Hospital bag checklist: What do you really need?

As your pregnancy advances, you’re probably learning more about labor and delivery. You may have even started collecting baby gear to prepare for your little one’s arrival. But what comes with you to the hospital? And when should you have your bag ready? 

When to pack your hospital bag

How soon you pack your hospital bag is up to you. There’s some flexibility, but it’s helpful to have your overnight bag ready ahead of your due date. You never know when your baby may arrive. Having a bag packed beforehand can lower stress levels and make sure you have what you want during labor and delivery.

It’s usually a good practice to pack a bag no later than week 38 of pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may want to pack it a few weeks earlier.

Mom’s hospital bag checklist

Your hospital bag should have the essentials, but there’s no need to overpack. 

Treat it like packing for an overnight. For a vaginal delivery, you’ll usually spend one or two nights in the hospital. For a cesarean section (C-section), it’s usually three or four nights. Pack what you normally need for that amount of time.

It’s also helpful to call the hospital where you plan to deliver and ask what supplies they provide. Many hospitals give you a lot of the essentials, especially for postpartum care. You won’t need to pack things like pads, underwear or ice packs unless you prefer to have your own. 

You also can take a maternity tour or a birthing class, so you know the space you’ll stay in and can pack accordingly.

Consider adding the following items to your bag:

• Any items you plan to use during labor, such as an exercise ball 
• Documents
• Birth plan if you have one
• Hospital forms
• Insurance card
• Photo ID
• Cell phone and charger
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to wear at the hospital and when you go home (nightgown, sweater, robe and sweatpants or shorts)
• Nursing bra if you are breastfeeding
• Personal items, such as ear buds, music, your own towel, your own pillow or blanket, an eye mask and earplugs
• Prescription medications
• Socks or slip-on shoes 
• Snacks and water
• Toiletries, including a toothbrush, soap and glasses and contacts 

Baby’s hospital bag checklist

The hospital provides most of what your baby needs during your stay, but you’ll need to bring:

• A coming home outfit that’s weather-appropriate
• A properly installed infant car seat

The most important thing to remember to bring for your baby is the infant car seat. The State of Florida requires you to have an approved, properly installed car seat before the hospital can discharge you.

Partner’s hospital bag checklist

Your partner also should pack an overnight bag based on how long you might stay at the hospital. Some helpful items include:

• A camera and charger
• Entertainment, such as books or games
• Overnight items, including toiletries and a change of clothes
• A shirt that opens in the front for skin-to-skin time with the baby

You’ll spend a lot of the time in the hospital resting, recovering and holding your baby. But there will likely be plenty of downtime, so think about if you want anything like a book, journal or something to do.

Plan for labor and delivery

HCA Florida Healthcare has a team of expert OB/GYNs and midwives to answer all your questions — from prenatal vitamins to labor and delivery care. We also have classes and events to help you prepare for birth and after delivery. 

As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, our extensive network is home to everyone from OB/GYNs and midwives to high-risk pregnancy doctors and neonatologists.