What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Complete Checklist (Plus What to Skip)

Around 32 weeks pregnant, everyone started asking me the same question: "Is your hospital bag packed yet?"

Here's the truth: you don't need much to have a baby. Got your uterus? You're basically set.

But if you're having a hospital birth, a few carefully chosen items can make your stay significantly more comfortable. After two hospital births and hearing from thousands of moms in our community, I've learned what's actually worth packing – and what you can leave at home.

Quick takeaway: Focus on comfort items your hospital won't provide (your pillow, shower shoes, good maxi pads), skip the stuff you won't use (jewelry, fancy going-home outfits), and don't stress about overpacking. Most hospitals provide basics like diapers and pads.

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for You

Your Pillow

Hospital pillows are thinner than communion wafers – probably so you can't smother anyone with them to collect your inheritance early. Bring your own pillow in a non-white pillowcase so it doesn't get confused with hospital property when you're in the bathroom trying to have your first postpartum poop.

Beyond comfort, your pillow smells like home, which is genuinely soothing during labor.

Slides or Crocs (Not Slippers)

A friend gave me game-changing advice: pack slides or Crocs instead of slippers because you can wear them in the shower. The shower in my hospital looked like a Stephen King movie set, and I was grateful not to go barefoot.

Plus, my feet swelled beyond the width of normal slippers. Those slides accommodated the charming loaves of bread formerly known as my feet.

Pro tip: Wear them with socks. I didn't see any "Victoria's Secret runway" signs, so haters could suck it.

Comfortable Bras

Pack a sports bra or nursing bra – whichever feels right for you. Your postpartum breasts will be different, and having containment options helps. I was so obsessed with breastfeeding my first time that a bra was the last thing on my mind, but they're small enough to tuck in your bag.

Better yet: Just wear one when you head to the hospital.

PJs and a Robe

I didn't wear mine because I wasn't in the hospital long, but having a piece of home helps you feel human again. There's only so long you can walk around in those sheer gowns with your butt hanging out before you lose your mind.

Note: If you pack your own hospital gown, hospitals may require you to change out of it if it's not easy to access in an emergency.

Ratty Underwear You Can Toss

Bring something you can throw out or burn later. You'll be wearing heavy-duty maxi pads to deal with lochia (postpartum bleeding), so skip the thongs. Some hospitals provide mesh underwear, but you might prefer something else for the ride home.

Best choice: Maternity underwear guarantees a comfortable fit.

Quality Maxi Pads

Most hospitals supply pads, but they're thick and diaper-like – like they're shipped in ACME crates. I preferred ones with wings and modern technology. That said, hospital pads are free, so stock up if they don't bother you.

Some moms swear by adult diapers, but I found them less absorbent for postpartum bleeding (they're designed for urine, not heavy flow).

Nursing Pads

Originally on my "don't bother" list until commenters convinced me otherwise. They don't take up space, and you can use them as coasters if you don't need them for milk leakage.

A Towel (The Multi-Tool of Hospital Stays)

Sit on it during labor if your water breaks
Use it in the shower
Cover questionable pillows or couch arms
Always useful in unpredictable situations

For your car: Leave a trash bag in your glove box to sit on if your water breaks before or during the drive. Saves on detailing costs.

Complete Toiletries Kit

Pack everything you'd take for an overnight trip:

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Soap and deodorant
Hairbrush, hair ties, or headband
Lotion and lip balm (hospitals are dry)
Contact lens solution and case
Glasses
Prescription medications

Don't add chapped lips to the list of gross moments that come with birth.

Nipple Cream or Lanolin

If you're planning to breastfeed, toss some in your bag just in case. The road can be rocky, and having it on hand helps.

Makeup (Optional)

I thought it seemed petty and "who was I kidding?", but plenty of moms want makeup for photos. Pack it if it matters to you and skip it if it doesn't.

Gum and Gatorade

Hospitals pump in desert-dry air. I ate ice chips by the metric ton during labor, but gum and Gatorade hit differently when you're not allowed to eat.

Partner tip: Gum saves you from screaming, "Your breath smells like a hot dumpster!" when your spouse drinks a gallon of coffee, then gets in your face to coach your breathing.

Snacks

If you're in labor, you likely won't be allowed to eat in case you need emergency surgery. But if you get the green light to nibble, have something delicious on hand so you're not stuck with hospital applesauce at 3am.

Hard candies work great for quick energy.

Photo ID and Insurance Card

Self-explanatory, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to forget these.

