Free Tools
Hospital Bag Checklist
Pack everything you, your partner, and your baby need — customized for your delivery.
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How this works
Tick the filters that match your delivery — C-section, induction, water birth, or twins — and the checklist updates with the extras you'll need. The default list covers a standard vaginal delivery.
Items are organized into three bags: yours, your partner's, and the baby's. Most hospitals prefer separate, labeled bags so support people can grab what they need without rummaging.
Tap any item to check it off. Your progress saves automatically in this browser, so you can come back later and pick up where you left off. Use the share button to send the customized list to your partner.
Aim to have everything packed by week 36. Earlier if you're carrying twins, expecting an induction, or have a history of preterm labor.
The math behind it
There's no math here — this is a curated checklist based on standard recommendations from major obstetric organizations and consensus from labor and delivery nurses.
We add items conditionally when your delivery type calls for them. C-section adds loose post-surgery underwear and longer-stay essentials (typical hospital stay: 2–4 days versus 1–2 for vaginal). Induction adds comfort items because inductions can run 12–24+ hours. Twins doubles the baby-side items.
Default items reflect the typical 1–2 night vaginal-delivery stay. Some hospitals provide items like pads, mesh underwear, and basic toiletries — call ahead to ask what's supplied so you can skip duplicates.
Frequently asked questions
Have it ready by 36 weeks for a singleton pregnancy. If you're carrying twins, expecting an induction, or have a history of preterm labor, pack by 32 weeks. Keep the bag near the door or in your car.
Most US hospitals provide: hospital gown, mesh underwear, large-size pads, peri bottle, ice pack, basic toiletries, swaddle blanket, baby hat, and diapers for the stay. Policies vary — call ahead to confirm what's included so you can skip duplicates.
Many people do, especially for postpartum recovery comfort. Use a colored pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed in with hospital linens. If you have a nursing pillow, bring it too — it helps with positioning for first feeds.
Phone charger with a long cable. Hospital outlets are often far from beds and the standard short cable doesn't reach. A 10-foot cable solves it.
Yes — pack both a preemie size and a newborn size. Babies vary, and weather may affect what's appropriate. Don't forget a hat, socks, and the car seat (installed before your due date — most hospitals won't let you leave without it).
Pack everything in the standard list plus: loose, high-waisted underwear (the incision is just below the bikini line, so anything tight is uncomfortable), pads for a longer recovery, and an extra change of clothes for a 2–4 day stay. Tick the C-section filter to see these added to your list.
Click 'Copy share link' at the bottom of the checklist. The link includes your customized filters and the partner can see the same list. Their completion state is separate from yours (saved in their browser), so they can check items off independently.