Hospital bag checklist: pack it by week 36

A calm, no-fluff list for you, your baby and your partner, with how many of each and what the hospital usually covers.

For you

ID, insurance card and hospital forms
Photo ID, insurance card, any pre-registration papers and your birth preferences if you wrote them.
In a folder you can grab
1folder
Phone charger with a long cable
A 10-foot cable is a lifesaver.
Outlets are often far from the bed
1item
Robe or comfy cardigan
Dark colors are practical.
For walking the halls and visitors
1item
Postpartum underwear
Soft, high-waisted underwear that sits above a C-section incision.
High-waisted or disposable; hospitals often provide some
1pack
Maternity pads
Heavy, long pads for postpartum bleeding.
Hospitals give you some; bring one pack for the ride home
1pack
Going-home outfit for you
Maternity clothes and easy shoes.
Loose and soft; you will still wear maternity sizes
1item
Grip socks or slippers
Hospital floors are cold.
2 pairs
2pairs
Toiletries and hair ties
Toothbrush, deodorant, lip balm, glasses or contacts, hair ties.
Travel sizes are fine
1kit
Snacks and a water bottle with a straw
A straw bottle is easy to drink from lying down.
For after delivery and for your support person
1bag
Your own pillow (bright pillowcase)
Small comfort, big difference.
A colored case so it does not get mixed with hospital linens
1item
Peri bottle
For gentle rinsing after a vaginal birth.
Hospitals often give you one; an angled one is nicer
1item
Eye mask and earplugs
Rest whenever you can.
Hospitals are bright and noisy
1set

For baby

Going-home outfit for baby
An easy zip sleeper is perfect. Skip fussy outfits for the car seat.
2 sizes (NB and 0–3m) because you don't know baby's size yet; light cotton for your season
2items
Baby hat and mittens
A soft hat and scratch mittens.
1 set for the ride home
1set
Receiving blanket for the ride
Goes over the harness, never under baby.
For shade or a light cover
1item
A few diapers and wipes
Newborn size.
Hospitals usually supply them during your stay; pack a few for the trip home
1small pack

For your partner

Change of clothes for your partner
Comfortable clothes, toiletries, a sweater.
Your partner may stay 1–3 nights
1set
Partner snacks, charger and cash for parking
Parking can be pricey; check if your hospital validates.
So your partner can stay put
1kit

Before you leave for the hospital

Car seat installed and checked by week 36. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians often check seats for free.
Pediatrician chosen. The hospital will ask.
Phone numbers for your care team and hospital saved.

Frequently asked questions

When should I pack my hospital bag?

By week 36. Many babies arrive before the due date, and having the bag by the door removes one worry.

What does the hospital usually provide?

Many hospitals provide diapers and wipes for the baby during your stay, plus some postpartum pads, mesh underwear and a peri bottle. Call your hospital to check, and bring your own favorites anyway.

What does the baby need for the ride home?

A rear-facing infant car seat installed in your car, a going-home outfit (bring newborn and 0–3 month sizes), a hat, and a blanket to tuck over the buckled harness if it is cold. No puffy suits under the straps.

What should my partner pack?

A change of clothes, toiletries, a phone charger, snacks and something for parking. Partners often stay one to three nights.

Do I need a birth plan?

It is optional. If you write birth preferences, bring a few copies to share with your care team.

Get your exact list

These tables use sample answers. NestReady builds yours from your due date, ZIP code, laundry rhythm and feeding plan, then spreads it week by week. Free to start.

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Related guides

General shopping guidance, not medical advice. Follow your pediatrician and each product's manufacturer for health and safety.