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:  

• Mp3player/music dock/relaxing 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 prenatal resources for you:

Doula tips for labor

Your pregnancy map: a checklist of essentials

The top five foods for pregnancy