Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist: What to pack for Delivery

A complete hospital bag checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for delivery as a new parent-to-be.

As Mom-to-Be, you must be filled with both anxiety and excitement for the baby that may arrive anytime soon. Sometimes babies come earlier than expected so it is important that you make your hospital bag checklist well in advance to know exactly what to pack in the hospital bag for delivery to avoid any last minute stress. Start doing your own research and finalizing the hospital bag check list around week 32 of your pregnancy so that by week 34 to 36 of pregnancy, your maternity bag is fully packed consisting of all the essentials for the new mom, baby and your partner or anyone else who shall be assisting you during your delivery & beyond at the hospital.

In India we often get a lot of support from our parents and in-laws during the hospital stay. They make sure to take ample care of the new mom and baby, assisting them in this journey , so it’s important that the hospital bag checklist covers their needs as well.

A few mom and baby essentials may be provided by the hospital too like adult diapers, newborn diapers, sanitary pads etc. but sometimes it may not be of the brand or comfort we prefer so it is better that we do our research and pack the hospital bag as per our liking. Once the hospital bag for labor & delivery is packed & ready, keep it in an easy to access place like the drawing room or in the car back seat, so that you are ready to go without delay once labor starts.

This hospital bag checklist has been tirelessly created based on research, gynecologist inputs and advice from moms who have already gone through the labor & delivery journey. So make sure you’ll read the hospital bag list till the end, as this check list shall be your go-to-guide to plan all the hospital bag essentials smoothly.

Hospital bag checklist for moms to be – packing for labour and delivery

• Wallet, Medical documents, Insurance and ID proof – As part of your hospital bag check list, carry all the medical files (related to your pregnancy, medical history, blood group), ID proof and insurance papers etc. along with cash to ensure smooth admission and discharge process  
• Nightie / Gown with front buttons or front zip – A comfortable gown is very useful for new moms during their hospital stay. You may need it before labor – especially if you are admitted early on and after delivery so make sure it is a part of your hospital bag checklist. Pack a gown with long front zip or front buttons in the maternity bag. It is a big plus from the breastfeeding point of view and such a gown will be of great use to you even after you have returned home with your baby.
• Underwear – As a part of your hospital bag checklist, pack at least 4-5 pairs of comfortable underwear. Whether you have a vaginal or C section delivery, the underwear should be comfortable enough to not cause discomfort in stitches. These days’ disposable underwear’s or disposable panties are also a very good option to avoid the messy stains so make sure you pack the right size for comfort and ease in the hospital bag.   
• Heavy flow Sanitary pad / Maternity sanitary pad – An integral part of your hospital bag checklist, pack plenty of maternity pads (2 packs should be sufficient) in the hospital bag as per your brand preference, size requirement & liking. It’s normal for new moms to bleed a lot after birth so the sanitary pads should be comfortable to wear and of good absorbable strength.
• Adult diaper – While adult diapers are provided by hospital, it is advisable to include them in the hospital bag list for delivery
• Maternity bra / feeding bra – Well-fitting maternity bras are an essential for new moms & an integral part of the hospital bag check list if you plan to breastfeed your baby. Pack 4 to 5 bras in the hospital bag, at least one for each day of hospital stay.
