Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack in Hospital Bag (2024)

When to Pack a Hospital Bag

While timing is important, you do have some flexibility in deciding when to pack your hospital bag. But, like so many other things, this will vary from person to person based on their individual circ*mstances. “If a woman has a high risk pregnancy and her OB feels she may go into labor early—for example, an expectant mom of twins—I’d recommend packing at around 35 weeks,” says Nicole Randazzo-Ahern, MD, medical director of the newborn nursery at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. “In other cases, I’d recommend somewhere between 37 and 38 weeks. This way your basics are there should labor begin early and modifications can always be made if needed.”

However, it’s a good idea to not wait until after 38 weeks: You want to have that hospital bag ready to go whenever baby is due. Of course, if you want to get a jumpstart on things, by all means start earlier—when to pack a hospital bag is up to you!

According to Randazzo-Ahern, mothers who give birth vagin*lly typically stay in the hospital for one to two days. You would likely need to wait closer to three or four days if you gave birth via c-section. When choosing what to pack in your hospital bag, keep the length of your stay in mind. A tip for the frugal: Ask your hospital what services they offer for mothers and cross those items off your list for your hospital bag. Otherwise, shop around for discounts and specials on the items you’ll need, then use the following mom’s hospital bag checklist.

The Bump’s How to Pack Your Hospital Bag Video:

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Here are the necessities you should gather so there is no last-minute rush to pack a suitcase in between contractions if you are wondering what to pack in your hospital bag for labor.

When you are having a baby, mental tranquility is very important. If you prepare ahead of time (freeze the lasagna, wash and fold the burp cloths), it will help ease your anxiety about this momentous, life-altering occasion.

Add a hospital bag filled with the necessities before you head to the hospital or birthing facility to this list of preparation items. Your upcoming birth won’t likely be as frantic as those depicted in movies, but your baby may still be born faster than usual or even on the early side. Therefore, take precautions and be ready with a hospital bag that is at least a few weeks in advance of your due date. Place it by the front door or in the trunk of your car.

As a result, you won’t have to rush to pack once you go into labor. Check out what you’ll need for your own labor and delivery as well as some practical equipment for that new baby and your partner to learn what to pack in your essential catchall!

What to pack in a hospital bag for labor

When it’s time to go to the hospital, there are only a few things that are absolutely necessary, and then there are some other things that are nice to have on hand so you feel more comfortable. To help, we’ve broken down these lists accordingly.

Remember that the hospital will probably give you some freebies, including disposable mesh underwear, socks with a grip bottom, a gown to wear throughout and after labor, extra-thick sanitary pads, and a few basic toiletries (soap, a toothbrush). You might, however, prefer your own versions of these items or some extras, just in case.

Here is a longer list of items in each category that you might want to take out of your bag:

Depending on the weather and the size of your bag, your baby won’t need much more than something to wear home and his car seat, but here are a few additional items to think about:

There will be times during labor when your partner has little to do because it can be a long process. Here’s what might come in handy:

What’s in my Hospital Bag for Labor & Delivery + FREE CHECKLIST