erincohen Packing your maternity bag for the hospital is one of those exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) milestones in your pregnancy journey. Whether you’re a first-time mom or adding another bundle of joy to your family, having your maternity bag ready a few weeks before your due date is a must.
Think of it as your personal comfort kit and the first step in preparing for labor and delivery. This maternity hospital bag checklist covers everything you need for mom, dad, and baby, with plenty of practical advice to make you feel at ease and confident about what’s to come.
One bag. One big moment. One unforgettable adventure! Let’s begin with this maternity bag checklist.
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclosure here.
Maternity Bag for Mom
Let’s start with mom. After all, you’re doing the hard work, and you deserve to be pampered and prepared for every moment of your hospital stay.
Clothing Essentials:
- Robe: Soft, breathable, and easy to slip on. Perfect for staying cozy during your hospital stay and receiving visitors. I find this one to be super comfortable.
- Pajamas: Button-down options are ideal for nursing and make skin-to-skin contact easy. This pajama set I found comfortable while in the hospital and it comes in so many colors.
- Going home outfit: Choose something comfy and cute. A flowy dress or stretchy leggings with a top can be perfect, and don’t forget a face mask to match for added style and protection.
- Socks & slippers: Warm feet help you feel grounded and comfortable. Slip-on slippers are great for hospital hallways.
- Flip flops: Essential for hospital showers.
- Nursing bra: Provides support and makes feeding a breeze. During my hospital visit this is the one I used and loved.
- Postpartum underwear: Some hospitals provide mesh underwear, but many moms prefer bringing their own high-waisted, comfortable ones. I highly recommend you bring your own.
Related post: Baby Nursery Essentials
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste: Bring your favorite flavor and soft-bristled brush.
- Deodorant: You’ll want to stay fresh.
- Dry shampoo & body wash: Refreshing between showers.
- Face wash & lotion: A simple skincare routine can help you feel human again.
- Hair brush, ties, or clips: Keep your hair out of your face during labor.
- Lip balm: Hospitals are dry, and labor makes your lips even drier.
- Makeup & makeup remover wipes: For those post-birth photos or just to feel more like yourself.
- Nipple cream: A must-have for breastfeeding moms. My favorite that I use is here.
- Heavy maxi pads: The hospital provides some, but bringing your preferred brand offers peace of mind.
- Pre-natal vitamins: Continue taking them postpartum.
- Toilet paper: Hospital paper isn’t known for being soft.
- Face masks: For safety, comfort, and style.
You may enjoy: Wedding Captions For Instagram
Important Hospital Items:
- Hospital admittance papers: Keep them in a folder.
- Insurance information: Critical for check-in.
- Photo ID: Your license or any government-issued ID.
- Cord blood registry kit: If you’re participating in cord blood banking, bring your kit and paperwork.
Electronics:
- Extra-long cell phone charger: Outlets may not be conveniently located. So make sure you pack and extra-long charger cord.
- iPad or Kindle: Download your favorite shows, audiobooks, or games for entertainment.
Miscellaneous Must-Haves:
- Pillow & blanket: Hospital ones are functional but not cozy. Bring yours for better sleep.
- Bath towel: Softer and larger than what hospitals provide.
- Snacks & bottled water: Labor is long, and postpartum hunger is real. Granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix, and coconut water are great options.
- Belly bandit: For postpartum support and comfort.
- Boppy pillow: Helps with breastfeeding and holding the baby comfortably.
- Eye mask & earplugs: Great for sneaking in some sleep.
- Breast pads: Leakage happens, and these help you stay dry.
- Hand sanitizer & Clorox wipes: For a clean environment.
This mommy hospital bag checklist ensures you’re prepared, comfortable, and confident for your big day. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this!
You may enjoy: Two Word Captions For Couples
Maternity Bag for Dad
Dads are essential support systems during labor and recovery. Packing a hospital bag for dad helps them stay focused and comfortable.
Clothing:
- Sweats or joggers: Cozy and practical.
- T-shirt or hoodie: Layers help for fluctuating room temperatures.
- Going home outfit: Clean clothes after days in the hospital are a gift.
- Socks & underwear: Bring extras just in case.
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant: Basic hygiene keeps everyone happy.
- Shampoo, face wash: Especially for longer stays.
- Face mask: For safety in common areas.
Related post: Babymoon in Vegas
Electronics:
- Phone & extra-long charger: Essential for updates, photos, and communication.
- iPad: For downtime or streaming favorite shows.
Extras:
- Pillow & blanket: Sleeping on hospital furniture isn’t glamorous.
- Snacks & bottled water: Fuel is essential, especially during overnight labor.
Packing the right hospital bag items for your partner makes the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable for both of you. After all, they’re your right-hand person in this adventure.
Be sure to use these new baby captions to announce when you’re little one has arrived on Instagram
Baby Hospital Bag Checklist
And now, let’s not forget the most important little bundle: your baby!
Baby Clothing:
- Going home outfit: Choose something cute and comfortable. Take photos, it’s a memory you’ll treasure.
- Going home blanket: A warm wrap for that first car ride.
- Socks & hats: Babies lose heat quickly, so covering their tiny extremities is important.
- Cute swaddle: Perfect for cuddles and photos.
Other Essentials:
- Car seat: This is required to leave the hospital, so install it ahead of time.
- Pediatrician contact information: Hospitals often ask.
- Pacifiers: Optional but helpful for soothing the baby.
This baby hospital bag checklist covers just what you need, nothing more, nothing less. The hospital often provides diapers, wipes, and blankets, so call ahead and ask what they supply.
Related post: Pregnancy Announcement Captions
Final Words For Maternity Bag Checklist
Preparing your pregnancy hospital bag is a moment of connection with the next chapter of your life. The excitement, the nerves, the joy, they all come together as you zip up that bag.
Whether you’re using this as your go-to maternity hospital bag checklist or comparing notes with fellow moms, remember: the most important thing is to pack for your comfort and peace of mind. Your delivery hospital bag checklist should reflect you: your style, your needs, and your journey.
We recommend having your pregnancy hospital bag packed by week 36. Babies sometimes make surprise arrivals! Keep it near your door or in your car, and make sure your partner knows where it is.
Ultimately, your mom’s hospital bag is more than a bag. It’s your toolkit for entering motherhood with confidence. Pack early, pack with care, and know that everything you need for a safe, joyful experience is right there with you.
Happy packing, mama! You’ve got this. Don’t forget to download your delivery hospital bag checklist.
Like this maternity bag checklist? Share it with others or pin it for later!
