Maternity hospital bag

The list adapts to you

When you add it, the checklist asks a couple of questions and keeps only the items that fit your situation.

• Will a birth partner be with you? NoYes

What's inside

1. Get your hospital's own list and rules

   Every hospital has its own policy: what's allowed, what they provide, where a partner can go. Call or check the website — use this list alongside theirs.

2. Pack things in clear plastic bags

   Many hospitals restrict fabric bags for hygiene reasons — clear plastic bags work everywhere. Handy split: one bag for labor, one for the postpartum ward, one for discharge.

3. Have the bags packed by week 36

   From week 36 labor can start any day. Keep the packed bags by the door and share this list with family so they can bring anything forgotten.

4. Carry your documents everywhere from week 30

   Keep your ID, insurance and maternity notes in your handbag at all times — even for a quick trip out. If labor starts suddenly, your records get you admitted smoothly anywhere.

5. Documents: ID, insurance, maternity notes

   Your maternity notes / prenatal records are the key document — they tell the team your history and recent tests. Make sure the latest results are in.

6. Hospital paperwork and contract (if it's a paid birth)

   Add any pre-registration paperwork, and if you have a private birth contract — the contract and your doctor's contacts go with the documents.

7. Washable slippers

   Rubber or washable ones double as shower shoes. Fabric slippers are often not allowed.

8. Still water for the labor room

   A couple of small bottles with a sports cap — easier to drink lying down. Labor is long and hot work.

9. Phone and a long charging cable

   The socket is almost never next to the bed. A 2–3 m cable solves it.

10. Hair tie or headband

    The small thing everyone remembers at exactly the wrong moment.

11. Lip balm

    Lips get very dry during labor — especially with breathing techniques.

12. Postpartum pads

    Special postpartum or maternity pads — regular ones won't cope. One pack covers the hospital stay.

13. Disposable underwear

    Mesh disposable briefs, 4–5 pairs. More practical than anything else the first days.

14. Nightgown and robe

    A front-opening nightgown makes feeding easier. Check first: some hospitals provide gowns and you only need a robe.

15. Nursing bra and breast pads

    Milk comes in on day 2–4, often still at the hospital. Pads save your clothes.

16. Lanolin nipple cream

    The first feeding days are the most tender. Pure lanolin doesn't need washing off before feeds.

17. Toiletries: toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant

    Travel sizes; unscented deodorant — strong scents make it harder for the baby to find mom. Add a hairbrush and clips.

18. Towel

    One medium shower towel. Check — some hospitals provide them.

19. Bags for laundry

    A few bags: send laundry home instead of piling it up in the ward.

20. Newborn diapers, ~30 pcs

    A small NB-size pack, not a bulk one: the size may not fit your baby's weight, and you'll use up to 10 a day at the hospital.

21. Sleepsuits in two sizes (newborn and 0–3)

    2–3 of each size: you can't guess baby's size in advance. Wash everything beforehand.

22. Baby hat, socks, scratch mittens

    A couple of thin hats and socks. Scratch mittens help until the first nail trim.

23. Baby wipes (0+)

    Fragrance-free, newborn-safe. One large pack is plenty.

24. Diaper cream

    A classic zinc oxide cream — irritation can show up from day one.

25. Going-home outfit and blanket for baby — by season

    A nice outfit plus a wrap or blanket for the weather. In winter add a warm hat.

26. Going-home clothes for you — think mid-pregnancy size

    Your bump doesn't vanish overnight: pack what fit you mid-pregnancy, not pre-pregnancy clothes. Flat comfy shoes too.

27. Infant car seat for the ride home

    Install it in the car ahead of time and practice the buckles. Carrying a newborn in arms in a car is not an option — by law or by common sense.

28. Partner: ID and health checks the hospital requires Yes

    Hospitals often require recent health screening for birth partners — ask for the exact list early, some tests take days.

29. Partner: clean clothes and indoor shoes Yes

    Washable slippers and a clean set of clothes. Some hospitals ask for disposable scrubs — pharmacies sell them.

30. Partner: water and snacks Yes

    Labor takes hours and the cafeteria may be closed. Bars, nuts, water — so there's no need to disappear for long.

31. Partner: power bank Yes

    Family updates, contraction timing, first photos — the phone dies faster than you'd think.