Hospital Bag Checklist Printable (2024)

FAQs

What paperwork do you need for hospital bag? ›

Hospitals require your ID, any medical cards, and insurance documents up front, so make sure you have a copy of these readily available. Birth plan (if you have one).

At around 36 weeks, pack your bag so you're ready to go at a moment's notice. Even if you are planning a home birth, it's a good idea to have a bag packed in case you need to go to hospital for a premature birth, or if you have pregnancy or birth complications.

We suggest packing two or three different coming-home outfits for the baby in case you don't know what size they will be at birth. Make sure the outfits are weather-appropriate and easy to put on and take off. Socks and a hat should all be included to keep your baby warm and comfortable.

It might be a good idea to get your hospital bag packed at least 3 weeks ahead of the due date, so that you're all ready to go if your baby decides to make an early appearance. Our emails include common pregnancy topics like this and much more.

You should definitely wash baby's clothes, blankets and other washable items that will come in contact with their skin. It's not necessary to do it before they're born, but it's a good idea to do it before they wear them.

Pack your bag in advance

Try to have your bag packed by 8 months or 32 weeks. That way you'll be ready to go when you go into labor. Don't forget! Partners should also pack a bag of their own to ensure their time at the hospital is comfortable as well.

You can start packing whenever you want to. But it's a good idea to have your bag ready at least two weeks ahead of your due date .

Studies suggest giving birth is the equivalent to running a marathon in terms of energy output, (and can actually result in similar injuries, but let's not go there right now!) so it makes sense to wear a bra and/or clothing fit for exertion and perspiration.

If you're both doing well, you'll usually be ready to go home somewhere between 6 and 24 hours after birth. You may need to stay a bit longer if: you've had an emergency caesarean section. you or your baby need extra care.

What to wear when giving birth? ›

2 nightdresses or pyjamas. comfortable day clothes which are loose-fitting (front-opening clothes are easy for breastfeeding) underwear, including large, close-fitting pants to hold maternity pads – you may find disposable pants useful for the first few days. a nursing bra.

Most new mums will bleed for up to 6 weeks after giving birth so Maternity Pads with wings for extra protection are recommended throughout this period. Maternity Pads will require changing as needed, or every 4 hours, so it's likely you'll need around 250 maternity pads over this period.

It's a good idea to have everything ready by no later than 37 weeks.

Once you give birth, you'll obviously have a whole new person to take care of. So, you should put items for the baby on your hospital bag packing list. One thing that many moms say you DON'T need to worry about packing is a lot of diapers and wipes unless you plan to use a very specific kind.

In conclusion, a new mom in the hospital will appreciate any gift that can make her stay more comfortable and relaxed. Gifts like a cozy robe, slippers, nursing pillow, blanket, and compression socks can help her feel more at home.