Hospital Birth Bag Checklist: Everything You Need

You'll Want This Packed Before 36 Weeks

Most midwives and OBs recommend having your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks — babies don’t always wait for a convenient moment. Packing early means one less thing to think about when labour begins, and it lets your support person grab the bag and go without hesitation.

For Labour & Delivery

Your birth plan (printed copies for your care team)
Health card and ID
Insurance or benefits information
Phone and charger
Portable power bank
Snacks for your support person — and light snacks for early labour if you’re allowed to eat
A playlist, calming audio, or something to watch during early labour
Lip balm — breathing through contractions dries out your lips quickly
Hair ties
A warm layer or cozy socks — delivery rooms are often cold

For Mom: Postpartum Comfort

The hours and days after delivery are when comfort really matters. Pack:

Loose, comfortable clothing — button-front tops are ideal for skin-to-skin and nursing
Nursing bra or bralette (if breastfeeding)
Maternity or postpartum underwear
Toiletries: face wash, moisturizer, dry shampoo, toothbrush
Flip flops for the shower
A going-home outfit (something forgiving — you'll still have a bump)

One thing many new moms wish they'd packed: a blanket from home. Hospital blankets are thin and impersonal, and the postpartum ward can feel clinical when you're exhausted and emotional. Our blanket is soft, lightweight, and easy to pack — the kind of comfort that actually helps you rest.

For Baby

A going-home outfit (newborn and 0–3 month sizes — you won't know which fits)
A swaddle blanket
Infant car seat (installed before your due date)
Diapers and wipes for the ride home (the hospital usually provides these during your stay)
A hat, most hospitals provide one, but it’s nice to have your own for going home.

For Your Support Person

Change of clothes and toiletries for an overnight stay
A small comfort item (a hoodie, a favourite snack, or headphones) — long waits can be draining.
Snacks and cash for the vending machine
A pillow (hospital chairs are not comfortable)
Entertainment for the waiting and early labour phases

Keeping It All Organized

A chaotic bag is the last thing you want to deal with mid‑contraction. the duffle™ is designed to keep everything accessible and organized — with compartments that make it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything. It’s the right size for a 1–2 night stay, and it looks good doing it.

If you're planning a longer stay, or want room for your support person's things too, the duffle + gives you that extra capacity without the bulk.

What the Hospital Will Provide

You don't need to pack everything. Most hospitals provide:

Diapers, wipes, and basic baby care items
Mesh postpartum underwear and pads
Swaddle blankets and a bassinet
Meals for the birthing parent
Basic toiletries (though you may prefer your own)

One Last Thing

Pack your bag, put it by the door, and then try to let go of the planning for a while. You've prepared. The rest is about showing up — and you're more ready than you think.

Wishing you a safe, supported, and beautiful birth experience. 💛