Hospital bag - checklist & tips to organize

If you’re planning to give birth at a hospital or a birth center, it's a good idea to pack a bag ahead of time for delivery and the time after. But what should you pack, and how should you plan to stay away?

How long will you stay in the hospital?

A delivery can last anywhere from a few hours to 2-3 days. How long you stay afterward depends on the clinic’s procedures, how the birth went, and how both mother and baby are doing.

In some cases, you might be able to go home as early as about 6 hours after birth. However, many choose to stay one or two nights, and in some cases, you may need to stay longer. If you would need a longer stay, you could plan to let your partner or a family member bring additional items from home.

Divide the hospital bag into different sections

A good tip is to pack one bag for the birth and another for postnatal care and the baby. During labor, you can set aside the postnatal bag, so you only have the essentials close by. Also, pack in a way that makes it easy for both the staff and your support person, such as your partner or doula, to find what you need.

Hospital Bag Checklist

For birth:

Checklist for the pregnant person - labor:

• ID

• Birth plan (2 copies in a plastic sleeve)

• Water bottle

• 1-2 changes of soft, comfortable clothes that are dark and easy to clean (as a complement to or instead of the gown provided by the clinic)

• A warmer sweater

• Bathrobe or kimono

• Extra socks (they tend to get wet)

• Extra hair ties

• Indoor shoes or slippers

• Warm socks

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Lip balm

• Face cleanser & moisturizer

• Phone, charger & possibly a power bank

• Massage oil (e.g., almond oil)

• Perineal spray bottle (for easier cleanup after using the bathroom post-delivery)

• Snacks & drinks

Other things you might consider bringing:

• Your own large, soft underwear

• Fairy lights or string lights

• 2-3 thin scarves in warm colors to drape over bright lights or screens (always ask first)

• Sleep mask

• Portable speaker (might be available at the clinic— check ahead)

• Samarin (can help reduce lactic acid in the uterus and promote contractions)

• Coconut water or electrolyte powder

• Things that tend to help you with nausea, for example chewing gum

• 2 combs (for pain relief)

• Heating pad

• Hand fan or portable fan

If you want to bathe or give birth in water:

• Terry cloth bathrobe

• Sports top or bikini top (if that makes you feel more comfortable)

Checklist for your partner or support person - labor:

• 1-2 changes of soft, comfortable clothes (dark and easy to clean)

• A thick sweater (dark and easy to clean)

• 2 pairs of extra socks (they tend to get wet)

• Indoor shoes or slippers

• Sleep mask

• Water bottle

• Phone & charger

• Snacks & drinks

Other things you might consider bringing:

• Swimwear (if you want to be in the pool as well)

• Terry cloth bathrobe

Checklist for the baby - labor:

The baby usually doesn’t need anything special during the delivery, except their parents. They are typically placed skin-to-skin with a towel or blanket and a diaper. Towels, blankets (regular hospital blankets for adults), and diapers are usually available at the clinic.

You may also consider bringing:

• A soft baby blanket (perhaps one that you have worn under your shirt so it smells like you)

Postnatal Care:

Checklist for postnatal care - for the parent(s):

• Soft and comfortable clothes for 3-4 days (think breastfeeding-friendly = easy to open for skin-to-skin contact)

• Underwear & socks

• 3 soft nursing bras

• Your own large underwear (if you don’t want to use just the mesh underwear provided)

• Nursing pads

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Skincare products

• Hairbrush

• Hair ties

Checklist for the baby - postnatal care:

• 5-6 sets of soft indoor clothing

• Outerwear & hat for the trip home (appropriate for the season)

• Infant car seat

• Baby wipes

• Nail file

You may also consider bringing:

• Baby nest

• Soft wrap or baby carrier for newborns

What’s usually available at the hospital or birthing center?

What’s available can vary depending on the clinic. Ask your midwife about what’s provided at the clinic where you plan to give birth. Typically, you’ll find the following:

• Pain relief (ibuprofen and paracetamol)

• Hospital gown

• Large towels

• Small towels (for things like a cold towel for your forehead)

• Pilates ball

• Beanbag chair

• Large pads (for water break and postpartum bleeding)

• Mesh underwear

• Diapers for the baby

• Hospital blankets

• Sheets

• Pillows

• Duvets (on the postnatal ward, not during labor)

• Waterproof pads

• Paper towels

• Glasses, mugs, plates, cutlery, pitchers, trays, etc.

• Straws

• Fridge & microwave (usually in communal areas)

• Plastic bags

• Sick bags

• Plastic bassinet on wheels for the baby

• Sandwiches & toppings

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (though sometimes at set times, and the type and quality of food can vary greatly)

• Juice or cordial

• Coffee and black tea

Usually available:

• Gym mats to place on the floor (don’t bring a yoga mat; hospital floors aren’t sanitary)

Sometimes available, but not always:

• Baby nest & covers

• Simple baby wraps for baby wearing

• Milkshake or smoothie

Tips for Snacks for the Hospital Bag

Prepare a variety of options

During labor (especially if you don’t have an epidural), your appetite can be low, and it might be hard to eat. It’s good to prepare a variety of options so there’s a higher chance something will appeal to you. Think of sweet, salty, and savory foods you enjoy. That way, there’s a better chance you’ll want to take a few bites during labor. There’s usually a fridge for patients where you can store your food.

Choose energy-dense snacks with fat and protein

When choosing snacks for labor, it’s good to pick foods that you enjoy and that also contain fat and protein. These provide slow-burning energy and calories that last longer. Since it can be hard to eat large amounts, it’s a good idea to bring snacks that are energy-dense, meaning even a few bites provide a substantial amount of calories that your body can burn and use.

When Should You Pack the Hospital Bag?

When should you aim to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go? From about week 39 (38+0 to 38+6), the chances of labor starting increase with each passing week. It can be comforting to have your bag packed and ready by the door well before then, except for items you use every day.

Tip: Make a list of the items you haven’t packed yet, the ones you can’t pack until the last minute (like toiletries), and place it on top of your bag. This will make it easier to grab the final items before heading out.