Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Dad

*I've revised some of this having come out of an unplanned c-section. I was vastly underprepared for everything I needed and I think you should pack with the expectation that you could be at this hospital longer than 2-3 days.*

It is a good rule of thumb to have your hospital bags packed and ready by 36 weeks of pregnancy. This will ensure that you are as prepared as possible if your baby decides to come early. If you want to be extra prepared, start packing around 34-35 weeks to give yourself that extra reassurance. As you prepare for the big day, you might be wondering what you need in your go bag. I have compiled a hospital bag checklist for Mom and Dad below. I’ll split it into separate lists for mom, dad, and baby so you can easily copy and paste it into your notes app for tracking. I’ve also included a few links to items we found especially helpful to have.

Hospital Bag Checklists for Mom and Dad - Resources To Buy

Onesies: Bamboo Onesies

Swaddle: Love tp Dream Swaddle UP

Diapers: Pampers Pure

Baby Wipes: Honest Baby Wipes

Diaper Cream: Bordeaux’s Butt Paste

Water Bottle for Mom: Simple Modern Bottle

Water Bottle for Dad: Hydro Flask Bottle

Snacks: RxBars, Dried Mango, Trail Mix

Nursing Pillow: My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

Hospital Go Bag Checklist for Baby

Clothing

[ ] A few onesies or sleepers

[ ] Going home outfit

[ ] Baby hat and mittens

[ ] Swaddle or receiving blanket

Diaper & Changing

[ ] Newborn Diapers

[ ] Sensitive skin baby wipes

[ ] Diaper cream

Car Seat

[ ] Ensure the infant carseat is installed

Hospital Go Bag Checklist for Mom

Comfortable Clothing (Enough for 3-5 days)

[ ] Loose clothing for labor

[ ] A robe or nightgown for post delivery

[ ] Nursing bras

[ ] Nursing-Friendly tank tops or button-down

[ ] Recovery clothes (if c-section occurs)

[ ] Going home outfit

Toiletries

[ ] Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash

[ ] Hairbrush, hair ties, or headbands.

[ ] Lip balm or chapstick

[ ] Face wipes or face cleanser

[ ] Deodorant

[ ] Shower essentials (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)

[ ] Lotion or moisturizer

[ ] Belly support band

Entertainment

[ ] Phone & charger. Long cable is helpful

[ ] Tablet or iPad

[ ] Earbuds

[ ] Camera for capturing memories

Documents & Paperwork

[ ] ID and insurance info

[ ] Birth plan

Snacks

[ ] Light non-perishable snacks (granola bars, crackers, dried fruit)

[ ] Reusable water bottle

[ ] Hard candy

Extras for Comfort

[ ] Pillow

[ ] Blanket

[ ] Eye mask and ear plugs

[ ] Essential oils or diffuser

[ ] Birth ball

Hospital Go Bag Checklist for Dad or Non-Birthing Partner

Clothing (Enough for 3-5 days)

[ ] A few changes of clothes

[ ] Sleeping clothes

[ ] Comfortable shoes

[ ] Socks & underwear

[ ] Going home outfit

Toiletries

[ ] Toothbrush & toothpaste

[ ] Deodorant

[ ] Hairbrush or comb (if you use it)

[ ] Razor or beard trimmer

[ ] Contact lense case or glasses (if needed)

Documents & Paperwork

[ ] ID and insurance info

[ ] Birth plan

Entertainment

[ ] Phone & charger

[ ] Camera to take photos or videos

[ ] Earbuds

[ ] Tablet or iPad

[ ] Small speaker

Snacks & Drinks

[ ] Non-Perishable snacks (granola, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit)

[ ] Reusable water bottle

Comfort & Sleep

[ ] Pillow

[ ] Throw blanket

Money & Essentials

[ ] Cash or credit for parking, vending machines, meals

[ ] Keys, wallet, or other essentials

Conclusion

Copy these checklists to your phone and make sure you have the items you deem necessary so that when you arrive at the hospital, you are fully prepared. Talk to your doctor about what will be available in the hospital room if you're considering bringing items that the hospital might already provide. For example, we weren’t sure if we needed to bring our own breast pump. Our doctor informed us that they have hospital-grade breast pumps available, so it wasn’t something we needed to worry about.

Let me know in the comments if there were any items you don’t see on the list.