Getting ready for birth
The minimalist hospital bag: what to pack for birth, and what to leave home
Avoid overpacking with this short checklist of essentials for the birthing parent, partner, and baby, plus the things most hospitals already provide.
Pack one small bag with what you’ll really use, and leave the bulky supplies to the hospital. Here’s the short list.
What to pack for labor and birth
For you
- Documents: government ID, insurance cards, and hospital paperwork.
- 1 or 2 comfortable outfits: a loose nursing nightgown, soft button-down pajamas, or comfortable sweatpants.
- Comfortable footwear: non-skid socks, or easy slip-on slides or flip-flops for hallway walks.
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hair ties, travel shampoo, deodorant, and a hairbrush.
- A long phone charging cable. A 10-foot cable is best.
For your partner or support person
- 1 or 2 changes of clothes, and pajamas
- Snacks and a reusable water bottle
- Toiletries, and a small pillow and blanket
For your baby
- A car seat, installed in the car before you head to the hospital.
- A going-home outfit in both newborn and 0 to 3 month sizes.
- A blanket for the ride home. It’s for travel, not for unsupervised sleep.
What to leave at home
Most hospitals provide these, so call ahead and check yours:
- Diapers and baby wipes
- Postpartum mesh underwear and heavy pads
- A peri bottle, and Tucks pads or witch hazel sheets
- Hospital gowns for labor
If you’d like this on paper, the free printable checklist has room for your own notes.
