Hospital Bag Checklist

Preparing your hospital bag ahead of time is one of the most practical things you can do in the third trimester. Labor can start early, quickly, or at an inconvenient hour — having your bag already packed and by the door means one less thing to think about when the time comes. This checklist organizes everything by person so you can pack in stages and track exactly how ready you are.

Step 1: Enter Your Due Date

Type your estimated due date into the date field at the top. The tool will calculate your 36-week "pack by" date and show a reminder. Most providers recommend having your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks — about four weeks before your due date. If you are expecting multiples or have a high-risk pregnancy, aim to be packed by 32–34 weeks.

Step 2: Work Through Each Person's Tab

The checklist is divided into four tabs: Mom, Baby, Partner, and Documents. Click each tab to see that person's items. The progress bar below the tabs updates in real time as you check things off. Each tab's progress is tracked independently so you can see at a glance which bags still need attention. A fifth overall progress bar at the top shows your combined packing completion.

Step 3: Check Off Items as You Pack

Click any item's checkbox to mark it as packed. Checked items stay checked between visits — your progress is automatically saved in your browser using localStorage and will be there the next time you open the page. If you need to start fresh, use the Reset All button to clear everything. Items within each section are grouped logically (for example, Mom's checklist separates labor comfort items from postpartum recovery items).

What to Pack for Mom

Mom's section is split into two parts. The During Labor section covers comfort essentials: a robe, grip-soled slippers, lip balm (your lips get very dry during labor), hair ties, a long phone charger, a pillow from home, snacks, a water bottle, and your birth plan. The After Delivery section covers the postpartum stay: a nursing bra, comfortable underwear, a loose going-home outfit, toiletries, and nipple cream. Note that hospitals typically provide a peri bottle, but some parents prefer to bring their own.

What to Pack for Baby

The hospital will provide diapers, wipes, and basic formula samples during your stay. What you need to bring: a going-home outfit in two sizes (newborn and 0–3 months, since baby's actual size is unknown until birth), swaddle blankets, a hat, socks or scratch mittens, and — most critically — a properly installed and inspected infant car seat. Hospitals will not discharge you without one.

What the Partner Should Bring

Labor is unpredictable in length and timing. Partners should be prepared to spend 24 hours or more at the hospital. Pack a change of clothes, snacks, a phone charger, entertainment (tablet, book, or laptop), cash for vending machines, a pillow and light blanket for the bedside chair, and toiletries. Some partners also bring a camera for higher-quality photos than a phone provides.

Documents to Bring

The documents section covers everything administrative: photo ID, insurance card, hospital pre-registration paperwork, your birth plan copies, your pediatrician's contact information, and a written emergency contacts list. Keep these together in a folder or zippered pouch so they are easy to hand over at check-in. Having them printed means you are not dependent on your phone battery.

Step 4: Print Your Checklist

When you are ready to do a final check before heading to the hospital, click the Print button to generate a clean, print-friendly version of all four sections. The progress bars and UI controls are hidden in print mode so you get a clean packing list. You can also keep the printed list beside your bag at home as a final door-check before leaving.