Getting ready to welcome your little one into the world? One of the most important steps in preparing for labor and delivery is knowing what to pack in your hospital bag. Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, having a clear hospital bag checklist ensures you have everything you need for a more comfortable hospital stay.
Below, we break down a pregnancy hospital bag checklist for mom and baby, including hospital bag essentials and when to start packing!
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag?
Wondering when you should pack your hospital bag? Most moms-to-be aim to have their bag ready by 35 to 36 weeks—just in case your baby decides to arrive early. It’s always better to be prepared so you can head to the hospital stress-free when labor starts. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or are expecting twins ( or more!), you might consider packing even earlier.
Hospital Bag Checklists for Mom and Baby
Below is a hospital bag checklist for mom and baby, covering everything you'll want to bring along to make your stay comfortable, prepared, and as smooth as possible.
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
Comfort & Clothing
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Comfy robe and loose-fitting clothes for after delivery/ days after
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Nursing bras/tanks.
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Non-slip socks or slippers.
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Going-home outfit (think soft, cozy, and photo-ready!)
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Extra underwear (high-waisted postpartum-friendly ones are great!)
Toiletries & Personal Care
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Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and face wipes.
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Lip balm (hospital air is very dry!).
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Shampoo, conditioner, body wash.
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Dry shampoo.
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Pads (hospital provides some, but some moms prefer their own).
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Nipple cream (for breastfeeding moms).
Helpful Extras
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Phone and long charging cable.
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Reusable water bottle.
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Snacks (protein bars, electrolyte drinks).
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Birth plan (if you have one, but keep it flexible).
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Optional: Your own pillow, essential oils, Bluetooth speaker for music.
Tip: Pack a Nora’s Nursery wet bag to store dirty clothes or used wipes while keeping everything else clean!
Hospital Bag Checklist For Baby
Clothing & Accessories
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Coming home outfit (weather-appropriate).
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Onesies and sleepers (newborn and 0-3 months size—just in case)
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Hat, socks, mittens (for warmth and preventing scratches).
Check out our Newborn Sweet Dreams, and Little Sleepers Sets for your little ones first few days.
Diapering & Feeding
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A few reusable wipes with a travel pod (perfect for sensitive skin). Our Cloth Wipes are made of 100% cotton. They are soft to touch, refraining from any irritation to your baby's bottom. Check out our Reusable Cloth Wipes with Travel Pod
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Optional: If you plan to cloth diaper from day one, bring a few newborn cloth diapers. Check out our Newborn All-In- One Cloth Diapers, designed for newborns, and baby's from approximently 6-12lbs
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Pacifiers (if using).
Health & Safety
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Car seat (installed in your car—hospitals won’t let you leave without one).
Labor Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Delivery Day
Here are some hospital bag essentials specific for labor:
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Photo ID and insurance card (If needed)
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Copies of birth plan (if applicable)
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Robe or gown (if you prefer your own over the hospital's).
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Lip balm, socks and hair ties.
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Snacks and drinks
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Entertainment (tablet, books, headphones)
Hospital Bag Checklist for Partner/Support Person
Here are some hospital bag additions for your partner/support person
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Change of clothes.
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Toiletries.
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Pillow and blanket.
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Snacks and water.
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Phone, charger, camera for photos.
Hospital Bag Checklist Recap: Quick Summary
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For Mom: Clothing, toiletries, postpartum care items, extras for comfort.
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For Baby: Clothes, feeding essentials, car seat.
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For Partner/support person: Clothes, toiletries, snacks, tech items.
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Labor Day Items: Paperwork, birth plan, comfort items for labor.
Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist: Bonus Tips
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Don't overpack—some hospitals often provide basics like diapers, wipes, and postpartum pads.
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Check with your hospital to see what they provide to avoid duplicates.
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Have a grab-and-go list on top of your bag for last-minute items like phone chargers or your favorite pillow.
Prepare For Your Baby With Nora’s! Check out our eco-friendly, sustainable Nursery Items to use during your hospital stay
Reusable Wipes / Wipes With Pod - Our ultra-soft, reusable wipes are perfect for gentle cleaning—whether for diaper changes, messy hands, or even household use! Pair them with our waterproof pod for an easy, on-the-go storage solution.
Reusable Wet Bags - Keep messes contained in style! Our waterproof, reusable wet bags are perfect for storing soiled cloth diapers, swimsuits, or even gym clothes while on the go. Available in multiple sizes for all your needs!
Cloth diapers + (Newborn AIO) - Designed for comfort and leak protection, our Baby Size Cloth Diapers grow with your baby from 10-35 lbs. For the tiniest newborns, our Newborn AIO (All-in-One) Diapers offer a trim, easy-to-use fit—perfect for those first months from 6-12lbs
Disposable Liners - Make cloth diapering even easier! Our biodegradable disposable liners catch solids for quick cleanups and protect your diapers from stubborn stains—just toss and go!
Newborn Sweet Dreams Sets - Wrap your little one in ultimate comfort! Our Newborn Sweet Dreams Sets include soft, cozy essentials like sleep sacks, blankets, and footed sleepers—everything needed for those dreamy first months.
Little Sleeper Sets - Our sleeper sets are made for snuggles! Crafted from breathable, buttery-soft fabric, these footed sleepers and two-piece sets keep your baby cozy and comfy all night long. Perfect for bedtime and all-day lounging!
Also Check out our Bundles Page and find perfect cloth diaper bundles for every stage of your baby’s journey! From trial kits to full starter packs, and newborn bundles, we’ve got you covered!
Just starting your cloth diapering journey?
Our Starting With Cloth page is your go-to resource! With our Starting With Cloth Page, you can learn more about the:
- Benefits of cloth diapering
- Products we offer, and explore our range of adjustable diaper styles that grow with your baby.
- Materials we use in our products
- Our different types Inserts, Pre-folds, and Trial Kits to try before you buy full packs
- Our Cloth Diaper Starter Kits and Bundle Options
Also Download our Free E-Book to learn more about us, the products we offer, resources, and more!
Whether you're interested in our cloth diaper options, accessories, or nursery items, we have you covered!
Check out our ‘Ultimate Nursery Checklist’
How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?
Types Of Cloth Diaper inserts for Cloth Diapers
Recharge and Renew: A Parent's Guide to Self-Care
Making Cents of Washing Cloth Diapers: Understanding Laundry Cost Per Load
