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Babies are famous for arriving on their own schedule—often not on your due date! That's why it's essential to pack your hospital bag ahead of time, just in case. But when’s the right time to pack? We recommend starting around 38 weeks, giving you plenty of time to prepare without feeling rushed. To make your life easier, we've prepared a free hospital bag checklist to help you get ready. You can also find it in our Growing You Pregnancy Journal.
Some items are absolutely essential - like a car seat for baby, while others, like comfy clothes and snacks, will help you feel more at home during your hospital stay. Don’t worry about overpacking, though; your hospital may provide some things, and you can always call ahead to check.
What to pack in your hospital bag for You
First, pack your hospital bag for yourself—you'll want personal items to make you feel more comfortable during and after labor.
- ID/wallet
- Comfortable clothes: Choose items like a soft robe, maternity PJs, and nursing bras for comfort. The initial breast feed is attempted relatively early after baby arrives, and therefore you probably won't have time or desire to think about nursing bras. However, if you are staying in the hospital for some days, you might want to pack one.
- Slippers: Hospitals can be chilly, so be ready to pack some socks and slippers, especially in autumn/winter seasons.
- Toiletries: Freshen up after labor with a few essential such as your toothbrush & toothpaste, gentle cream or moisturizer, deodorant and a hair clip.
- Nipple balm: It is completely normal that a few days within birth, your breasts can get inflamated and hurt to some extent. It is a good idea to have a soothing cream for your nipples ready, may you stay in the hospital longer than expected.
- Birth plan: Not everyone has or needs one. Our Growing You Pregnancy Journal includes a 2 pager of a questionnaire for your birth plan. Bring the journal with you and let the nurses skim through it before you go into labor. This is a nice addition to have, but you should not feel pressured in any way to have or bring one with you.
What to pack in your hospital bag for your Baby
Your baby is here — first cry, first diaper, and first latch. It’s a big moment, and the transition from the warmth of the womb to the outside world is a lot for your little one. The nurses will help clean and swaddle your baby right away, but it’s always helpful to have these essentials ready for the moments ahead.
- Baby hat
- Swaddle
- Going home outfit
- Baby bottle if needed
- Diapers: Diapers are generally provided by the nurses, so you should not worry too much about this. However if you like to be extra prepared or want your baby to be wearing some special eco/vegan diapers, it doesn't hurt to pack one or two extra newborn diapers.
- Car seat
What your partner or support person should pack
Whether it is your partner, parent or your best friend, the person probably knows you the best and the person is there to support you and make your birth experience somewhat lighter. Partner's role is not the easiest, as they can feel helpless while you are having this out of the body experience.
- Comfortable pillow
- PJs or clothes to change into
- Toiletries
- Snacks and water: Pack snacks for energy. Opt for things like granola bars, fruit, and crackers. Consider bringing your own water bottle or favorite drink.
- Chargers: You’ll want your phone handy for updates, photos, and of course, to keep in touch with loved ones. Don't forget a charger with a long cord!
- Playlist: Take time to create a birthing playlist to listen to during labor. It can create a calming and positive atmosphere, in the moments when contractions kick in. Whether it's your favorite soothing tunes or energetic songs to keep you motivated, music can provide you with comfort and even boost your energy when you need it most.
Packing your hospital bag is a small but important step in preparing for the exciting journey ahead. With everything ready, you can focus on what really matters — welcoming your little one into the world. Take a deep breath, relax, and know that you've got this mama!
