Getting ready for labor and delivery is a big task. But there are ways to make the process easier, like packing your delivery bag ahead of time!
Your delivery bag should include the essentials — items such as comfortable clothes and slippers, phone chargers, and a list of your medications. The experts at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital also recommend bringing along a few extra comforts from home to make your delivery just a little bit easier.
Bringing a few pieces of home can help make your hospital stay more comfortable. And knowing what you need ahead of time reduces stress.
See our hospital delivery bag checklists below to learn what to pack and what to leave at home.
When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag for Labor?
When it comes to prepping for your baby’s big arrival, it’s a good idea to start packing your maternity bag a few weeks in advance. You don’t want to be rushing and stressed right before your due date. Keep in mind the conditions of your pregnancy and the possibility of early labor.
It can also be helpful to get an even earlier start on shopping. This way, you have the essentials on hand, and you truly are just packing — not waiting on packages to arrive or needing to go buy anything. With everything purchased and organized, parents will feel more prepared and less stressed.
What to Pack for Your Hospital Delivery Bag
Your hospital delivery bag isn’t just for mom — it can also have items for the baby, your partner, and any family members who will be at your side. Speak with your doctor about the expected length of your hospital stay to gauge how much to pack. The hospital can also give guidance on what they provide for moms that you may not need to bring yourself.
One big tip – don’t overpack! You will need some room in your bag for items you will be taking home from the hospital. You will also want your bag to be accessible while in the hospital, so you don’t have to search through several stuffed bags to find the one pair of underwear you need. Stay organized and prioritize to avoid overpacking.
Why is it important to pack a hospital delivery bag?
Packing a delivery bag is important to help you be prepared and relieve anxiety about labor and delivery. These items help you feel safe, comfortable, and loved. And it never hurts to have a little reminder of home with you.
These items can help with your mental state during this time and keep you physically healthy. From snacks to lip balm, they help ensure you are taking care of yourself during a physically demanding time.
Hospital bag checklist — 11 essentials
These are the 11 essential items we recommend you pack:
- Comfortable clothes, maternity bras, maternity underwear, pajamas, and shoes.
- Comfortable socks and slippers to keep your feet warm.
- Extra blanket and/or pillow for comfort.
- Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
- Going-home outfit for baby.
- Hairbrush.
- List of medications.
- Phone charger and phone.
- Photo ID, insurance info, birth plan, and any necessary paperwork.
- Snacks (nonperishable) and drinks (juice if you prefer).
- Toiletries, such as lip balm, toothbrush, sanitary pads, deodorant, hair ties. The hospital will have many of these items, but feel free to bring your favorite body wash, lotion, or shampoo if you’d like.
What to pack for hospital delivery bag: Nice-to-haves
Comfort is important, so we also recommend packing these nice-to-have items:
- Breastfeeding pillow.
- Cozy robe.
- Eye mask.
- Items to help you relax: Books, magazine, puzzle, earbuds.
- Nursing cover-up.
- Small table fan.
- Towel.
- White noise app on your phone to help with relaxation.
What to pack for hospital delivery bag: Partner
Your partner will also appreciate having some items to help them during this time. Here’s what we recommend to pack for anyone joining you:
- Camera.
- Cash (small amounts for things like vending machines).
- Cell phone and charger.
- Change of clothes.
- Daily medications.
- Entertainment.
- Snacks — so they don’t steal yours!
- Toiletries, such as toothbrush, deodorant, contact lenses, etc.
While you may not need a car seat for the initial drive to the hospital, you will need it to drive home. Your partner can help ensure the car seat is ready by the time you leave the hospital.
What not to pack for your hospital delivery bag
There are some items you just won’t need. Having a baby is a busy time, and you don’t want anything sentimental to get lost in the shuffle. We recommend not bringing anything you may miss if it is lost.
Here is a list of items we do not recommend packing:
- Candles — no open flames in the hospital, but you can ask about flameless.
- Favorite clothing items.
- Jewelry and valuables.
- Overabundance of baby clothes.
- Perishable food.
- Strong scents.
- Work.
Ready for Delivery
Once you pack your bag, stash it in your car or by your front door. That way it is ready to go when you are.
And know that the experts at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital are here for you if you need any help or further recommendations on getting ready for labor and delivery.
Editor's Note: This video was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .