Your Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Mom & Baby

Somewhere between "Is this real?" and "We need a car seat," there's a to-do list item every expecting mama eventually faces: the hospital bag.

If you’re wondering what to bring to the hospital for birth, here’s the good news: you don’t need to overpack or overthink it! Most hospitals have the basics covered, and a simple hospital bag checklist for mom and baby can help take any remaining guesswork out of the process. 

Whether you’re packing as a first-time mom or a seasoned pro ready to welcome another little one into your cozy crew, this guide breaks down what to bring so you can feel calm and confident when the big day comes. 

When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?

There’s no exact deadline for packing your hospital bag, but most moms find it helpful to have it prepped between 35 and 37 weeks. Packing around this time can help you feel more prepared and settled as you move into the final stretch of pregnancy.

If you’re a first-time mom, packing your hospital bag ahead of time can also help ease some of the unknowns that come with preparing for birth. Having it ready means one less thing to think about as appointments ramp up and you start focusing on rest and the excitement of meeting your baby.

And if this isn’t your first rodeo? You may already know firsthand that babies don’t always follow the timeline on the calendar. Having your bag packed early can be a small but reassuring step, no matter how your birth story unfolds.

 

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

To help keep things streamlined and easy, we’ve organized all your hospital bag essentials for labor and delivery into categories. This way, you can focus on one section at a time and check off items for what to pack in your hospital bag as you go. Use this list as a starting point and adjust as needed — your needs and preferences matter most here. 

Documents & Logistics 

These are the items you’ll need right away at check-in and throughout your hospital stay. Your care team will likely ask for things like your ID and insurance more than once, so keeping them accessible can save you from digging through your bag when you’re tired or distracted.

A small folder or pouch works really well here. It keeps everything in one place and gives you somewhere to tuck paperwork you’re handed along the way, like newborn forms or discharge information.

You'll also want a few basic tech essentials on hand to stay connected, capture those first photos, and help pass the time during longer stretches.

Identification & Paperwork

• ID

• Insurance Card

• Wallet/Purse

• Birth Plan (if you have one)

Helpful tip: Take photos of your ID and insurance card and save them on your phone (or your support person’s phone) as a backup.

 

Technology 

• Phone

• Long phone charger (hospital outlets are rarely close to the bed)

• Earbuds or headphones (great for listening to your birth playlist!)

Featured styles are from the Newborn Capsule

 

Comfort & Recovery Essentials for Mom

These are the items that help the hospital feel a little more like your space. Many moms say they’re glad they packed a few layers and care items to help with recovery and those early moments with their baby.

Hospitals will have many basics on hand, but bringing your own favorites can feel grounding in the best way. That first everything shower is something a lot of moms look forward to, and having your own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash can make it feel even better.

Clothes 

• Button-up sleep shirt or nightgown — Buttons make nursing, skin-to-skin time, and quick check-ins with your care team much easier. It’s a small detail that adds a lot of comfort during recovery.

• Comfy pajamas — Soft, breathable pajamas with easy layers tend to be a favorite, especially for recovery and overnight stays. Something like the Little Sleepies Women’s Pajama Set keeps things comfy without feeling restrictive.

• Lightweight robe — Hospital rooms can be unpredictable temperature-wise. A lightweight robe (like the Little Sleepies Women’s Robe) gives you a comfortable layer that’s easy to throw on without overheating. 

• Nursing bras — If you plan on breastfeeding, pack two! Between nursing, leaking, and postpartum sweating, having a clean backup can be really helpful.

• Comfy socks or slippers — The hospital will likely have socks, but your own pair offers a more comfortable option and takes up almost no space in your bag.

• Going home outfit — Keep it simple and comfortable. Choose something that feels good on your body and that you’ll be happy seeing in photos down the road. A simple formula many moms like is a loose top + a wrap sweater or cardigan + leggings + easy slip-on shoes.

 

Toiletries & Personal Care

The hospital will usually have basics and you can absolutely use what’s there — or bring your own favorites if that feels better to you. Both totally work. 

The hospital usually provides: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. 

Then there are a few personal items hospitals don’t typically stock, and many moms say they really appreciated packing them. These are things that can feel surprisingly comforting, especially when you’re tired and easing into recovery.

Consider packing:

• Face wash or cleansing wipes 

• Moisturizer

• Deodorant 

• Lip balm (labor rooms can be dry!)

• Hair ties or clips

• Dry shampoo 

• Contact case, solution + glasses 

Labor & Delivery Nice-to-Haves

These extras aren’t required, but packing a few of them can feel a little luxe and supportive at the same time. They’re the things that help make the hospital room feel calmer and get you through the longer stretches of labor and recovery.