Tech Essentials

Cell phone for games and communication during labor limbo
Extra-long charger (outlets are always football fields away)
Pen (always scarce when you need to fill out forms)
Phone numbers so your partner can call people while you play on your phone

Birth Plan (Keep It Simple)

My birth plan was "to have a baby," but it helps to have a general plan of what you'd like (or don't want) so everyone's on the same page. I have a template in my Countdown to Baby Prep Kit.

Camera or Phone for Photos

Someone will want to see this kid. Capture a few moments—even just on your phone. Check out my post on 100 Photo Ideas for Your Baby's 'Fresh 48' in the Hospital for inspiration.

Realistic Going-Home Outfit

Let me be really straight: you're not leaving the hospital in pre-baby clothes. Pack something clean and comfortable. That's it.

Maxi dress
Yoga pants and t-shirt
Nun Halloween costume

Doesn't matter. Just make it comfy.

Big Sibling Gift (If Applicable)

If you have older children, consider a gift "from the baby" for when they visit. They'll feel displaced over the next few months, so this helps introduce them to their new sibling.

Check out Best Big Brother or Big Sister Gift Ideas

What to Pack for Baby

Diapers

Most hospitals provide some, but bring your own (cloth or disposable). Pack both newborn and size 1 – my 10-pound baby never fit the smaller size.

Wipes

Hospitals may or may not supply these, so have them on hand.

Pacifiers

I was anti-pacifier until my son was born and my milk didn't come in. Pacifiers are awesome, and I'll fight that to the death.

Take a few different kinds to test, though one of my kids loved them and the other didn't care. They're small enough to pack regardless.

Scratch Mittens (Maybe)

Newborns have wafer-thin nails, and I recommend waiting until you're "with it" before trimming them – there's barely a difference between nail and skin. My kids scratched themselves, but not all babies are born with talons.

In a pinch: Use socks or a sleeper with fold-over hand covers.

Hat

Hospitals often provide one, but take a backup. I didn't use hats much at home, but people believe in baby hats with old-lady vengeance, and a hat war was low on my priority list.

Receiving Blanket

Like a towel, receiving blankets serve multiple purposes:

Swaddling baby
Nursing cover
Wiping little mouths, hands, feet
Car seat sun cover when leaving

You can't go wrong.

Simple Going-Home Outfit

I went all out the first time and dressed my baby like he was meeting the queen. Big mistake. I didn't factor in the inexperience of dressing a newborn less than 24 hours after giving birth – it was awkward for both of us.

Keep it simple:

Onesie or sleeper
Zippers or snaps (skip buttons)
Make sure car seat clips can fit between baby's legs (skip sleep sacks)

Baby Book (Optional)

If you have a keepsake book and a kind nurse with time, you might score professional-quality footprints.

Nursing Pillow (Controversial)

I didn't originally include this because I think a home pillow is more important –you don't want to rent a U-haul for your hospital trip. But many moms list this as a must-have.

Breastfeeding can be tricky (it was for me), so every bit helps. Even if you don't bring it initially, put it in the car and send someone for it if needed.

Car Seat (Leave in Car)

No hospital will let you leave without one (unless you're taking the bus). Leave it in your car and bring it up when you're packing to leave.

Need help choosing? Check out our best car seat guide

Formula (Check Hospital Policy First)

Most hospitals have formula on hand, but if you're using a specific brand or specialty formula, bring it. Check your hospital's policies beforehand.

What Your Partner Needs

Overnight Essentials

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Underwear
Pillow
Blanket or sleeping bag

True story: My friend's husband packed his hockey jersey, toothpaste (no toothbrush), and a pair of her socks. I kid you not.

Your partner can likely leave and take care of themselves, but emergency essentials help if they unhinge during the birth flurry.

What NOT to Take to the Hospital

Jewelry

You'll need to remove it and leave it unattended. Just leave it home.

Baby Grooming Items

Nail clippers, snot suckers, soother clips, etc. can all wait until you're home. You won't need them at the hospital.

Thank You Gifts for Hospital Staff

It's always a nice gesture to thank your hospital staff, especially nurses who do a lot of gross stuff for you.

Ideas that pack easily:

Jar of Hershey's Kisses (my go-to)
Basket of shelf-stable snacks (granola bars, fruit, crackers)
Anything that doesn't need refrigeration

Even something small says, "Thank you for holding a bedpan while I vomited. I really appreciated that."

The Bottom Line

What someone finds essential, someone else will find frivolous. This list gives you options based on real experience – mine and thousands of other moms who've been through it.

Remember: You don't need everything. You just need what makes you comfortable.

Want the free printable checklist? I'm happy to email it to you so you can check items off as you pack.

About the Author: Amy Morrison is the founder of Pregnant Chicken and mom of two boys. She's been writing about pregnancy and new parenthood since 2010, combining humor with practical advice from real experience.

Updated February 2026.