Hospital Bag Checklist (2024)

The last thing you want when you are in labor is to discover you forgot to pack something. Use our free hospital bag checklist to ensure you pack everything you’ll need!

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A free hospital bag checklist printable that you can personalize before you print. You can download, print, or send the customized list by email.

Printable Hospital Bag Checklist Template for Labor and Delivery

Below you will find a printable hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery to ensure that you don’t forget anything you will need during labor and after delivery. This list includes items that both mom and baby will require.

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Printable Labor Bag Checklist

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If you want to edit this list then select the MS Word version. You can also download it and open it in Google Docs.

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There are many different borders available but you cannot edit the checklist template. If you want to edit the checklist, then see our free labor bag checklist maker.

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What to Pack in Hospital Bag?

When preparing a bag for labor, it’s essential to consider items that can provide comfort, support, and convenience during the process. Here are some suggested items to pack in your bag for labor:

  • Comfortable Clothing: Pack loose-fitting, comfortable clothes, such as a nightgown or a loose T-shirt and pants, for labor and postpartum recovery.
  • Slippers or Socks: Bring non-slip slippers or warm socks to keep your feet cozy during labor and for walking around the hospital.
  • Snacks and Drinks: Pack light snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up during labor. Opt for easily digestible options like granola bars, fruit, crackers, or electrolyte drinks.
  • Toiletries: Include essential toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hair ties, and a brush for freshening up during and after labor.
  • Entertainment: Bring items to help pass the time and distract yourself during the labor process, such as books, magazines, a tablet, or a portable music player.
  • Birth Plan and Important Documents: Carry copies of your birth plan, identification documents, insurance information, and any necessary medical records or paperwork.
  • Comfort Measures: Consider items that can provide comfort, such as a massage oil or lotion, a heating pad, a pillow, or a birthing ball. Check with your healthcare provider if any of these items are allowed in your specific birth setting.
  • Phone and Charger: Keep your phone and charger handy to stay connected with your loved ones and for capturing precious moments during labor and after the birth.
  • Nursing Bra and Breast Pads: If you plan to breastfeed, include a nursing bra and disposable or reusable breast pads for comfort and leakage prevention.
  • Postpartum Supplies: Pack maternity pads, disposable underwear, or comfortable underwear and any other postpartum supplies recommended by your healthcare provider.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider or childbirth educator for any specific recommendations based on your individual needs and birth plan.

Most women wonder what to pack in their hospital bag to ensure that they don’t forget anything that they will need before, during, or after labor. Print a hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery to ensure that your hospital bag is ready to go when you set off for the hospital.

This is a complete hospital bag list for mom, baby and mom’s partner. However, only the items that you select or add will appear on your printable checklist.

How to Make a Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby

The hospital bag checklist printable includes items for both baby and mom. However, the online list maker is customizable and only the items you select or add will appear on your list. Therefore, if you want to make a hospital bag checklist for baby, select only items from the baby category. When you save the list, only those items will appear.

When packing a hospital bag for your baby, it’s important to have essential items to keep them comfortable and cared for during their stay. Here’s a checklist of items to consider:

  • Onesies and Sleepers: Pack a few onesies and sleepers for your baby to wear during their time at the hospital. Choose soft, comfortable clothing suitable for newborns.
  • Swaddling Blankets: Bring a couple of lightweight, breathable swaddling blankets to keep your baby cozy and secure.
  • Hat and Socks: Pack a hat and socks to help regulate your baby’s body temperature and keep their head and feet warm.
  • Diapers and Wipes: Bring a supply of newborn-sized diapers and a travel pack of baby wipes. The hospital may provide some, but it’s good to have extras.
  • Burp Cloths or Cloth Diapers: Have a few burp cloths or cloth diapers on hand to clean up any spit-up or spills.
  • Nursing Supplies (if applicable): If you plan to breastfeed, pack nursing pads, lanolin cream for nipple care, and a nursing pillow for added comfort.
  • Formula and Bottles (if applicable): If you plan to use formula, bring pre-measured formula packets or bottles for your baby’s feeds.
  • Pacifiers (if desired): If you plan to use pacifiers, bring a couple of them. Check with your healthcare provider regarding their recommendations.
  • Going-Home Outfit: Choose a special outfit for your baby to wear when leaving the hospital. Ensure it’s weather-appropriate and easy to put on.
  • Car Seat: Install a properly sized and correctly installed car seat in your vehicle to ensure a safe journey home.

It’s worth noting that some hospitals provide certain essentials like diapers, wipes, and blankets, so check with your hospital in advance to confirm what is provided. Pack your baby’s items in a separate bag from your own to stay organized.

How to Make a Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom

The hospital bag checklist printable includes items for both the mom and the newborn baby. If you want to make a hospital bag checklist for mom, select only items from the mom category. When you save the list, only those items will appear.

