Here's a comprehensive hospital bag checklist for both mom and baby, covering all essentials you'll need for labor, delivery, and postpartum care:
Hospital Bag Checklist For Mom
Important Documents
- ID (Driver’s License, Aadhar, etc.)
- Insurance details
- Hospital registration forms
- Birth plan (if you have one)
- Emergency contacts list
Comfort & Labor Essentials
- Loose-fitting gown or robe (some prefer their own instead of the hospital's)
- Socks (some hospitals can be cold)
- Slippers or flip-flops (for walking around)
- Hair ties or clips
- Lip balm (labor can make your lips dry)
- Pillows (if you prefer your own)
- Towel (some prefer to bring their own towel)
- Snacks and drinks (light snacks, protein bars, etc.)
- Music or playlist, headphones, or a book for distraction
- Birthing ball (if the hospital allows it and you find it helpful)
Post-Delivery Essentials
- Nursing bras and pads (even if you're not breastfeeding)
- Breastfeeding pillow (optional, for comfort)
- Maternity sanitary pads (extra heavy flow or postpartum pads)
- Disposable or dark underwear (for post-birth bleeding)
- Loose, comfortable clothing (nursing-friendly tops and bottoms)
- Going-home outfit (loose-fitting, soft, and comfortable)
- Peri bottle (to ease discomfort when using the bathroom)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, moisturizer, hairbrush, shampoo, and conditioner)
- Eye mask and earplugs (for rest in a noisy hospital)
- Phone charger (with a long cable if outlets are far from the bed)
- Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
Optional Items
- Massage oils or lotion (for soothing during labor)
- Cooling spray or facial mist
- Essential oils or diffuser (check hospital policies)
- Camera or phone for pictures
- Notebook and pen (to jot down memories or details for the birth)
Hospital Bag Checklist For Baby
Clothing
- Onesies or sleepsuits (2-3 for newborn size)
- Swaddle blankets or receiving blankets
- Socks and mittens (for warmth and preventing scratching)
- Going-home outfit (soft, weather-appropriate)
- Baby hat (newborns lose heat quickly through their heads)
Baby Care Essentials
- Diapers (some hospitals provide, but pack extra newborn diapers just in case)
- Baby wipes (sensitive skin-friendly)
- Diaper rash cream
- Baby blanket (for warmth on the way home)
- Car seat (make sure it's installed and checked beforehand)
Feeding Essentials
- Formula and bottles (if you’re formula feeding, though hospitals often provide these)
- Breastfeeding pillow (optional, for easier nursing)
Hospital Bag Checklist For Partner/Support Person
- Comfortable change of clothes
- Snacks and drinks
- Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Phone and charger
- Camera (optional)
- Cash or credit card (for hospital parking, cafeteria, etc.)
This checklist covers essentials to keep mom, baby, and the support person comfortable throughout the labor and hospital stay.
If we missed out on anything then please share in the comments below.
