A hospital bag checklist that fits your birth
Most hospital bag checklists are one long list that tries to cover everyone. This one starts from five quick answers — the type of birth you are planning, how you plan to feed, the country you are giving birth in, the weather and whether a birth partner is coming — and shows only what fits. Choose “caesarean” and it adds high-waisted knickers and a pillow for the car home; choose India and it adds your MCP card, insurance pre-authorisation and ID for the birth certificate; choose the US and it adds Social Security numbers and your paediatrician’s details.
Tick items as they go into the bag, change the quantities, remove what you do not need and add your own. Your list stays in this browser, so it is still there when you check the bag again at 37 weeks. When you are done, print it, save it as a PDF or PNG, copy it as text or download a CSV.
This page is information only, not medical advice. Hospitals differ in what they supply, so check your own unit’s list — and never delay going in because the bag is not ready.
How to use the Hospital Bag Checklist
- Answer the five questions at the top: type of birth, feeding plan, where you are giving birth, the weather and whether your birth partner is coming.
- Work through the categories — documents, labour, after the birth, your baby, your partner and the jobs to do before the day.
- Tick each item as you pack it. Change a quantity in the small box, press × to remove an item, or type in “Add an item…” and press Enter.
- Print the checklist, download the PDF or PNG, copy it as text to share with your partner, or download it as a CSV.
- Use Untick all to check the bag again before you leave, and Reset list to start from the suggestions.
Hospital Bag Checklist features
Vaginal birth or C-section
Caesarean extras (high-waisted knickers, loose clothes that do not press on the wound) and labour extras (TENS machine, birth-pool top) appear only when they apply. “Not sure yet” packs for both.
India, US, UK or elsewhere
Country extras such as the Mother and Child Protection card and insurance papers in India, or birth-certificate details in the US.
Mum, baby and partner
Separate lists for you during labour, you after the birth, your baby and your birth partner, plus the jobs to do before the day.
Editable and saved
Ticks, quantities, removed items and your own additions are kept on this device.
Print, PDF, PNG, text, CSV
A two-column printable sheet with ticked boxes, plus text and spreadsheet copies.
When to pack your hospital bag
Aim to have the bag packed at least three weeks before your due date — around 36–37 weeks — as UK maternity guidance suggests, because only about 1 in 20 babies arrives on the due date itself. If you are having a planned caesarean, pack a few days before your booked date and check what the hospital asks you to bring. Work out the dates with the due date calculator, and keep the contraction timer on your phone for the day.
Many parents pack two bags: a small one for labour and a second one for after the birth that can stay in the car until you move to the ward.
What to pack for a C-section
- High-waisted knickers and loose, high-waisted trousers or a dress, so nothing presses on the wound.
- A small pillow to hold against your tummy when you cough, laugh or ride home in the car.
- Slip-on shoes and front-opening nightwear — bending is hard for a few days.
- Hospitals vary: some give you compression stockings and some ask you to bring them, so follow your pre-operative letter.
Country notes
- India: carry your MCP card or antenatal file with scan reports, ID proof for both parents (the birth is registered by the hospital), and health-insurance or cashless pre-authorisation papers if you have cover.
- United States: bring your insurance card and photo ID, any pre-registration forms, and both parents’ Social Security numbers for the birth-certificate forms. Many hospitals check that you have a rear-facing infant car seat before you leave by car.
- United Kingdom: your maternity notes are often on an app — make sure your phone is charged. Pack nappies, wipes and clothes for your baby; maternity units differ in what they provide.
Hospital Bag Checklist FAQ
What should be in a hospital bag for mom and baby?
For you: your notes, comfortable clothes and nightwear, maternity pads, knickers, bras and breast pads, a wash bag, snacks and a phone charger. For your baby: vests, sleepsuits, a going-home outfit, a hat, nappies, wipes, muslins, a blanket and a car seat for the trip home.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
At least three weeks before your due date — by about 36–37 weeks — so you are ready if your baby comes early. For a planned caesarean, pack a few days before your date.
What extra do I need for a C-section?
High-waisted knickers and loose clothes that do not press on the wound, a small pillow for your tummy, slip-on shoes and front-opening nightwear. Choose “Caesarean (C-section) planned” above to add them to the list.
How many baby clothes should I take to hospital?
Four to six vests and sleepsuits covers a typical stay plus spills, as well as one going-home outfit. Change the quantities if your stay is likely to be longer.
Do I need to pack nappies and formula?
Usually yes — many units expect you to bring nappies and wipes. Formula, bottles and teats depend on the hospital, so ask your unit if you plan to formula feed.
Is my checklist saved?
Yes, in your browser on this device only. Nothing is uploaded. Clearing site data removes it, so print or download a copy if you want one to keep.