• Scarf / dupatta to cover head – In Indian context, it is a traditional practice for new moms to keep their head covered with scarf / stole / dupatta post delivery. So if your family believes in the same practice, then do include the same in your hospital bag checklist. 
• Comfortable clothes – Include a pair of comfortable yet presentable clothes as a part of your hospital bag checklist; you may need the same during your return home with the baby post hospital discharge. Joyful moments like these are generally photographed by near and dear ones, hence pack something comfortable and loose fitting in the hospital bag, with a draw string or elastic waist to avoid any discomfort
• Mobile phone and Phone charger – Include your mobile phone and especially your phone charger in the hospital bag list. 
• Slippers – Pack a pair of comfortable slippers in the hospital bag. They should be easy to slip in and out as you walk around in your room or hospital lobby, before labour or post delivery
• Toiletries, Cosmetics and Skin care products – Your hospital bag checklist should include a toiletries kit comprising of toothpaste, toothbrush, pocket mirror, body wash, lip balm, hydrating face cream, body lotion, cleansing balm and a facewash. Also pack basic cosmetics in the pregnancy bag if you are in habit of using them as part of daily routine
• Haircare and other Essentials – A pouch containing hair care essentials such as hair oil, comb, hair ties, hair clips, shampoo and conditioner is a must to pack in the hospital bag as your stay is going to last a few days. Also include deodorant and face wipes in your hospital essential item list.
• Towel, Face small towel – Include your own towels as a part of your hospital bag list to avoid using common towels provided by the hospital. Also carry a plastic bag to dump your used clothes and linen.
• Glasses and Contact Lenses – While it may be obvious but sometimes you miss carrying these things, so make sure it’s a part of your hospital bag checklist. Also pack contact lens case and solution in the maternity bag if you opt to wear them during your stay in the hospital
• Comfortable pillow – Your hospital will provide you one, but most people feel comfortable in their own pillow so it makes sense to include the same in your pregnancy bag checklist. 
• Feeding poncho – A feeding poncho is a very practical and useful thing for moms to breastfeed their baby. It gives moms privacy and comfort while breastfeeding especially when there are visitors around or it’s a dual occupancy room or common maternity ward, so do include the same in the hospital bag checklist.
• Eye mask and ear plugs – To get some much needed rest in a busy and bright maternity ward, it is imperative that you pack an eye mask and ear plugs in the hospital bag for labor and delivery. 
• Nipple cream – Many moms complain of painful, sore & cracked nipples when they start breastfeeding their baby so do include the same in your hospital bag checklist to help with the discomfort
• Breast pump – sometimes, moms don’t produce enough milk immediately after baby’s birth, or the baby might have difficulty latching. In such cases, including a manual or electric breast pump in the hospital bag checklist can be very helpful. It allows you to express milk comfortably and feed the baby using a spoon or bottle, ensuring they are well-fed while you work on establishing breastfeeding.
• Feeding or nursing pillow – Whether you plan to breast feed, bottle feed or a combination of both, packing a nursing pillow in hospital bag can come in extremely handy
• Snacks – While the hospital may provide you meals attuned to your health requirement, it makes sense to pack some healthy snacks in the hospital bag for the in-between cravings
• Regular medicines – Include regular medicine in the hospital bag checklist if you take any as per doctors advice. 

