Guide
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: A Checklist
Packing a hospital bag a few weeks before your due date means one less thing to think about when labor starts. Here is a simple, practical checklist. Keep it light; the hospital provides a lot.
For labor and for you
Photo ID and insurance card, your birth plan, a phone and charger, a comfortable robe and socks, lip balm and hair ties, toiletries, glasses if you wear them, and a going-home outfit that fit you around month six. Snacks for your support person help too.
For your baby
An approved, installed car seat (you cannot leave without one), a going-home outfit and a hat, a couple of swaddle blankets, and any items your hospital does not provide. The hospital usually supplies diapers and basic baby care while you are there.
Documents and logistics
Bring your ID, insurance information, and any hospital pre-registration paperwork. If you use Materna, your record travels with you, so your team can see your prenatal history.
Materna provides maternal and women's health care and education. This is a general checklist; follow your hospital's specific guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I pack my hospital bag?
- Most people pack around 35 to 37 weeks, so it is ready if labor starts early. Keep it somewhere easy to grab.
- What is the one thing I cannot forget?
- An approved, properly installed infant car seat. Hospitals will not let you drive home without one.
- Do I need to bring diapers?
- Usually not for the hospital stay; most hospitals provide diapers and basic baby supplies while you are there. Bring what you need for the ride home.