Preparing for your baby’s arrival is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey. One of the most important steps in your third trimester is packing your hospital bag. Whether you’re a...
Preparing for your baby’s arrival is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey. One of the most important steps in your third trimester is packing your hospital bag. Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned parent, having a well-organized, comprehensive hospital bag checklist ensures you’re ready for anything—so you can focus on welcoming your little one with peace of mind.
This guide from The Mom Store is designed to be the most detailed, informed, and user-friendly hospital bag checklist available. We’ve combined the latest search trends to help you pack with confidence. Plus, we’ll show you how to personalize your checklist for different birth scenarios, seasons, and family needs.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
Hospital Bag Essentials: Quick Checklist
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
Hospital Bag Checklist for Partner/Support Person
Special Scenarios: C-Section, Twins, and More
Seasonal and Regional Packing Tips
Expert Tips: What Hospitals Provide vs. What to Bring
FAQs: Your Top Hospital Bag Questions Answered
Downloadable Hospital Bag Checklist PDF
Experts recommend packing your hospital bag by 34–36 weeks of pregnancy—or earlier if you have risk factors for preterm labor. This ensures you’re prepared for any surprises and can avoid last-minute stress .
Tip: Keep your bag in an easily accessible spot and let your partner or support person know where it is.
Here’s a high-level overview of what you’ll need. For a detailed, item-by-item breakdown, keep reading!
Hospital paperwork, ID, insurance
Comfortable clothing (maternity nightwear, robe, slippers)
Nursing bras and breast pads
Toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, lip balm, etc.)
Maternity pads and underwear
Snacks and water bottle
Phone and charger
Personal comfort items (pillow, eye mask)
Going-home outfit (2 sizes)
Swaddles and blankets
Diapers and wipes
Baby cap, mittens, socks
Baby toiletries (gentle wash, lotion)
Car seat (for discharge)
Change of clothes
Toiletries
Snacks and drinks
Entertainment (book, headphones)
Phone and charger
Packing for yourself is about balancing comfort, practicality, and postpartum care. Here’s what to include:
Photo ID, insurance card, hospital paperwork, and birth plan
Keep these in a folder or pouch for easy access.
Maternity nightgown or birthing gown
Shop Maternity Nightwear
Robe and slippers
Shop Maternity Robe & Pajama Set & Loungewear
Nursing bras and breast pads
Shop Nursing Bras
Comfortable underwear (high-waisted for C-section moms)
Shop Maternity Innerwear
Socks (non-slip for hospital floors)
Going-home outfit (loose, weather-appropriate)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair ties
Lip balm (hospital air can be dry)
Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Maternity pads (hospital provides, but you may prefer your own)
Nipple cream (for breastfeeding comfort)
Pillow with a colored pillowcase (to distinguish from hospital pillows)
Eye mask and earplugs (for better rest)
Phone and charger (long cable recommended)
Reusable water bottle
Snacks (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit)
Book, magazine, or playlist for relaxation
Sentimental item (e.g., a small keepsake or photo for comfort)
Maternity pads and disposable underwear
Shop Postpartum Essentials
Nursing pillow (optional, for breastfeeding support)
Shop Nursing pillow
Compression wrap or belly band (especially for C-section recovery, if recommended by your doctor)
Shop Compression Warp or Belly Band
Your newborn needs just a few essentials, as most hospitals provide the basics. Here’s what to pack:
2–3 onesies or bodysuits (in newborn and 0–3 month sizes)
Shop Onesies
Going-home outfit (weather-appropriate)
Cap, mittens, and socks
Shop Newborn Clothing
2–3 muslin swaddles or receiving blankets
Shop Swaddles
Warm blanket (for winter or air-conditioned environments)
Shop Blankets
Diapers and wipes (hospital usually provides, but bring your preferred brand)
Shop Diapers and wipes
Diaper rash cream/Nappy Rash Protection Oil
Nappy Rash Protection Oil
Burp cloths and bibs
Shop Burp Clothes and Bibs
Formula and bottles (if not breastfeeding; check hospital policy)
Baby wash and lotion (gentle, hypoallergenic)
Nail file or baby mittens (to prevent scratching)
Rear-facing car seat (required for discharge)
Document folder (for baby’s birth records and vaccination card)
A prepared partner is a supportive partner! Here’s what they should pack:
Change of clothes and comfortable shoes
Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes)
Snacks and drinks (for long waits)
Entertainment (book, tablet, headphones)
Phone and charger
List of important contacts
Pillow and light blanket (optional, for overnight stays)
Cash or card (for parking, vending machines)
High-waisted underwear and loose clothing (to avoid incision irritation)
Compression wrap or belly band (if recommended)
Extra snacks and high-fiber foods (to help with post-surgery digestion)
Longer hospital stay essentials (extra clothes, toiletries)
Double the baby essentials (outfits, swaddles, diapers)
Extra support items (more snacks, larger bag)
Medical records and medication list
Adaptive clothing (easy to put on/take off)
Special feeding or care items (as advised by your doctor)
Summer: Lightweight, breathable fabrics for both mom and baby; portable fan or cooling towel (if allowed)
Winter: Extra layers, warm socks, thick blanket for the car ride home
Rainy/Humid Climates: Waterproof bag, quick-dry fabrics, insect repellent patches (if hospital policy allows)
Regional Differences: Always check with your hospital for specific policies and what they provide
Hospitals typically provide:
Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo)
Maternity pads and mesh underwear
Diapers and wipes for baby
Swaddling blankets and baby hats
Formula (if needed)
You may want to bring your own:
Preferred brands of pads, diapers, or toiletries
Special snacks or drinks
Personal comfort items (pillow, blanket, entertainment)
Sentimental or cultural items
Tip: Call your hospital ahead of time to confirm what’s provided and what’s allowed .
A: By 34–36 weeks, or earlier if you have risk factors for preterm labor .
A: 2–3 outfits in different sizes (newborn and 0–3 months) to account for size variations .
A: Most hospitals provide pumps if needed, but you can bring your own if you have a preference.
A: Pack high-waisted underwear, loose clothing, and extra snacks for recovery .
A: Don’t worry, hospitals provide most essentials, and your partner or family can bring items later if needed.
Download your printable hospital bag checklist here!
At The Mom Store, we understand that every birth is unique. Our curated selection of hospital bag must-haves is designed to make your journey smoother, safer, and more comfortable. Shop with us for quality, convenience, and the support of a community that cares.
Packing your hospital bag is a milestone moment in your pregnancy journey. With this comprehensive, medically informed, and parent-approved checklist, you’ll be ready for anything the big day brings. For more tips, product recommendations, and support, explore our Motherhood & Parenting Blog.
Wishing you a safe, joyful, and memorable birth experience!
Ready to start packing? Shop Hospital Bag Essentials at The Mom Store today!
