Hospital bag: the complete checklist for mom and baby

Maternity bag: what should you really pack for childbirth?

Preparing your maternity bag often marks a very concrete step in pregnancy. However, between the endless lists found online and the specific instructions for each facility, it's easy to pack too much... or forget an essential item.

The ideal is to prepare a simple, organized bag, adapted to the maternity ward where you will be giving birth. The equipment provided can vary from one establishment to another: so always ask for the official list from your maternity hospital before finalizing your belongings.

When should you prepare your maternity bag?

There is no single date imposed on all expectant mothers. However, several maternity services recommend finishing the bag a few weeks before the due date. The NHS advises preparing it at least three weeks before the estimated delivery date, while some hospitals recommend it be ready around 35 or 36 weeks of amenorrhea.

In practice, you can start gathering your belongings gradually during the eighth month. Earlier preparation may be relevant in cases of multiple pregnancies, a history of premature birth, or on the recommendation of your midwife or doctor.

The answer in one sentence

Try to have a bag ready between 35 and 37 weeks, or earlier if your medical team recommends it.

One large suitcase or several small bags?

A particularly practical organization consists of separating belongings into two bags:

1. a small bag immediately accessible for labor and delivery;

2. a bag for the stay after birth.

Many maternity hospitals recommend this approach, as available space can be limited and belongings may need to be moved quickly from one unit to another.

You can also prepare a small pouch containing the baby's first outfit. The accompanying person will then find it immediately after birth.

Documents to place in the bag

Gather documents in an easily accessible pouch:

• your maternity file or booklet;

• the results of examinations requested by the establishment;

• your birth plan, if you have written one;

• your identity document;

• your Vitale card (French health insurance card);

• your supplementary health insurance card;

• contact information for people to notify;

• your prescriptions and a list of your current medications.

Healthcare facilities frequently cite the maternity file, birth plan, and usual treatments among the items to keep readily available.

The exact administrative list may vary: check the one provided by your maternity hospital.

The small bag for the delivery room

During labor, prioritize useful, easy-to-find, and compact items.

For your comfort

Specifically, plan for:

• loose clothing or a long nightgown that you don't mind getting stained;

• a pair of socks;

• slippers or flip-flops;

• a hair tie or clip;

• a mist spray or a washcloth;

• a lip balm;

• a water bottle adapted to the establishment's rules;

• some snacks for you or your companion, subject to medical instructions;

• your phone and a charger, possibly with a long cable;

• headphones and a calming playlist;

• your glasses or contact lenses if necessary;

• the medications you usually take.

Hospital recommendations frequently mention loose clothing, lip balm, water, socks, toiletries, snacks, and a phone charger.

Baby's first outfit

Place it in a separate pouch containing, depending on the season:

• a onesie;

• a pajama;

• a hat;

• a pair of socks or booties;

• a cardigan or vest if necessary;

• a diaper;

• a light blanket adapted to the temperature.

The precise needs depend on the baby's expected weight, the season, and the maternity ward's practices. Taking two close sizes can be useful, as "newborn" clothes do not fit all newborns.

Mom's belongings for the stay

After childbirth, the watchword is comfort.

Clothing and linen

You can plan for:

• two or three loose outfits;

• nightgowns or pajamas that are easy to open in the front for breastfeeding;

• a cardigan or dressing gown;

• slippers;

• several comfortable, old, or disposable underwear;

• one or two comfortable bras;

• breast pads;

• sanitary pads specially adapted for postpartum;

• a comfortable outfit for the return home;

• a separate bag for dirty laundry.

Postpartum bleeding necessitates very absorbent pads and comfortable underwear. Hospital lists also recommend loose clothing, suitable bras, and easy-access tops for breastfeeding.

Toiletry bag

Add your usual products in travel-friendly sizes:

• toothbrush and toothpaste;

• soap or body wash;

• shampoo;

• deodorant;

• hairbrush;

• hair ties;

• towel if not provided;

• tissues;

• lip balm;

• glasses, contact lens case, or essential products.

Avoid overpacking your toiletry bag with products you rarely use. The goal is to feel clean and comfortable, not to transport your entire bathroom.