How to Add Additional Items to Your Hospital Bag List

If there is anything else that you want to pack for baby or mom then just click on the “add text” button and drag the item to the relevant section.

How to Personalize your Hospital Bag Checklist

In addition to adding additional text (as described above) you can also add your name or change the title. Click on the text {name} and replace it with your name.

To change the title just click on the text that you want to change and type what you want to appear.

When should you prepare your bag?

It is generally recommended to start preparing your hospital bag for labor and delivery around the 36th week of pregnancy. This allows you to be ready in case of early labor or unexpected circ*mstances. However, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or follow any specific guidelines provided by your birthing facility.

By preparing your bag in advance, you can ensure that you have all the necessary items and reduce stress as your due date approaches. It’s also helpful to have a checklist to guide you in gathering everything you need. Make sure to include items for both yourself and your baby.

Remember, every pregnancy is different, and labor can happen at any time. Having your bag ready ahead of time can give you peace of mind and help you focus on the upcoming birth experience.

Should you put all the items into one bag?

We suggest you pack three bags. One for the baby, one for labor and one for after delivery. This will enable you to find whatever you need during labor without going through the entire bag. You can even leave the second and third bags in the car until you need them.

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Hospital Bag Checklist (16)My name is Nicole and I created this website to share the tools that keep me organized and productive and help me reach my goals. I hope that you will find them helpful too.

Hospital Bag Checklist (2024)

FAQs

What are the must haves in my hospital bag? ›

Personal items:

Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, hair ties, and makeup (if you're planning to use it). Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.

How far along should you pack your hospital bag? ›

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.

How many adult diapers to bring to the hospital? ›

Diapers Are Not Just for Babies

You can also try adult diapers. If adult diapers aren't for you, and you're unsure about the hospital pads they will provide you for free, you might consider bringing 10-20 of your favorite brand of extra-large, extra absorbent, or overnight pads.

How many bottles should I pack in my hospital bag? ›

If you choose to bottle feed – you will need to bring enough pre-packed bottles of a readymade newborn formula into hospital with you to last for your stay. We recommend that you purchase at least one 'starter pack' of first infant milk containing 6 bottles and 6 teats.

What are the best snacks to bring to the hospital for labor? ›

Some of the best snacks for labour include:

Wholegrain toast, biscuits and crackers. Energy bars (be sure to check the sugar content). Breadsticks. Dried fruits and nuts.

Do you wear a bra during labor? ›

Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.

Is 32 weeks too early to wash baby clothes? ›

As for when during pregnancy you should pre-wash baby's clothes, Allison Cirillo, senior director of product integrity and technical design at Hanna Andersson, suggests doing so a couple of weeks to a month before delivery.

Is 32 weeks too early to pack hospital bag? ›

Pack your bag in advance

Try to have your bag packed by 8 months or 32 weeks. That way you'll be ready to go when you go into labor. Don't forget! Partners should also pack a bag of their own to ensure their time at the hospital is comfortable as well.

How many postpartum pads do I need? ›

While you don't know how long your bleeding will last, you can assume it may be for four weeks. For four weeks' worth of postpartum bleeding, with changing every four hours, you'll need a minimum of 150 pads. Any postpartum products you don't use can always be donated if you're worried about buying too many.

How many maternity pads do I need in my hospital bag? ›

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. 5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones. your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries.

Should you wear pads or diapers after giving birth? ›

Because of this, it's important to have plenty of large pads on-hand for the first few weeks postpartum, as well as some smaller pads or panty liners as the bleeding subsides. Some women prefer to use adult diapers rather than pads after delivery. Grab a few different items and see what works best for you.

When to start packing a hospital bag? ›

But if you're a planner like me and want to be ready for your little one's arrival, I'd suggest having your hospital bag packed between 36 and 38 weeks. If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy, for example, if you're having multiples (congrats!), you probably want to have your bag packed around 35 weeks.

How many outfits does a newborn need at the hospital? ›

Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate, to keep baby warm.

What to pack in hospital bag essentials? ›

2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. your wash bag – with toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair bands, hand sanitiser, body lotion and anything else you need. an eye mask may help you sleep on the brightly lit ward. towels.

What to bring to the hospital for someone who just had a baby? ›

In conclusion, a new mom in the hospital will appreciate any gift that can make her stay more comfortable and relaxed. Gifts like a cozy robe, slippers, nursing pillow, blanket, and compression socks can help her feel more at home.

How many outfits should I bring to the hospital for a baby? ›

Here's what not to bring to the hospital when you're ready to deliver: Too much clothing for you or the baby. Choose one outfit each and leave the rest at home.

What should I pack in my hospital bag for surgery? ›

Comfort is key, so when you're packing, remember pajamas, a robe, front-button shirts, sweatpants or leggings, non-slip socks or slippers, a pair of shower shoes or flip flops, and a hoodie or cardigan. You'll need clothes to wear home with a pair of comfortable shoes.

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