How do you pack your hospital bag for delivery?
Ideally ready by around 36 weeks, your hospital bag gathers the essentials for you, your partner, and the baby — here's a basic checklist.
It's generally recommended to have your hospital bag ready by around 36 weeks, since labor can start before your due date. For yourself, pack ID and your health insurance card, a comfortable gown or outfit for labor, disposable or dark underwear, maternity pads, and your usual toiletries.
For the ride home, a loose, comfortable outfit (the belly doesn't shrink right away after birth) and nursing-friendly clothes, if that's your choice, are worth packing. Don't forget your regular medications and any relevant medical documents for your care.
Birth plan, hospital bag, contraction timer and answers to your questions.
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For the baby, pack a season-appropriate going-home outfit, a blanket, a few diapers and wipes (though most facilities provide these during your stay), and above all a properly installed car seat — many hospitals check its installation before letting the family leave.
For your partner or support person, pack a change of clothes, snacks, change for parking or vending machines, and a phone charger, which is often overlooked but very appreciated in the middle of the night. Also keep your birth plan, if you've written one, easily accessible.
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This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