Newborn Hospital bag checklist – packing essentials for newborn baby 

• Newborn Baby clothes and innerwear – Pack 8 to 10 pairs of soft and comfortable clothes and innerwear in hospital bag. In India, it is a common practice to use pre-worn baby clothes as they are considered softer on baby’s sensitive skin so moms should arrange the same from family and friends well in advance. If you can’t arrange the same, buy new ones and get them washed with baby detergent 3 to 4 times to ensure its soft and gentle on new-born skin. In the hospital bag checklist, include clothes as per weather, with front buttons or ties to make it comfortable dressing the baby.
• Cap, Socks and mittens – Whatever may be the weather outside, hotels have air conditioning on, so newborns can catch cold easily. Include them in your hospital bag list and make sure to pack 4 pairs of caps, socks and mittens to keep the newborn cosy
• Washable & reusable Mulmul cotton langot – Most moms do not prefer having the newborn baby in diaper all the time to avoid rashes and keep the baby comfortable. Hence, pack at least 15 – 20 washable cotton langots in your pregnancy bag as newborns poop and pee frequently.
• Swaddle wraps – Include atleast 2 organic cotton / muslin swaddle wraps in your hospital bag check list to gently wrap the infant during your hospital stay. Having 2 wraps in maternity bag allows you to use them alternatively when one needs to be washed.
• New born diapers – Having superior quality new born diapers as part of the newborns hospital bag checklist is a no-brainer. Carry disposable polythenes to easily dispose of soiled diapers
• Cotton Roll and wet wipes with water bottle – Newborns poop frequently, so its imperative to pack a cotton roll with a water bottle in a hospital bag for gentle cleaning. You may also include organic or unscented wet wipes for convenience as a part of your hospital bag checklist. 
• Dry sheet – Pack atleast 2 dry sheets in your pregnancy or maternity bag to lay under the baby during diaper or langot changes
• 1 spoon and 1 bowl – If the baby is unable to latch properly or your milk supply has not been established yet, you may need to feed expressed milk or formula milk. Doctors’ often recommend using a small spoon and bowl to feed the newborn instead of a bottle so make sure to include the same in your hospital bag checklist for birth.
• Feeding bottle – If you plan to feed your newborn baby expressed breast milk or formula milk using a bottle, make sure to include a good quality anti-colic feeding bottle in your hospital bag check list. Also pack a bottle cover, bottle cleaner and detergent to go along with it in the hospital bag.
• Baby mattress – Include it in your newborn hospital bag list, to help lay the baby on besides you on the hospital bed
• Baby blanket – while the hospital shall provide the same, it’s best to include a pair of baby blankets in your hospital bag checklist for birth. It will also come in handy while travelling back home
• Virgin coconut oil – Many new moms prefer using virgin coconut oil to gently moisturize the newborn baby’s scalp and keep it soft. It’s also commonly applied around the baby’s diaper area to prevent rashes, especially if the baby will be wearing diapers for long periods. Make sure to include virgin coconut oil suitable for newborn skin as part of your hospital bag checklist
• Soft hankies & Spare cloth – Newborn Babies often spit up milk, especially in initial days so it is important to pack few soft hankies to wipe baby’s face and mouth in the maternity bag. Also do not forget to include a couple of spare cloths or burp cloths to clean away any spills or messes in your hospital bag checklist.
• Mustard seed Baby pillow – In India it is a common practice to use baby pillow filled with mustard seeds. This type of pillow is believed to help shape the baby’s soft head and provide gentle support. Pack a clean, soft mustard seed pillow in your hospital bag.
• Diaper rash cream – this is a must and a non-negotiable backup in hospital bag, especially if you plan to make the newborn baby wear diapers, so include it in the hospital bag check list. 
• Soft towel / cloth – Pack a soft, gentle towel or cloth to sponge bathe your baby during the first few days after birth. Since you won’t be giving a full bath until the umbilical cord dries and falls off, a soft towel is essential to pack in a hospital bag for cleaning the baby gently and keeping them fresh.
• Bibs set – You would be needing a set of newborn baby bibs to avoid staining clothes due to milk spit-ups, hence include the same in your hospital bag list.
• Baby Sleeping bag cum carry nest – This is very useful during hospital stay as well as for carrying baby back home. It also makes it easy to safely move around with the tiny newborn in your arms so a definite inclusion in your hospital bag checklist. 

Hospital bag checklist for partner / hospital companion for delivery

• Snacks and water bottle
• Mobile phone and charger
• headphones
• Wallet
• Copy of new mom’s medical records and insurance papers
• Clothes and undergarment
• Towel, face towel and toiletries
• Pillow, Single bedsheet & blanket
• Reading glasses / contact lenses
• Entertainment – book, laptop, tablet
• Mosquito repellant (optional)
• Hand sanitizer
• Regular medicines (if they take any)

This is an exhaustive hospital bag checklist covering all possible items that the new mom, baby and hospital companion shall need during their hospital stay for delivery / birth. Now while you know what items you need to pack in the hospital bag for labor and delivery, it is also imperative to know what all additional items you shall need once the baby is home. It shall help you prepare for the next 3 months at least post delivery. So do read my next blog on the same subject to know more.

FAQs

How big should a hospital bag for labor and delivery be?

Ideally the size of a hospital bag for labor and delivery should be between medium to large so that you can comfortably pack all the essentials as per the hospital bag check list. It would also be a great idea to have separate medium sized suitcase or duffel bags for mom and baby so that all hospital bag essentials are easy to find by your partner or hospital companion. 

What to pack in a pregnancy hospital bag for mom and baby?

An exhaustive hospital bag checklist has been mentioned above for new moms, newborn baby and partner / hospital companions. Refer to the list and pack the maternity bag as per the same to avoid any hassles.

How many diapers should be packed in the hospital bag for newborn baby?

Ideally, a pack containing 30- 40 diapers should be packed in the hospital bag. This would also depend whether you intend to make the newborn baby only wear diapers or alternate between cloth langots and diapers. In any case, this is a safe quantity to have and should be a part of your hospital bag checklist. 

Where to buy a hospital bag for labor & delivery?

You can easily buy a hospital bag for delivery online or offline depending on style, budget and delivery preference. It is advisable to first start collating all items in one place as per the hospital bag checklist, decide whether you want to have separate bags for mom and baby or have just one and accordingly make the hospital bag purchase decision.