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Hospital Bag Checklist (Free Printable)
A complete, printable hospital bag checklist for labor and after birth — for you, your baby, and your partner. Pack from ~36 weeks; print one page, tick as you go.
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This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or doctor about your child.
Aligned with AAP, WHO, NHS and CDC guidance.
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When to pack: aim to have the bag ready by ~36 weeks. Keep it by the door (or in the car) so you are not searching for things in early labor. If you can, pack two separate bags — one for labor itself, one for after birth — but a single well-organized bag works fine.
For you — labor and birth
- ID and insurance card
- Hospital pre-registration papers
- Birth plan (copies for staff)
- Pregnancy notes / maternity record
- List of medications
- Comfortable nightgown or birth dress
- Robe and warm socks
- Slippers / non-slip flip flops
- Hair tie or headband
- Lip balm — labor is dehydrating
- Snacks for early labor (check your hospital's policy)
- Water bottle with sport-top straw
- Phone + extra-long charging cable
- Headphones and a calm playlist
- Massage tools or tennis ball for back pressure
- Toothbrush + toothpaste, deodorant
- Face wash, moisturizer
- Hair brush and any hair products
- Glasses (skip contacts during labor)
- Mild shampoo + conditioner
For you — after birth
- Nursing bras (2–3)
- Loose, dark pajamas / nightshirts
- Underwear (the hospital ones are surprisingly good — bring a few extras anyway)
- Going-home outfit — loose, still maternity-sized
- Socks
- Heavy maternity pads (hospital provides some; bring backup)
- Nipple cream (lanolin or similar)
- Breast pads
- Peri bottle (often provided; bring your own if preferred)
- Stool softener if your provider recommended one
For baby
- Approved infant car seat (installed before labor)
- Going-home outfit + a backup size
- Hat and mittens (even in summer)
- Soft swaddle blanket
- Weather-appropriate cover for the car seat
- 2–3 newborn-size onesies / sleepers
- Socks and a soft hat for hospital warmth
- Newborn diapers (hospital provides some)
- Pacifier if you plan to use one
- Formula and bottles if you are formula-feeding
For your partner / support person
- Change of clothes (labor can be long)
- Toiletries + toothbrush
- Snacks and drinks they actually like
- Phone + charger
- Cash and parking change
- Pillow from home for sleeping in the chair
- Light blanket
- Camera if you want photos beyond your phone
- List of who to call/text afterwards
- Anything they will need for a quick run home
A few honest tips
- You will use less than half of what you pack — that is normal. Better to have it.
- Hospitals provide most baby essentials (diapers, blankets, formula sample); bring your own only if you have preferences.
- Install the car seat 2–4 weeks before your due date. Many fire stations check it for free.
- Keep your phone, ID, and a small "labor day" pouch in a single grab spot for the dash to the hospital.
This printable is general guidance. Follow your hospital's specific list and your provider's instructions for your pregnancy.
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