The Ultimate Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist

Are you all set for the big day? Your baby might arrive earlier than expected, so it’s worth having your baby hospital bag organised and packed during month eight of your pregnancy − just in case.This checklist will help you prepare everything you’ll need for yourself and your new baby. Plus there’s a mini-checklist for birth partners as well. Perhaps pack your bags together so you can double-check that you’ll each have everything you might need. Once all the bags are packed, keep them handy, either in the car or near the door, so you'll be ready to go at a moment's notice.

Hospital Bag Essentials for the Birth Partner

As a birth partner you might also want to pack some things for your time supporting mom in the hospital:

Snacks and water. Labor can be thirsty work even for supportive partners. Consider packing some snacks and water, as well as change for the hospital vending machines.

Phone, camera and/or video camera, plus chargers and batteries. Don’t forget to pack a phone to stay in contact with loved ones, and for some entertainment during downtimes. The camera will come in handy to take some happy snaps. (Make sure the camera’s memory card has plenty of free space on it.)

Clothes. Labor is an unpredictable process, so a change of clothes is always a good idea, as you never know how long the stay will be.

Toiletries. After a long labor, you might need to freshen up in the shower. Most hospitals are fine with this, but you can confirm this beforehand.

Spare glasses or spare contact lenses. It might be a long day, so having spares of these essentials could come in handy.

Small pillow. You might appreciate getting a bit of rest during downtimes, as well.

Entertainment. Something to do: books, a tablet, and a music player are all good options.

Hospital Bag for Your Baby

Bodysuits. Hospital policies can vary on what newborns can be dressed in so consult with your doctor in advance about what to pack. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of accessories and layers. Remember, with bodysuits it’s a good idea to choose those that fasten up at the front.

Socks and booties. Newborns can get cold easily so take some socks and booties just in case. Even during skin-to-skin contact, your newborn can wear a hat and socks.

Blanket. The hospital will likely provide blankets, but a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.

Going-home outfit. Consider the weather conditions: a bodysuit, booties, and hat could be fine during the warmer months, but in winter, pack mittens and a jacket or snowsuit, as well.

Car seat. This obviously isn’t for the hospital bag, but the right car seat should be installed in your car around the same time you pack your baby bag so it’s ready for the hospital.

Want to see the full list and download it?

The Ultimate Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist

Hospital Bag for Mom: Labor and Delivery

Hospital Bag for Mom: After Delivery

Hospital Bag Essentials for the Birth Partner

Hospital Bag for Your Baby