Hospital Bag Essentials: The Checklist
Your going into labor in a month and you need to be ready. Packing your hospital bag can feel surprisingly overwhelming. One checklist tells you to pack everything you own, while another insists you'll barely need a toothbrush.
After talking with countless mothers—and remembering what truly mattered during my own experience—I realized most hospital bag lists miss the point.
You don't need more things.
You need the right things.
A little note: This guide is based on personal experience and is intended for informational purposes only—not as medical advice. Every mother, baby, pregnancy, and birth is different. Please talk with your OB/GYN, pediatrician, or healthcare provider about medications, supplements, newborn care, and decisions such as vitamin K.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
Aim to have it packed by 35 weeks. Even if your baby arrives right on schedule, you'll appreciate having one less thing on your mind as those final weeks become busier.
A Note: At Pour Les Mères, every product we recommend is something we genuinely love, use, or would confidently suggest to a friend. Some links throughout this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no additional cost to you.
You should feel comfortable, confident and well supported on your journey - from your cozy socks, to your playlist and your pre-planned labor plan. Get as organized as you can so you can focus on the main goal, delivery a healthy baby. Your needs during labor and after your deliver are a little different so make sure you think about what would feel the best for you. These are the essentials we've mapped out:
What You Actually Need for Labor
photo ID, insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (bring copies)
long phone charger
phone (camera too if you have one)
mini speaker (& your favorite playlist)
lip balm
water bottle with a straw
snacks
cozy socks
a comfortable robe
hair tie and/ or headband
your doula (if you decide to have one)
What You'll Want After Delivery
fresh pajamas (button up)
basic toiletries
toothbrush, toothpaste,
face wash, hair brush, lip balm
deodorant, lotion, belly oil
nipple balm
cooler (cold snacks)
more snacks - lots of them
comfortable heading home outfit
shower sandals
zip up sweatshirt & sweatpants
nursing tank top - perfect double dip of top / bra in one
maternity bras & nursing pads
manual breast pump (might not be necessary but good to have)
frida ice pack for down there ...
What Baby Really Needs
safe car seat
couple of sleepers (in newborn and 0–3 month sizes)
swaddle,
going-home outfit - include hat, socks, booties
diapers (just a few) & diaper cream
pack of wipes
nursing pillow
burp cloths
vitamin D drops
vitamin k drops (an oral option)
The hospital supplies many of the basics during your stay but if you prefer to have your own brands etc.
A few things worth remembering
Packing your hospital bag isn't about preparing for every possible scenario.
It's about creating a small sense of comfort during one of life's biggest transitions.
The rest can wait. Your baby won't remember what was packed. You'll remember how supported you felt.
These are the products we recommend to pack your bag with - if you don't see something you're looking for, let us know.
Checklist of Hospital Bag Essentials
long phone charger
mini speaker (& your favorite playlist)
lip balm
water bottle with a straw
cozy socks
a comfortable robe
hair tie and/ or headband
fresh pajamas (button up)
basic toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, lotion, hair brush, belly oil, lip balm, d.o
nipple balm
cooler - filled with food and drinks
snacks - lots of them, more on this later
comfortable heading home outfit
shower sandals
zip up sweatshirt & sweatpants
nursing tank top - perfect double dip of top / bra in one
maternity bras & nursing pads
frida ice pack
manual breast pump (might not be necessary but good to have)
safe car seat
couple of sleepers (in newborn and 0–3 month sizes)
swaddle,
going-home outfit for baby - booties, hat, gloves
diapers & diaper rash cream
pack of wipes
burp cloths
nursing pillow
vitamin D drops
vitamin k drops
Shop Other Collections
Discover more favorites here.
Save for Later....
Comments