What should I pack in my hospital bag?

Pack in three parts: for you (ID and notes, comfy nightwear, dark old underwear, maternity pads, toiletries, a going-home outfit, phone charger and snacks); for baby (bodysuits, hat and mittens, a swaddle, diapers, and an installed car seat); and for your partner (clothes, snacks, and a charger).

When should I have my hospital bag ready?

Have it packed by around 36 weeks, since babies can arrive early. Keep it by the door or in the car, and fit the car seat before your due date so nothing's left to the last minute.

What do first-time moms forget to pack?

Commonly forgotten items are a long phone charging cable and power bank, dark comfortable going-home clothes (you'll still look pregnant), lip balm and hair ties, snacks for a long labour, and a pillow from home. Bring your own maternity pads and newborn diapers too.

Hospital Bag Checklist

A hospital bag is easiest to pack in three parts: for you, for the baby, and for your partner. Have it ready by around 36 weeks, since babies don't always wait for the due date. This checklist covers the comfort items, the practical must-haves, and the things first-time parents most often forget. More baby checklists here.

Curated by the Gisti team · Updated July 2026

Hospital Bag Checklist · 18 items

Photo ID, insurance details, and your hospital notes or birth plan
A comfortable, loose nightgown or two
Dark colours hide stains; front-opening helps with feeding.
A warm robe, non-slip socks, and slippers for the ward
Several pairs of high-waisted, disposable, or old underwear
They'll get ruined — don't bring your favourites.
Maternity or heavy-flow pads for after the birth
Not tampons.
A nursing bra and breast pads if you plan to breastfeed
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hair ties, and travel-size wash
A going-home outfit for you
Loose and comfortable — roughly your 6-months-pregnant size.
Phone, a long charging cable, and a power bank
Snacks and drinks for a long labour, plus a card for vending machines
For baby: 2-3 bodysuits and sleepers in newborn and 0-3 sizes
For baby: a hat, scratch mittens, and socks
For baby: a swaddle or blanket and a going-home outfit for the season
Newborn diapers and a small pack of wipes
The hospital may provide some, but bring your own.
An installed, rear-facing car seat for the drive home
Fit it before your due date.
For your partner: a change of clothes, snacks, toiletries, and their own phone charger
Any regular medications you take, in their original packaging
A pillow from home
Use a bright case so it doesn't get lost.

Make it yours in Gisti

Open this checklist in Gisti to tick items off, add your own, set reminders, and keep it in sync across Android and the web. AI can tailor every item to your exact situation.

Open Gisti