Hospital or Birth Center Packing List: Essentials for Mom, Baby & Partner
16 Apr 2025
As your due date approaches, it’s time to pack your hospital or birth center bag! Having everything ready by 36-37 weeks ensures you’re prepared when labor starts.
Pack light but include the essentials to stay comfortable and focused on welcoming your baby.
Hospitals provide some items, so check with your facility to avoid overpacking. Let’s break down exactly what to pack for mom, baby, and partner!
Photo ID, Insurance Card & Hospital Forms – Have these ready for check-in.
Comfortable Gown or Robe – Some moms prefer their own instead of the hospital gown.
Socks & Slippers – Keep your feet warm and comfy.
Lip Balm – Hospitals can be dry, and breathing through contractions can dry out your lips.
Hair Ties or Clips – Keep hair out of your face during labor.
Pillow from Home – A familiar pillow can make labor more comfortable.
Snacks & Drinks – For energy before or after labor (check hospital policy).
Mints or Hard Candy – Helps with dry mouth.
Phone & Charger – Bring a long charging cable (hospital outlets can be far).
Headphones & Playlist – Music or guided meditations can help with relaxation. If planning a natural birth, consider bringing a birth ball, essential oils, or massage tools.
Loose, Comfy Clothes – Soft pajamas, maternity leggings, or a nursing-friendly gown.
Disposable or Mesh Underwear – The hospital provides some, but extras are helpful.
Maternity Pads or Adult Diapers – Heavy postpartum bleeding is normal.
Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, face wipes, moisturizer.
Peri Bottle – The hospital provides one, but many moms prefer a Frida Mom Peri Bottle.
Nipple Cream – Helps soothe sore nipples if breastfeeding.
Flip-Flops – For showering. Hospitals provide mesh underwear, pads, and basic toiletries, but you may prefer your own!
Onesies & Sleepers – The hospital provides basic onesies, but extras are nice.
Swaddle Blanket – Hospitals provide them, but you may prefer a softer one.
Baby Hat & Mittens – Newborns get cold easily.
Diapers & Wipes – The hospital provides these, but extras can be handy.
Infant Car Seat – Required for going home; install it before labor starts. Keep it simple—most hospitals provide everything baby needs during your stay!
Snacks & Drinks – Labor can be long, and cafeteria hours may be limited.
Pillow & Blanket – Hospital chairs aren’t the most comfortable.
Toiletries – Toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes, travel shampoo.
Phone & Charger – Capture those first baby moments!
List of Contacts – To update family & friends after birth. Encourage your partner to rest when possible—labor can be exhausting for both of you!
Essential Oils & Diffuser – Lavender for relaxation, peppermint for nausea.
Handheld Fan – Helps with hot flashes during labor.
Massage Ball or Tennis Ball – Great for back pain relief.
Notebook & Pen – Jot down baby feeding times, questions for doctors, or special memories.
Extra Bag – To bring home hospital freebies & gifts!
Too Many Baby Clothes – Baby mostly wears hospital-provided onesies.
Pre-Pregnancy Clothes – You’ll still have a postpartum belly—pack maternity or loose clothing instead.
Diaper Bag – The hospital provides newborn essentials.
Hospitals provide some items, so check with your facility to avoid overpacking. Let’s break down exactly what to pack for mom, baby, and partner!
Essentials for Mom: Labor & Delivery
Birth Plan – Print a few copies for your care team.Photo ID, Insurance Card & Hospital Forms – Have these ready for check-in.
Comfortable Gown or Robe – Some moms prefer their own instead of the hospital gown.
Socks & Slippers – Keep your feet warm and comfy.
Lip Balm – Hospitals can be dry, and breathing through contractions can dry out your lips.
Hair Ties or Clips – Keep hair out of your face during labor.
Pillow from Home – A familiar pillow can make labor more comfortable.
Snacks & Drinks – For energy before or after labor (check hospital policy).
Mints or Hard Candy – Helps with dry mouth.
Phone & Charger – Bring a long charging cable (hospital outlets can be far).
Headphones & Playlist – Music or guided meditations can help with relaxation. If planning a natural birth, consider bringing a birth ball, essential oils, or massage tools.
Essentials for Mom: Postpartum & Recovery
Nursing Bras & Breast Pads – Comfort & leak protection.Loose, Comfy Clothes – Soft pajamas, maternity leggings, or a nursing-friendly gown.
Disposable or Mesh Underwear – The hospital provides some, but extras are helpful.
Maternity Pads or Adult Diapers – Heavy postpartum bleeding is normal.
Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, face wipes, moisturizer.
Peri Bottle – The hospital provides one, but many moms prefer a Frida Mom Peri Bottle.
Nipple Cream – Helps soothe sore nipples if breastfeeding.
Flip-Flops – For showering. Hospitals provide mesh underwear, pads, and basic toiletries, but you may prefer your own!
Essentials for Baby
Going-Home Outfit – Bring two sizes (newborn & 0-3 months).Onesies & Sleepers – The hospital provides basic onesies, but extras are nice.
Swaddle Blanket – Hospitals provide them, but you may prefer a softer one.
Baby Hat & Mittens – Newborns get cold easily.
Diapers & Wipes – The hospital provides these, but extras can be handy.
Infant Car Seat – Required for going home; install it before labor starts. Keep it simple—most hospitals provide everything baby needs during your stay!
Essentials for Partner or Support Person
Comfy Clothes & Hoodie – Hospital rooms can get chilly.Snacks & Drinks – Labor can be long, and cafeteria hours may be limited.
Pillow & Blanket – Hospital chairs aren’t the most comfortable.
Toiletries – Toothbrush, deodorant, face wipes, travel shampoo.
Phone & Charger – Capture those first baby moments!
List of Contacts – To update family & friends after birth. Encourage your partner to rest when possible—labor can be exhausting for both of you!
Optional (Nice-to-Have) Items
Eye Mask & Earplugs – Hospitals can be noisy.Essential Oils & Diffuser – Lavender for relaxation, peppermint for nausea.
Handheld Fan – Helps with hot flashes during labor.
Massage Ball or Tennis Ball – Great for back pain relief.
Notebook & Pen – Jot down baby feeding times, questions for doctors, or special memories.
Extra Bag – To bring home hospital freebies & gifts!
Final Check: What NOT to Pack
Jewelry & Valuables – Best to leave them at home.Too Many Baby Clothes – Baby mostly wears hospital-provided onesies.
Pre-Pregnancy Clothes – You’ll still have a postpartum belly—pack maternity or loose clothing instead.
Diaper Bag – The hospital provides newborn essentials.
