New Moms
Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor and Delivery
A complete hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery — for you, your baby, and your partner.
Pack your hospital bag in three parts: essentials for you (ID, insurance and hospital paperwork, comfortable going-home clothes, toiletries, phone charger), for baby (a going-home outfit, and an installed car seat), and for your partner (snacks, a change of clothes). Have it ready by around 36 weeks. Check with your hospital first — many provide gowns, diapers, and other basics.
For you
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Any hospital or birth-plan paperwork
- Phone and a long charging cable
- Comfortable going-home outfit
- Toiletries and lip balm
- Cozy socks and a robe
For baby
- Going-home outfit and a hat
- A soft blanket
- An installed, rear-facing car seat
For your partner
- Snacks and a water bottle
- A change of clothes
- Phone charger
Check with your hospital
Many hospitals provide gowns, diapers, wipes, and basic postpartum supplies. A quick call can save you from packing things you won't need.
Editorial content in progress
Add a downloadable printable checklist and a short note on car-seat safety (rear-facing, professionally checked) citing a reputable source.
What to line up before you go home
While you're packing for the hospital, it's worth handling two things at home at the same time: picking a baby monitor (see our comparison of Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi options) and starting the bigger baby-proofing tasks, like anchoring furniture, before your baby is mobile. Neither is urgent in the first days home, but both take longer than people expect, so a head start helps.
Related Guides
Newborn Sleep: What to Expect in the First Weeks
A realistic look at newborn sleep in the first weeks — plus the safe-sleep basics every parent should know.
Postpartum Recovery: What to Expect
A gentle, honest overview of postpartum recovery — physical and emotional — and when to call your provider.
Best Baby Monitors of 2026
A researched comparison of Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi baby monitors — what actually matters when you're choosing one, and four well-reviewed options to start with.
Baby-Proofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Checklist
A practical, room-by-room baby-proofing checklist covering the changes that matter most before your baby starts crawling.
Mom's Magazine Editorial Team
Editorial Team
The Mom's Magazine editorial team researches and writes practical, plainly-sourced guidance for parents and families. Guides are reviewed for accuracy and updated as recommendations change. Where a topic calls for professional expertise, we cite reputable organizations and, for health topics, add a qualified reviewer before publishing.
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