Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Baby and Partner

Your hospital bag checklist

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Paperwork and basics

• Photo IDFor check-in.
• Insurance cardPlus any pre-registration paperwork the hospital sent.
• Birth preferences, printedA copy for you and one for the nurses, if you made one.
• Phone charger with a long cordOutlets are often far from the bed.
• Glasses or contact case
• A card or a little cashFor vending machines, parking or the cafeteria.

For mom

• RobeEasy to open for skin-to-skin and feeding.Compare options
• Nightgown or pajamas that open in frontCompare options
• Nursing bras (two)Compare options
• Breast padsCompare options
• Nipple balmCompare options
• Nursing pillowBulky, so some parents leave it in the car until they need it.Compare options
• Disposable or stretchy postpartum underwear Hospital often providesMany hospitals give out mesh underwear. Extra pairs from home can feel more comfortable.Compare options
• Postpartum pads Hospital often providesHospitals usually supply pads during the stay. Bring your own for the ride home.Compare options
• Peri bottle Vaginal birth Hospital often providesOften handed out by the hospital. Ask whether you can take it home.Compare options
• High-waisted briefs C-sectionA waistband that sits above the incision area.Compare options
• C-section recovery items C-sectionAsk your care team which ones they suggest.Compare options
• Postpartum belly binder C-sectionAsk your care team whether and when to use one.Compare options
• Slippers or grippy socks Hospital often providesHospital socks are usually provided.
• Loose going-home outfitSomething you wore around six months pregnant usually fits.Compare options
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Dry shampoo and hair ties
• Lip balmHospital air is dry.
• Face wipesCompare options
• Your own pillow, in a colored caseA colored case keeps it from getting mixed up with hospital linens.
• Snacks and a water bottle with a strawAsk your care team what you can eat and when.
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Headphones and a playlist
• Shower shoes
• Breast pump and parts Hospital often providesMany hospitals have a pump to use during the stay. Some parents bring theirs to learn how it fits.Compare options

For baby

• Rear-facing infant car seat, installedMany hospitals ask to see one before you leave. Installation: see NHTSA.Compare options
• Going-home outfit, in two sizesNewborn and 0–3 months, since you won’t know the size until baby arrives.Compare options
• Hat Hospital often providesHospitals often give one. Bring your own if you want photos in it.Compare options
• Scratch mittensCompare options
• Socks or bootiesCompare options
• Swaddle blanket Hospital often providesHospitals usually swaddle in their own blankets. Bring one for photos or the ride home.Compare options
• Blanket for the car seat rideFor the ride home, see the AAP's winter car seat tips.
• Newborn diapers Hospital often providesHospitals usually supply them during the stay.Compare options
• Wipes Hospital often providesCompare options
• Burp cloths Hospital often providesCompare options
• PacifierAsk your care team about timing if you’re breastfeeding.Compare options
• Bottles and formula Hospital often providesHospitals usually provide formula if you use it. Ask before packing your own.Compare options
• Baby nail fileCompare options
• Keepsake items: milestone card, footprint kitCompare options

For your partner

• Change of clothes and pajamas
• Toiletries
• Pillow and a light blanketPartner beds are often a pull-out chair.
• Snacks and drinks
• Phone charger and a power bank
• Their own daily medicines
• SwimsuitIf you plan to be in the shower or tub with them.
• Parking pass or change