Pregnancy & Maternity · Practical checklist

Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivery Day: What to Pack and What to Skip

Written and medically reviewed by Dr Humaira Latif, MBBS, Gynae & Obstetrics Specialist, Ultrasound Specialist · 14+ years of clinical experience

Last reviewed: October 2026

The easiest way to pack

Instead of putting everything into one large suitcase, consider using:

1. A small labour bag
2. A main postpartum bag
3. A separate baby bag
4. A small bag for your birth partner

This makes important items easier to find when you are tired, uncomfortable or in active labour.

Important documents and medical information

Keep these together in an easily accessible folder or pouch.

• ☐Pregnancy or maternity records
• ☐Recent investigation reports if your doctor has advised you to bring them
• ☐Ultrasound reports if relevant
• ☐Blood group information if available
• ☐Birth preferences or birth plan, if you have one
• ☐Identification documents required by your hospital
• ☐Insurance or hospital admission documents, if applicable
• ☐List of your regular medicines
• ☐Important emergency contact numbers

What to pack for yourself

Clothing

• ☐1–2 loose, comfortable outfits for labour
• ☐2–3 comfortable changes of clothes for after delivery
• ☐Loose clothes for going home
• ☐Comfortable underwear
• ☐Nursing or feeding-friendly bras, if desired
• ☐Front-opening nightwear if you plan to breastfeed
• ☐Socks
• ☐Lightweight dressing gown
• ☐Slippers or comfortable washable footwear

Maternity pads and personal hygiene

• ☐Maternity or postpartum pads
• ☐Comfortable, high-waisted underwear
• ☐Toothbrush and toothpaste
• ☐Soap or body wash
• ☐Shampoo if needed
• ☐Deodorant
• ☐Hairbrush
• ☐Hair ties or clips
• ☐Lip balm
• ☐Hand sanitiser if useful
• ☐Small towel if your hospital does not provide one

Bleeding after childbirth, called lochia, is expected after both vaginal birth and caesarean birth. Do not use tampons after delivery unless specifically advised by your healthcare professional.

Medicines and health essentials

• ☐Regular prescribed medicines
• ☐Glasses
• ☐Contact lens supplies if applicable
• ☐Any medically necessary equipment you normally use
• ☐Diabetes monitoring equipment if your maternity team has instructed you to bring it

Phone and comfort items

• ☐Mobile phone
• ☐Charger
• ☐Long charging cable or power bank if permitted
• ☐Headphones
• ☐Small water bottle
• ☐Snacks, if permitted by your maternity team
• ☐Small fan or cooling item if useful
• ☐Music or relaxation playlist
• ☐Eye mask if useful

What to pack for your baby

Your newborn does not need a huge wardrobe. A small number of basic items is usually enough for the initial hospital stay.

Baby clothing

• ☐2–4 newborn outfits
• ☐2–4 vests or bodysuits, depending on local practice and weather
• ☐2–4 sleepsuits
• ☐1 outfit for going home
• ☐Socks or booties if needed
• ☐Hat if recommended for your baby’s environment
• ☐Lightweight blanket or shawl
• ☐A few muslin cloths

Diapering

• ☐Newborn nappies
• ☐Cotton wool or wipes according to your hospital’s recommendations
• ☐Changing supplies if your hospital does not provide them

Do not forget the journey home

One item deserves special attention: a safe infant car seat. If your baby will travel home by car, arrange an appropriate infant car seat before delivery. Do not leave this preparation until discharge day. If you are travelling by another method, follow the safety requirements appropriate for that transport.

What should your birth partner pack?

• ☐Phone
• ☐Charger
• ☐Comfortable clothes
• ☐Basic toiletries
• ☐Water bottle
• ☐Snacks
• ☐Any regular medicines
• ☐Identification and payment method if required
• ☐Important contact numbers

What most people over-pack

You probably do not need to bring everything you see on a viral hospital-bag checklist.

Pack fewer essentials and keep extra supplies at home. Your birth partner can often bring additional items later if your hospital stay is longer than expected.

What not to bring unnecessarily

Avoid taking valuable items unless absolutely necessary.

• Expensive jewellery
• Large amounts of cash
• Unnecessary electronics
• Bulky luggage
• Large quantities of baby products

Your grab-and-go labour pouch

One of the smartest ways to organize your bag is to prepare a small labour pouch. Put the things you may need immediately in one small pouch.

• ☐Pregnancy records
• ☐ID
• ☐Birth preferences
• ☐Phone
• ☐Charger
• ☐Lip balm
• ☐Hair tie
• ☐Maternity pad
• ☐Comfortable underwear
• ☐Water bottle
• ☐Essential medication information

What if you are having a planned caesarean birth?

Your basic hospital bag remains similar, but you may want to prepare for a potentially longer recovery and hospital stay.

• ☐Loose, comfortable clothing
• ☐High-waisted underwear
• ☐Postpartum or maternity pads
• ☐Easy-access breastfeeding clothes
• ☐Toiletries
• ☐Comfortable footwear
• ☐Baby clothes and nappies
• ☐Medical records and medications

Choose clothing that does not place pressure directly over your incision. Your own obstetric team should guide you regarding the expected hospital stay and any specific items required by your hospital.

What if you are planning a vaginal birth?

Pack for flexibility. Labour can be unpredictable, and your final mode of birth may sometimes change. For example, a planned vaginal birth may result in an assisted birth or caesarean birth if medically necessary. That is why your bag should focus on general maternity essentials rather than packing only for one exact scenario. A birth plan can communicate your preferences, but it should remain flexible because circumstances can change during labour.

When should you pack your delivery bag?

There is no single perfect week for every pregnant woman. A practical approach is to have the essential bag ready by the late third trimester, commonly around 35–37 weeks, or earlier if your obstetrician advises it.

You may want to prepare earlier if you:

• Have previously experienced preterm labour
• Have a pregnancy complication
• Live far from your planned maternity facility
• Have been advised that early delivery is possible
• Are expecting twins or multiples
• Have been advised to remain close to the hospital

Your own maternity team should give you individualized advice when appropriate.

Keep a small emergency plan with your bag

Where are your medical records? Make sure they can be found quickly. What if labour starts earlier than expected? Make sure your household knows where the bag is kept.

The less-is-more hospital bag rule

Final checklist before leaving home

• Do I have my medical records?
• Do I have my phone and charger?
• Do I have my essential medicines?
• Do I have maternity pads?
• Do I have comfortable clothes?
• Do I have the baby's clothes and nappies?
• Do I have my identification and required hospital documents?
• Does my birth partner know where everything is?
• Is transportation arranged?
• Is the baby's safe journey-home arrangement ready?

Frequently asked questions

Medical references and further reading

• NHS — Hospital bag checklist
• NHS — Signs that labour has begun and waters breaking
• NHS — Your baby's movements
• NHS — Your body after the birth