What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Labor: Ultimate Checklist for Mom, Baby, and Partner

Emily Nguyen
Jul 25
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Hospital bag checklist for birth — Checklist for Hospital Bag - What to Bring

Packing your hospital bag is one of the final steps before meeting your baby and it can help you feel calm and prepared when the big day arrives. Whether you’re delivering at a hospital, birth center, or planning a home birth, having the essentials ready ahead of time means one less thing to worry about when labor begins.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a complete, no-stress hospital bag checklist for you, your partner, and your baby.

Download Your Hospital Bag Check List Below:

👜 For Mom

Labor and recovery can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack for both comfort and flexibility. Hospitals usually provide basic items, but bringing your own can make the experience more personal and cozy.

Mom’s essentials:

Birth plan (if you have one)
Comfortable nightgown or labor gown
Nursing bras and breast pads
Robe or cardigan
Non-slip socks or slippers
Toiletries (toothbrush, face wipes, hair ties, lip balm, etc.)
Snacks and drinks (if permitted)
Water bottle with straw
Phone and charger (extra-long cable is helpful)
Going-home outfit (something loose and comfy)
Smart Breastfeeding Tracker (Shop Now!)

👶 For Baby

Your newborn doesn’t need much at first, but a few soft and safe basics go a long way. The hospital usually provides diapers, wipes, and swaddles, but having your own can be nice, especially for photos or a comfortable ride home.

Baby essentials:

2–3 onesies or footed sleepers
Going-home outfit (weather appropriate)
Swaddle or receiving blanket
Newborn hat and socks
Newborn diapers (optional – hospitals provide them)
Wipes (optional)
Baby car seat (required for hospital discharge)

❤️ For Your Birth Partner

Whether it’s your partner, family member, or friend, the person supporting you during birth also needs to be comfortable and prepared — especially if labor is long.

Partner essentials:

Change of clothes
Sweater or hoodie (hospital rooms can be cold)
Toiletries
Snacks and drinks
Phone, charger, headphones
Camera (if not using a phone)
List of important contacts

Essential items for birth - hospital bag

💡 Optional Items

These items aren’t essential, but many parents say they helped create a calmer, more positive birthing experience:

Birth playlist and speaker
Essential oils or calming spray
Eye mask and earplugs
Pillow from home with a distinct pillowcase
Lightweight blanket
Thank-you cards or small gifts for the care team

Got your bag packed? Don’t forget your Cubtale Smart Trackers — your must-have item for the days after birth.

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Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag

Here are a few tips to help make your packing experience even smoother:

1. Start Early

To begin with, aim to pack your hospital bag by 35–36 weeks, your baby might decide to arrive a little earlier than expected! By preparing ahead of time, you’ll feel more confident and less rushed when the big moment finally comes.

2. Use Packing Cubes or Pouches

Next, consider organizing your items into categories like Mom, Baby, and Partner using packing cubes or small pouches. During labor, which can be a stressful and emotional time, being able to quickly find exactly what you need can offer a surprising amount of comfort and relief.

3. Keep It in the Car or by the Door

Finally, once your bag is packed, place it somewhere easy to grab — like by the front door or in the car. After all, labor can start suddenly, even in the middle of the night. Being ready to go at a moment’s notice is one of the best ways to feel in control when your baby decides it’s time to meet you.

📲 Track and Plan with Cubtale

Preparing your hospital bag is one more way to feel ready for your baby. With the Cubtale app, you can also track feedings, sleep, milestones, and more — so you stay organized every step of the way.

Download Now!