Hospital Bag Checklist: Everything You Need—And What You Don't

I love a good Nancy Meyers movie, so it’s no surprise that I thought packing my hospital bag would be like a scene from one. Pregnant me imagined myself as Annie Banks-MacKenzie from Father of the Bride Part II. In the movie, Annie heads to the hospital for false labor several times, and each time she quickly grabs one pre-packed suitcase at the door. So, when I started making my own hospital bag checklist, I envisioned it would be the same. One bag to pack with a light list of items to throw together.

However, I found myself scouring the internet for what seemed like hours trying to put together a list that ensured I had all the hospital bag essentials. All the sites I encountered varied when it came to deeming which items were must-haves or not. What’s too much, and what’s not enough? Do I need to pack postpartum underwear, or will the hospital have it?

It doesn’t matter if it is your first pregnancy or your third, packing your hospital bag can be a little overwhelming. If you found yourself here with the same feelings, you came to the right place. With the help of our seasoned editors who’ve been through childbirth a time or two, here is a tried and true ultimate hospital bag-packing checklist. Whether you’re an early packer or currently packing to head out the door, you won’t be missing a thing. Plus, a bonus checklist for your support person, too.

Whether you’re nursing or pumping, buttoned-up pajamas or a comfortable robe gives you easy access to do either. Alaina Kaz, cofounder and CEO of The Everygirl Media Group, recommends the Cosabella maternity PJ set. “I lived in this set at the hospital and for months postpartum… the fact that it’s still available seven years later says something.”

“I was SO swollen afterward that a large pajama dress was the only thing I could wear, [so I wish I packed] more loose clothing to wear postpartum. My hospital bag was packed with normal pajamas and loungewear, and I couldn’t wear any of it!”—Meagan McCormick, Director of Marketing

The hospital will most likely have these items. If you decide that it’s not necessary for your hospital bag checklist, they’re helpful for when you return home. I highly recommend the Frida Mom disposable boyshort underwear. They’re comfortable, they stretch, and they don’t feel too bulky.

Don’t forget to pack a Bluetooth speaker in your hospital bag. Play some calming music while you labor. Your partner can be in charge of the playlist.

“One of my favorite moments from the hospital was listening to music with my husband right before we had the baby, and now I listen to the same songs, and I’m reminded of that special time together.”—Hailey Bouche, Associate Editor

“A giant water bottle. I had my kid pre-Stanley bottle craze, but I have never drunk so much water in my life. I even brought the hospital water jug they give you home with me—and used it nonstop for the first year.”—Roberta Correia, Editor-In-Chief

“We had our baby in the room with us the entire time, so a small white noise machine was great for naps and overnight sleep so we could still talk/nurses could come in and out without immediately waking up baby.”—Meagan McCormick, Director of Marketing

“A velcro swaddle. We used the swaddle blankets the hospital provided, too, but the velcro swaddles are just so much easier when you’re exhausted.”—Meagan McCormick, Director of Marketing

Your support person doesn’t always have a comfortable bed to sleep in. My husband found himself either sleeping on a small couch or chair. Bringing a pillow and a blanket from home can make it a little easier for them to sleep at night.

Your support person will also have their phone, of course, but also make sure they have a list of photos/videos you want to be captured (and don’t want to be captured) before, during, and after the birth.

You’ll want to have the following information and documents ready when it’s time to leave for the hospital. Additionally, you may want to bring multiple copies of your birth plan if you have one, as nurses and doctors could rotate during your stay.

There’s no guarantee that my hospital bag looked like Annie Banks-MacKenzie’s, but I did have these items ready, and I’m glad I did. If you have a friend who’s expecting or you’re pregnant, add this hospital bag checklist to your Notes App or click to download the free printable hospital bag checklist so you’ll feel prepared time and time again.

As the editorial intern, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.