A lot will be going through your head when you go into labor. Having a pre-packed labor and delivery bag ready to go is a great way to ensure you don't forget any of the essentials when you're on the way to the hospital.

Dr. Meisles, OB-GYN at Moreland OB-GYN, shares her necessary, comforting, and helpful delivery items. Watch our vlog below and read our printable hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery. Continue reading our blog for a complete list of all items you could bring to the hospital. Remember, every delivery is different, so pack what feels right for you.

What Should You Include In Your Pre-Packed Labor and Delivery Bag?

Important Documents for Mom and Dad

You're going to fill out a lot of paperwork for the baby, so make sure you have the social security numbers for both you and your partner. Other important documents you’ll need include:

Photo IDs
Insurance information
Hospital forms
Birth plan

Your Own Toiletries

The hospital will supply basic toiletries, although bringing your personal shampoo and soap from home can be a source of familiarity and comfort for new moms. Consider putting the following into your bag:

Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Shampoo
Conditioner
Bodywash
Hairbrush
Lotion
Deodorant
Large dark-colored towel
Rubber shower shoes

Comfy Clothes for You

bathrobe You will be in a hospital gown during the actual delivery, but it's important not to forget a change of clothes for you after your baby is born. Packing appropriate sizes of your most comfortable clothes (your body won't immediately return to normal) is key. Consider putting the following in your bag:

Bathrobe
Slippers
Pajamas or loose-fitting clothing
Nursing shirts
Nursing bra
Nipple cream

Blankets for Baby

baby clothes and blankets Having a blanket for baby will provide them comfort and give them something to bond with from your home. This blanket will also be helpful later if you need to introduce a pet to your baby.

NOTE: If you have pets at home, bring a second blanket for baby. Then, take that blanket home first to familiarize your pets with baby's scent.

Clothes for Baby

It’s important to consider the weather when packing clothes for baby. For example, if it's winter, be sure you have a baby hat, mittens, and a blanket to cover baby because coats cannot be worn in a car seat.

Many moms like to post pictures after delivery to let others know both mom and baby are doing well. Having an outfit picked out can make this moment that much more special and personal.

A Breastfeeding Pillow

This is a personal option from mom to mom, as not all mothers choose to breastfeed. For those who do, packing a Boppy or pillow you plan to use for breastfeeding allows you to get hands-on guidance and practice with the lactation consultants while at the hospital.

Breast Pump

breast pump For mothers who have never used a pump, lactation specialists can help you learn how to use one. It’s a great idea to bring your pump along to get a free tutorial! If you are unable to bring your pump and, for whatever reason, need to start pumping at the hospital, hospital pumps are available.

Camera

Many people have a nice camera they want to bring for after-delivery photos, although the camera on a smartphone will also work just fine!

Phone / Phone Charger

Your phone battery will drain quickly from taking photos and updating friends and family, so be sure you bring a phone charger with an extra-long cord.

iPad or Laptop / Chargers

hospital bag Bringing an iPad or laptop is a great way to communicate with family and help pass the time while you’re waiting. Don’t forget the chargers!

Babybook

Bringing a baby book to the hospital can be helpful if you want to take and document footprints and handprints.

Learn how to recognize the signs of labor and know when it’s time to go to the hospital.

Chapstick

A must! It's dry at the hospital and you'll be happy to have it.

Snacks and Reusable Water Bottle

You may be at the hospital for a while; bring your favorite healthy snacks in case you get hungry between meals and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially for those late nights.

Sibling Gifts

Many parents like to give something to the older sibling to help ease their anxiety over the new baby. Older siblings may also want to give something special to their new baby sister or brother.

Something to Hold Your Hair Back

Giving birth is hard work! You’ll be most comfortable with your hair pulled back and out of your face, so don't forget to pack hair ties and a headband.

Other Items for Your Labor and Delivery Hospital Bag

Every mother is different, and you'll want to bring what makes you comfortable during this process. Such comforts could include:

Music
Essential oils diffuser- check with the hospital if they allow this
A plug-in with your favorite scent
Photographs
Movies
Books

Check out our top-rated baby gear here.

Car Seat

While not likely to fit in your hospital bag, don’t forget to bring an infant car seat before heading to the hospital – it is required in order for you and baby to be discharged to home. After delivery, have someone bring the car seat to the hospital room to ensure it’s correctly adjusted before you leave to take baby home.

A car seat that has been sitting in a car in the hospital parking lot may be too hot or cold for baby. Bringing the car seat to the hospital room will also ensure it’s a comfortable temperature.

What Your Support Person Should Pack

If you have a support person accompanying you to the hospital, they may also want to pack a few items just in case. Your support person should pack:

A change of clothes
Basic toiletries (face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
Snacks and a reusable water bottle (it is important that they can keep their energy up, too)
Another phone charger (with an extra-long cord if you have it)

Check out our Prenatal Care Guide for more guidance and tips on how to prepare for baby.

What to Pack for a Planned C-Section

If you are planning to have a C-section delivery, you should expect to be at the hospital for a few extra days while you recover from the procedure. Pack extra clothes (for you and baby), toiletries, snacks, and anything else you might need during your extended hospital stay.

One thing to consider is dividing your supplies into two different hospital bags – one with the basic essentials you will need before and immediately after surgery, and another with the supplies you will need for the rest of your stay.

You can leave the second bag in the car for your partner or support person to bring to you once you have been moved to a recovery room. That way, you can lighten your initial load when you first arrive at the hospital.

The items you will pack for your planned C-section are generally the same as other delivery methods. However, there are a few specific items you should make sure to bring with you to ensure a more comfortable recovery experience:

You may not be able to shower right away, so pack some dry shampoo just in case.
When packing extra clothes, choose loose-fitting or C-section pants, comfortable dresses, or skirts that won’t dig into your incision. Also, pack high-wasted underwear, as low-rise may rub at your incision.
Bring a comfortable pillow for your extended stay, and consider a non-white or patterned pillowcase to distinguish it from the hospital pillows.
If you plan to breastfeed, bring a breastfeeding pillow to prop baby up away from your incision.
Pack fiber-heavy snacks to help ease digestion after your C-section. Peppermint herbal tea can also help soothe trapped gas, which is common after surgery.

Ready for Baby: Feel Confident Heading Into Labor

With your hospital bag packed and ready to go, that’s one less thing to think about as you prepare to welcome your new baby. Taking the time to plan ahead can help you feel calmerm, confident, and more focused when labor begins.

Not sure what to expect next? Learn to recognize the signs of labor and when it’s time to head to the hospital, so you’re fully prepared when the moment arrives.

Whether you’re preparing for labor or navigating recovery, our team is here for you. Contact us or request an appointment to connect with one of our caring providers.

Ready to plan your preferred birthing experience?

Download our Birth Plan Checklist by clicking the image below to get started!

Every labor and delivery experience is unique, and it’s important to listen to your body and give yourself the care and rest you need after birth. Explore our postpartum care resources below to support your healing and overall well-being.

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What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag for Delivery