What to Pack in Your Baby Delivery Bag: The Ultimate Checklist

Getting ready to have a baby is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. One important thing to add to your to-do list is packing your baby delivery bag. This is the bag you will take with you to the hospital, birthing center, or wherever you’re planning to deliver your new little one. It’s important to do this well before all the chaos of labor happens, so you have what you need and don’t have to stress.  

‍

In this blog, we are sharing some tips to help you get your bag ready. We will first explain everything you may want to pack— including things for you, your baby, and even your partner—so you are prepared for your special day. We will also answer a few common questions about baby delivery bags.

‍

Essentials for You

When you are packing for yourself, think about comfort, convenience, and recovery. Here’s what you should include:

‍

1. Important Documents

• Identification and insurance card: You will need these to check in at the hospital or birthing center.

• Birth plan: If you have a birth plan, bring a printed copy to share with your healthcare team.

2. Clothing

• Comfortable nightgown or pajamas: Having your own pajamas can make you feel more comfortable.

• Robe and slippers: Having your own robe and slippers can keep you warm and comfortable when you are walking around the hospital or birthing center.

• Nursing bras and tops: If you’re planning to breastfeed, specially designed nursing bras and tops are key. Breastfeeding can be challenging, having clothes that make it easier can help.

• Loose-fitting clothes for going home: Remember, your body will still be healing, so pick an outfit that is soft and loose. You want this trip to be memorable, not uncomfortable.

3. Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant: These can help you stay clean and feel fresh.

• Face wash and moisturizer: Having your own face cleanser and moisturizer can help you feel like yourself.  

• Lip balm: Pregnancy hormones and labor can make your lips dry and chapped. Bringing these can help you manage this discomfort.

• Hairbrush, hair ties, and dry shampoo: These are key to keeping your hair out of your face and keeping you feeling fresh throughout your stay.

4. Comfort Items

• Nipple cream and nursing pads: If you plan to breastfeed, these are essential for relieving sore nipples and preventing cracking and bleeding. See our blog on How to Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Baby Arrives for more tips and information.

• Journal: If you started journaling during your pregnancy, bring that journal with you to keep it up. If you haven’t journaled before, this is a great time to start. Think about how much fun it will be to share this with your little one when they are older!

• Phone (and/or tablet) and charger: These are key for calling family and friends, taking photos, playing your favorite music, and more. Don’t forget your headphones!

• Pillow and pillowcase: If you have a pillow you love, bring it with you. Getting sleep will be difficult enough, so bring apillow that you know is comfortable. Just make sure your pillowcase stands out, so it doesn’t get mixed up with hospital pillows.

• Snacks: Pack light snacks, like granola bars or crackers, or a snack with protein to help you feel fuller longer.  

Essentials for Baby

Your little one doesn’t need much for their first few days except for your love and warmth. But the following items can make life easier for both of you and more memorable.  

‍

1. Clothing

• Onesies: Choose soft, cotton onesies for comfort and to avoid rashes.

• Hats and mittens: These are good for keeping your baby warm and preventing them from scratching.

• Going home outfit: Pick something special for the photos you will want to take of their first day coming home.

2. Baby Care Items

• Receiving blankets or swaddles: These are key to keeping your baby snug, warm, and feeling comforted as they begin to meet this big new world.

• Feeding supplies. If you’re planning to breastfeed, bring any supplies you have gathered, such as nursing pillows and covers. See our blog on How to Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Baby Arrives for more tips and information. If you cannot or choose not to breastfeed, the hospital or birthing center will likely have formula and bottles, but if you have preferred brands or types, you may want to bring those with you.

• Car seat: A car seat is essential to keeping your baby safe when you go home. And, many hospitals and birthing facilities will insist you have a car seat before allowing you to leave.

• Newborn diapers and wipes: Many hospitals and birth centers provide these, but if you have a preferred brand, consider bringing them so you and your baby are used to them from the start.

For Your Partner or Support Person

‍

If someone will be with you during delivery, they will want to be prepared, too. You can help by packing your bag together and making sure you have what they need, all in one place.

‍

• Clean clothes and sleepover supplies: Labor can take a long time, and having a change of clothes can help your partner or support person feel fresh and clean so they can focus on you and baby. This also means, your partner or support person may likely be staying the night with you, so packing pajamas, a robe, and slippers, as well as any other overnight comforts, like a pillow, can help keep them comfortable.

• Toiletries: Have your partner pack a toothbrush, deodorant, and anything else they  use regularly so they do not have to go home to clean up.

• Snacks and drinks: Bringing extra snacks and drinks can make it easier for your partner or support person to stay with you without going hungry (or getting hangry!).

• Comfort items: There may be a lot of waiting and down time—packing a book, a phone and/or tablet, and other items to pass the time can help keep their spirits up, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

When should I pack my bag?

It’s best to have your baby go-bag ready by week 36 of your pregnancy, because babies sometimes arrive earlier than expected.  

‍

Why is packing early important?

Once labor starts, you will not want to be rushing to find your essentials or even trying to remember what to pack. Having your bag ready early means you can grab it and go—no stress, and all the confidence that you have what you need.

‍

Where should I keep my bag?

Keep your bag somewhere that is easy-to-reach and that you won’t forget it, like near your front door or in your car. This way, you can grab it quickly when labor starts.

‍

Is there anything I should leave at home?

Remember that hospitals and birthing centers will provide many of the basics (diapers, baby blankets, etc.), so unless you have preferred brands or special items for your baby’s first day(s), you can leave those at home and not worry about dragging around an overpacked bag.  

‍

Are there any other tips for packing smart?

If you can, separate items for you, your baby, and your partner or support person. That will make it easy to find items quickly when you need them. You can use packing cubes or separators if your bag doesn’t have different compartments.

‍

Final Thoughts

‍

Being prepared will help you feel calmer, more confident, and ready for this amazing new chapter. Your baby delivery bag is your toolkit for staying comfortable and confident on one of the biggest days of your life. Pack it with care, check it twice, and keep it ready. That way, when the time comes, you can grab your bag and go welcome your little one into the world.

‍