Hospital Bag Checklist

25 items · Health · Easy difficulty · 1 hour

A printable hospital bag list for labor and birth: documents, labor comforts, what you need after, the baby's car seat and outfit, and your partner's bag.

• Ask the hospital what it provides and what it does not allow

  Rules differ between hospitals. Candles and other open flames are not allowed, and many supply pads, diapers and wipes.

• Pre-register with the hospital, if it offers that
• Pack your photo ID and insurance card
• Pack copies of your birth plan, if you have one
• Write a list of your medicines and allergies
• Save the labor and delivery phone number in your phone

  Also check which entrance to use at night, since the main doors may be locked after hours.

• Pack a phone charger with a long cable

  The outlet is often a long way from the bed.

• Pack a robe or loose top, and socks or slippers with grip
• Pack lip balm and hair ties

  Hospital air is dry, and you may be breathing through your mouth for hours.

• Pack glasses and a contact lens case, if you wear them
• Ask your provider whether you can eat or drink during labor, and pack snacks if so
• Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo
• Pack high-waisted underwear and a pack of maternity pads
• Pack nursing bras or soft bras, and nursing pads
• Pack a loose outfit to go home in

  Choose something that fit you at about six months pregnant.

• Bring a pillow from home in a bright pillowcase, if the hospital allows it

  The color keeps it from going off with the hospital laundry.

• Install a rear-facing infant car seat in the car

  You need one to drive the baby home, and fitting it during labor is harder than it sounds.

• Have the car seat installation checked

  In the US, certified child passenger safety technicians check car seats, often for free.

• Pack a going-home outfit for the baby in newborn and 0 to 3 month sizes

  You will not know which size fits until the baby arrives.

• Pack a hat, socks and a blanket for the baby, suited to the weather

  In the car seat, buckle the harness first and lay the blanket over it, never under the straps.

• Pack a few diapers and wipes for the trip home
• Have your birth partner pack a change of clothes, toiletries and their own medicines
• Have your partner pack snacks, a water bottle and payment for parking
• Leave jewelry and other valuables at home
• Put the finished bag by the door or in the car

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.