Hospital Bag Checklist: What New Parents Actually Used (and What to Skip)
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Ask any group of parents what to pack for the hospital and you'll hear the same thing: pack less than you think. Most people bring a huge bag and use about a third of it. This list sticks to the things parents keep saying they were glad to have.
Many people pack around weeks 35–37. Keep the bag by the door or in the car.
Don't forget (no shopping needed)
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Hospital paperwork and your birth plan, if you have one
- Your pediatrician's name and phone number
- Glasses, contacts, and any medicine you already take
For the ride home
1. Infant car seat (installed before you go)
Most hospitals won't let you drive home with your baby unless an infant car seat is in the car. Install it a few weeks early, and get the install checked if you can. The KeyFit 30 is known for being easy to click in and out of the base.
ChiccoChicco KeyFit 30 ClearTex Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat with Base | Lightweight, Click-In Stroller Attachment, Newborn Head & Body Support, 1-Hand Handle, UPF 50+ Canopy, 4-30lbs., SlateCheck price on Amazon
Lighter option: at about 7 lbs, the Graco SnugRide Lite LX is easier to carry.
GracoGraco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat, Studio | Ultra-Lightweight (7.2 lbs), Rear-Facing (4-30lbs, Up to 32in.), 4-Position Adjustable Base, Easy Installation, Safe & SecureCheck price on Amazon
For mom
2. Something comfy to wear
You can stay in the hospital gown, but lots of moms like their own clothes. A front-opening gown makes nursing and skin-to-skin easier.
Kindred BravelyKindred Bravely Universal Labor and Delivery Gown for Birthing and Nursing | Soft maternity hospital gown with velcro for monitoring, epidural, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding nightgown with pocketsCheck price on Amazon
For after delivery, a soft button-front pajama set works for the hospital and for the weeks at home.
Kindred BravelyKindred Bravely Davy Maternity and Nursing Pajama Set, Postpartum Sleepwear | Soft breathable breastfeeding sleepwear with pull-down access, pockets, comfortable stretchy waistband, pregnancy and beyondCheck price on Amazon
3. A soft nursing bra
No underwire. Pick one you can sleep in. Your size can change in the first few days, so a stretchy one is the safest bet.
Kindred BravelyKindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping Lounge & Sleep Bra, Nursing Bra | Adjustable straps, wire free & unpadded design. Compatible with all standard and wearable breast pumpsCheck price on Amazon
4. Disposable postpartum underwear
The hospital gives you mesh underwear, but many moms say these feel more secure. There's a high-waist version for C-sections, since it sits above the incision.
Frida MomFrida 8pc Postpartum Underwear, Disposable Boyshort Panties, Size M/L | Seamless with Stretch Support, New Mom Essentials, Hospital Bag Must Have, Size M/L (28-42in)Check price on Amazon
Frida MomFrida Postpartum Underwear, Disposable C-Section Panties, Size Regular | High-Waist, Seamless, Stretch Support for Recovery, Size Regular (28-42in), Pack of 8Check price on Amazon
5. Upside-down peri bottle
Most hospitals give you a basic peri bottle. The angled one is easier to use, and parents mention it a lot as the thing they wish they'd had from day one.
Frida MomFrida Upside Down Peri Bottle for Postpartum Care, Portable Bidet | Perineal Cleansing and Recovery for New Moms, The Original Fridababy MomWasher, Portable & Easy GripCheck price on Amazon
6. Cooling postpartum pads
The hospital has pads too. These have a cold pack built in, so you don't need to make your own "padsicles."
Frida MomFrida 2-in-1 Postpartum Pads, Perineal Ice Maxi Pads & Maternity Pad | Absorbent Instant Cold Therapy Packs and Maternity Pad Combined, Postpartum Care for New MomsCheck price on Amazon
7. Nipple cream
Handy if you plan to breastfeed. Pick lanolin or a lanolin-free one, whichever you prefer.
LansinohLansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream, 1.41 Ounces | Safe for Breastfeeding Baby, 100% Natural Nipple Butter, Breastfeeding Essentials, Postpartum MomsCheck price on Amazon
8. A long phone charger (10 ft)
Hospital outlets are almost never next to the bed. This is the item people mention most. Check your phone's port first. The one below is Lightning; newer iPhones and Android phones use USB-C.
9. Non-slip socks
Hospital floors are cold, and you'll be walking to the bathroom a lot.
10. A big water bottle with a straw
You can drink lying down or while you're feeding the baby, without spilling.
11. Sleep mask
The lights and check-ins never stop. A mask helps you nap when you can.
For baby
12. Going-home outfit (two sizes)
Babies can be smaller or bigger than you expect, so pack one in newborn and one in 0–3 months. A zip-up sleeper is easier than snaps on a tiny, wiggly baby.
13. Easy swaddle
Hospital nurses swaddle with blankets. A Velcro swaddle is easier at 3 a.m. at home.
What to skip: the hospital usually gives you these
Ask your hospital to be sure, but most give you these free:
- Diapers and wipes
- Pads and mesh underwear
- A basic peri bottle
- Baby hat, receiving blankets, and a pacifier
- Baby shampoo and lotion
You don't need a whole outfit for every day, a full makeup bag, or toys for the baby.
Quick printable list
Mom: ID and insurance card · comfy gown or PJs · nursing bra · postpartum underwear · peri bottle · cooling pads · nipple cream · 10 ft charger · non-slip socks · water bottle · sleep mask · toiletries · going-home outfit (still maternity size)
Baby: car seat (installed) · 2 going-home outfits · swaddle
Product details and availability change, so always check the current listing on Amazon before you buy.