What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

If you’re around 35-36 weeks pregnant, you’re most likely starting to think about packing that hospital bag. Maybe you have a duffle on your bedroom floor and you’re tossing a few items in it when you think about it. Or maybe you’re procrastinating hard, and plan to pack in early labor. If you happen to feel a tad overwhelmed by this chore- we’ve created a list for you to make it easier. Having things organized and ready to go will help you feel more at ease when the big day arrives. 

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Hospital bag musts:

• Medications/ prenatal vitamins
• Personal toiletries
• Warm socks
• Nursing bras
• Outfit to wear home- comfortable/maternity
• Cosmetics
• 2 extra pillows
• Breastfeeding book for reference
• Contact lenses/solution/case if applicable
• Birth plan/preferences
• Phone charger
• Your photo ID and insurance card easily accessible 
• Remember: leave valuable jewelry at home

Nice to have: 

• Bluetooth speaker / relaxing or energizing music
• Birth ball
• Eye mask
• Slippers- that you can throw away
• Belly band

And we haven’t forgotten about your partner/support person. We’ve got them covered as well: 

• Handy snacks
• Hydrating drinks
• Toiletries
• Change of clothes
• Call/email list to announce birth
• Pre-registration paperwork if applicable
• Breath mints
• Comfy shoes
• Extra sweater/sweatshirt- dress in layers
• Phone charger
• Treats for the nurses

Hospital bag: for your little one

They don’t need much. The hospital will have plenty of diapers for you- but you’ll want some super comfy outfits to dress your baby to bring him/her home in. 

• Outfit to come home 
• Extra outfit
• Receiving blanket
• Hat
• Socks
• Undershirt/ onesie (2)
• Mittens
• Infant car seat

Here are some things to keep handy and easily accessible: 

• Favorite lotion
• Chapstick or lip ointment
• Hair ties or clips
• Comb or hairbrush

Last, but not least- a list of snacks to have on hand for early labor, and for your support person. 

• Gatorade/recharge- for mom
• Coconut water- for mom 
• Food bars
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Apples/oranges/bananas
• Instant miso soup/small containers of chicken broth
• Yogurt
• Hummus and crackers

We hope this list helps you as you pack your hospital bag (or bags!) for the big day. Anything that is a must for you that isn’t listed above?

More resources to support your pregnancy journey:

Your Pregnancy Map: A Checklist of Prenatal Essentials

Doula tips for labor

The Top 5 Foods for Pregnancy

Questions to ask your NYC doula

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