Baby's belongings for the stay

The quantity depends on the usual length of stay announced by your maternity hospital. For a few days, generally plan for:

• several onesies;

• several pajamas;

• one or two cardigans or vests depending on the season;

• two hats;

• socks;

• muslin swaddles;

• bibs if necessary;

• diapers;

• cotton or products requested by the maternity hospital;

• a blanket;

• a complete outfit for going home.

NHS and UK hospital lists consistently include onesies, pajamas, hats, diapers, swaddles, and blankets among newborn essentials.

Before buying or bringing toiletries, ask what the facility provides and what it recommends for newborn skin.

Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding: do you need to bring equipment?

For breastfeeding, front-opening clothes, a comfortable bra, and some breast pads can make the stay easier. It is not necessary to systematically bring a breast pump: the maternity team can advise you depending on your situation.

Regarding infant formula, practices vary greatly among establishments. Some maternity hospitals provide what is needed, while others ask parents to bring ready-to-use bottles when they plan to feed with infant formula. Therefore, you should directly ask your maternity hospital rather than following a generic list.

What the companion can prepare

The co-parent or companion will also benefit from having a small bag containing:

• a change of clothes;

• a toiletry bag;

• their medication;

• water and snacks;

• their phone and charger;

• headphones;

• cash or payment methods useful for parking;

• contact information for close relatives to notify.

Meals are not always provided for the companion. A drink and a few snacks can therefore really simplify what can sometimes be a long wait.

Don't forget the return journey

An appropriate and correctly installed child restraint system is essential for taking the baby home by car. Practice installing the car seat before birth rather than figuring it out in front of the maternity hospital. The ACOG also advises preparing the seat before labor begins.

Also think about:

• the journey to the maternity hospital;

• parking;

• a backup solution if the planned person is unavailable;

• possible childcare for other children;

• pets at home.

Items often unnecessary

An overpacked bag becomes difficult to carry and organize. You can generally avoid:

• too many baby clothes;

• valuables;

• several large blankets;

• a large quantity of cosmetics;

• bulky accessories without maternity validation;

• toys for the newborn;

• your entire stock of diapers;

• equipment already provided by the establishment.

Hospital services remind that space is limited and advise traveling light.

Quick checklist to save

For mom

• Documents and maternity file

• Usual treatments

• Loose outfits

• Pajamas or nightgown

• Comfortable underwear

• Postpartum protection

• Comfortable bra

• Slippers

• Toiletry bag

• Towel

• Phone and charger

• Water bottle and authorized snacks

• Going home outfit

For baby

• Onesies

• Pajamas

• Hats

• Socks

• Cardigan depending on the season

• Diapers

• Swaddles

• Blanket

• Products requested by the maternity ward

• Going home outfit

• Suitable car seat

For the companion

• Change of clothes

• Toiletry bag

• Water and snacks

• Phone and charger

• Medication

• Payment method for parking

FAQ

How long before childbirth should you pack your bag?

Preparation around 35 to 37 weeks is often recommended. It can be anticipated in cases of risk of premature birth or on medical advice. 

How many clothes should I pack for the baby?

Plan for several changes of clothes corresponding to the usual length of stay and ask the maternity ward what they provide. Two close sizes can be useful when the birth weight is uncertain.

Does the maternity ward provide diapers?

This depends entirely on the establishment. Some provide them, others do not. Check your maternity ward's official list.

Should I bring a nursing pillow?

It's not always essential. However, it can improve comfort during breastfeeding or time spent with the baby. First, check the available space and equipment provided on site.

Can I pack a hospital bag even for a home birth?

Yes. Maternity services recommend keeping a bag ready, as a transfer to the hospital may sometimes become necessary. 

In conclusion

A good hospital bag isn't necessarily a big one. It mainly contains essential documents, some comfortable clothes, the baby's first changes of clothes, and the items actually requested by your establishment.

Prepare it a few weeks before your due date, arrange items in easy-to-identify pouches, and show their location to your birth partner. This way, you'll arrive at the maternity ward better organized and with one less worry.

Important note: this checklist is general. Your maternity ward's instructions and those of your medical team remain a priority.