for Moms-to-Be

Ready, Set, Baby!  

Welcoming your little one is a time filled with love, anticipation, and a few jitters. On the big day, a little preparation can go a long way to smoothing out any bumps in the road. Having a well-packed hospital bag can do wonders. A complete hospital bag checklist can not only help you during labor and delivery but also ensure that your birth partner and the little one have everything they may need.   

Early Bird Gets the Worm  

There may be a chance your little one arrives earlier than expected. It’s a good idea to pack your hospital bags ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling when it’s time to go. Having it packed and ready around the seventh month can make things a lot less stressful. Ensure you and your birth partner double-check the bags before you go!  

Items to Pack  

Different birthing options come with different needs, so be sure to tailor your bag to fit your plan. Keep in mind that labor and delivery can be unexpected, and it may be helpful to bring additional items in case of a longer hospital stay.  

Mom’s Bag  

*(Labor and Delivery): Hospital paperwork, ID and insurance card, birth plan, labor and delivery gown, socks, slippers or flip-flops, lip balm, body lotion, a comfortable pillow, relaxing entertainment, water bottle, phone charger, and an eye mask or earplugs.   

*(After Delivery): Comfy loose clothes, heavy-duty maternity pads (The hospital usually supplies these and other post-partum recovery essentials), nursing bras, toiletries, cosmetics and skincare, glasses and contact lenses, reference books or handouts, snacks, and drinks.  

 Birth Partner’s Bag: Snacks and water, phone and camera (plus chargers and batteries), clothes, toiletries, spare glasses or contact lenses, a small pillow, and entertainment.   

Baby’s Bag: onesies/bodysuits, socks/booties, a receiving blanket, a going home outfit, and a car seat.   If this isn’t your first baby, consider preparing a sibling bag for the new big brother or sister.  

For more detailed information on what to pack and what to leave behind, check out Pampers' official guide.