Hospital bag checklist

Check a few details with your birth location before deciding what to bring.

• Ask what your hospital or birth center provides Ask about postpartum supplies, baby-care items, and feeding supplies before buying or packing them.
  Not needed
• Check the expected stay, visitor rules, and bag or space limits
  Not needed
• Check the food and drink policy for labor and support people
  Not needed
• Choose a bag or small suitcase and decide where to keep it
  Not needed

• Products we used for this

  Hap Tim Multi-Function Large Baby Diaper Bag Backpack

  Our note: Diapers, wipes, doggie bags, toys, snacks, etc... there is a lot to carry and this is a comfy, well-organized bag to carry everything around.

  View on Amazon
• Set aside a labeled refill bag for a longer stay, if useful Keep extra clothes and other nonessential supplies at home or in the car so someone can retrieve them if needed.
  Not needed
• Save the route, entrance, parking, and after-hours instructions Share these details with anyone who may drive you.
  Not needed

Keep these details together in case your birth location or care team asks for them.

• Photo ID Check which form of identification your birth location accepts. Read related guidance
  Not needed
• Insurance card or coverage information
  Not needed
• Registration or admission paperwork, if provided or requested
  Not needed
• Pregnancy notes or records requested by your care team Read related guidance
  Not needed
• Current medicine and allergy list Include medicine names, doses, and allergies in the format your care team requests.
  Not needed
• Birth preferences or birth plan, if you made one Bring a copy if you want an easy reference for conversations with your care team.
  Not needed
• Newborn care provider contact information, if requested
  Not needed

Clothes and personal items for labor, your stay, and the trip home.

• Loose, comfortable clothes for labor Read related guidance
  Not needed
• Robe, cardigan, or another comfortable layer
  Not needed
• Shower-safe footwear, such as nonslip slippers or flip-flops
  Not needed
• Comfortable sleepwear Front-opening sleepwear may make feeding easier, if relevant to you.
  Not needed
• Loose going-home outfit Your body may fit differently after birth, so choose something loose and comfortable.
  Not needed
• Several pairs of comfortable underwear Ask what postpartum supplies your birth location provides before deciding how many to pack.
  Not needed
• Comfortable bra or nursing bra, if useful to you
  Not needed
• Socks
  Not needed
• Toothbrush and your usual toiletries
  Not needed
• Hair ties, brush, or other hair supplies
  Not needed
• Lip balm and lotion
  Not needed
• Glasses or contact lens supplies
  Not needed
• Postpartum recovery supplies your birth location asks you to bring Ask what is supplied before buying or packing pads, disposable underwear, a rinse bottle, cold packs, sprays, or a bundled recovery kit.
  Not needed

Optional items that may make the room and the wait more comfortable.

• Refillable water bottle A bottle with a straw can be easier to use while reclining or from bed.
  Not needed
• Snacks and drinks allowed by your birth location
  Not needed
• Phone
  Not needed
• Extra-long charging cable or charged portable battery pack A long cable may reach distant outlets; a battery pack avoids relying on room outlets.
  Not needed
• Eye mask and earplugs
  Not needed
• Small fan or water spray
  Not needed
• Music, headphones, books, or other entertainment
  Not needed
• Pillow or another small comfort item Use a distinctive pillowcase and avoid bringing anything difficult to replace.
  Not needed
• Bag for laundry or wet items
  Not needed

Ask what your birth location provides; you may only need a few things for the trip home.

• Going-home outfit in an appropriate size Choose layers for the weather during the trip home.
  Not needed
• One spare going-home outfit in a second size Newborn sizing varies by brand and birth weight; one smaller or larger option is enough unless your care team expects otherwise.
  Not needed
• Weather-appropriate layers for the trip home For car travel, fasten the harness before adding a blanket; avoid bulky layers beneath the harness.
  Not needed
• One simple swaddle or wearable swaddle, if allowed and not provided Ask what your birth location provides and permits. Follow its safe-sleep instructions.
  Not needed
• Correct car seat installed for the trip home Follow the car-seat manufacturer's instructions and current child-restraint guidance. This checklist cannot confirm that the seat or installation is correct. Read related guidance
  Not needed
• Diapers and wipes, if your birth location does not provide them
  Not needed
• Feeding supplies or formula, if your birth location or feeding plan calls for them Ask what your birth location supplies and what your care team recommends for your feeding plan.
  Not needed

If someone will be staying with you, these items may make their stay easier.

• Change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and a warm layer
  Not needed
• Pillow or light blanket for the support person, if staying overnight and bedding is not provided Ask what bedding is provided before adding this to the bag.
  Not needed
• Toiletries, if staying overnight
  Not needed
• Their usual medicines, following their normal instructions
  Not needed
• Phone and charger
  Not needed
• Allowed snacks and drinks Check cafeteria hours and whether meals are provided for support people.
  Not needed
• Glasses or contact lens supplies, if used
  Not needed
• Parking or payment method accepted by the birth location Check whether you need an app, card, cash, or validation.
  Not needed

Things you may still be using and need to pick up on the way out.

• Wallet
  Not needed
• Keys
  Not needed
• Current medicines, following your care team's instructions Do not stop or change a medicine because of this checklist; follow your care team's instructions.
  Not needed
• Any refrigerated snacks or drinks your birth location allows
  Not needed