Comfort Items for Labor and Delivery

• Hospital gown — This one really comes down to personal preference. Some moms prefer bringing their own for a softer, just-right fit, while others are perfectly happy using what’s provided.

• Playlist or calming music — Having music you love queued up can help create a more relaxed atmosphere during labor.

• Pillowcase and blanket — If you have room in your bag, bringing your own pillowcase or blanket can be really nice. Hospital bedding does the job, but having something from home can feel more comfortable during longer stays.

• Small ambient nightlight — Hospital rooms tend to have bright overhead lights, and staff will be coming in and out at all hours. A small, portable light can help you see without fully waking yourself, your partner, or your little one. 

• Portable speaker — A portable speaker is helpful if you want music playing in the room without relying on your phone’s speaker.

• White noise machine — A white noise machine softens background sounds (like hallway noises and overnight check-ins) and makes rest a bit easier.

 

Food & Hydration 

• Favorite snacks — The hospital will have food and drinks available, but labor and recovery can be long. Having a few familiar snacks within reach can offer needed fuel and nourishment. Think easy-to-grab options like trail mix, protein bars, nut butter packets, and dried fruit. (Pro tip: pack extras for your support person, too!)

• Water bottle — The hospital provides water bottles, but your own favorite is a simple upgrade if you have space.

• Electrolyte packets — Labor is physically demanding, and staying hydrated afterward matters for recovery and breastfeeding. Electrolyte packets boost hydration when you need it most.

Baby Essentials to Bring to the Hospital

Your hospital will provide many of the basics for your baby, but there are a few important items you’ll need to bring yourself. These are the essentials you’ll want to pack to make those first moments and your trip home go smoothly.

Baby Must-Haves 

• Newborn going-home outfit — It’s a good idea to pack a couple of size options, like preemie, newborn, and 0–3 months. And if you want something that feels a little special, a soft set like the Little Sleepies Mommy & Me Matching Hospital Outfit is a sweet option for photos.

• Pajamas for baby — Opt for easy zip options whenever possible (for quick diaper changes) and soft, stretchy fabrics. Options like Little Sleepies Zippies are designed to be gentle on baby’s skin and easy to use.

• Swaddle — The hospital will have blanket swaddles, but they can come with a bit of a learning curve. Packing an easy-to-use swaddle (like the Little Sleepies Swaddles) can be a lot simpler, and it’s something you’ll likely keep using once you’re home as well. 

• Installed car seat — You’ll need a properly installed car seat to leave the hospital. Most hospitals won’t discharge you without one, so it’s best to have it installed ahead of time.

 

Optional, Nice-to-Have Baby Items

Not required, but these are things many parents say they were happy they tucked into their bag. Think of them as personal touches to add to those first moments and early photos.

• Baby announcement or welcome sign for photos — Nice to have for first photos or sharing a birth announcement.

• A special blanket — Can be sweet to have for photos, quiet moments with baby, and for the car ride home. 

• Pacifier — Helpful to have available if your baby responds well to sucking for comfort.

• Baby nail file or mittens — Babies are often born with surprisingly sharp nails. A nail file or mittens can help prevent little scratches.

• A going-home hat — Hospitals provide newborn hats, but some parents like packing their own for going-home photos or the trip home.

For Your Support Person

Encourage your support person to pack their bag around the same time you pack yours. A few go-to items can help them stay comfortable and present during your hospital stay, which matters during long days and late nights. 

Support Person Essentials

• Change of clothes

• Pajamas

• Toiletries

• Phone charger

• Snacks or drinks

 

What Will the Hospital Already Have? 

Most hospitals offer the true essentials for labor, delivery, and recovery. You may still prefer your own versions of certain items, like toiletries or pillows, but knowing what’s available can take some pressure off and mean one less thing to pack. 

What’s included can vary by hospital, so this list may look a little different depending on where you deliver. If you’re unsure, your hospital’s labor and delivery team can often share a checklist of what they provide ahead of time.

Most Hospitals Provide

• Diapers 

• Wipes

• Baby blankets

• Swaddles

• Formula (if needed)

• Feeding supplies (breast pump, bottles, and basic feeding equipment)

• Postpartum pads 

• Mesh underwear

• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)

• Towels and washcloths

• Pillows and blankets

• Peri bottle

• Prenatals 

There’s No Perfect Hospital Bag

Every birth experience looks different, and every hospital bag looks different, too. What matters most is bringing items that help you feel supported as you welcome your baby into the world. You don’t need to get it perfect (there’s no such thing!) — just focus on the essentials that help you feel ready and cared for.

 

Have a hospital bag must-have we didn't mention? Drop it in the comments below for a chance to win a $50 LS gift card — we give one away each month!