The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist

KNOW THIS BEFORE YOU PACK

Hospital policies vary. Please check with your hospital regarding items they already provide and any restrictions on outside food, clothing, or baby products. Specifically ask what you’re allowed to carry/ not carry inside the labour room.

HOW TO PACK

Group items into different sections - a labour pouch, water bottle, breastfeeding essentials, recovery items (pads, disposable underwear, peri bottle etc), toiletries, baby essentials, documents. You should be able to find things when you need them the most. If you’ve opted to buy a Maternity Finds hospital bag, everything in it will already be arranged in different sections.

WHAT TO PACK

Important Documents

Keep them all organised in one folder. This will probably be the first thing that your birth partner will grab.

• Government ID proof of both parents (preferably aadhaar cards)
• Latest Reports of mama to be (ultrasound, blood work and anything else your doctor may have suggested)
• Latest prescriptions for any ongoing medicines (including any medicines for thyroid, sugar, blood pressure, folic acid, calcium etc. that you may be on)
• Hospital reservation/ registration documents (in case you have pre-booked the hospital or a package)
• Insurance documents (in case your insurance covers delivery costs at that hospital and you plan to use your insurance cover).
• Stem Cell Documents (if you plan to choose stem cell banking for your child)

A Labour Pouch

This will probably be the first thing mama-to-be will grab and go.

• Water bottle (to keep yourself hydrated throughout)
• Electrolytes
• Phone charger
• A lip balm
• A hair tie (tu bun-up when you're sweaty and tired)
• Anti-skid socks (you ay be doing a lot of barefoot walking)
• Good to have items (hand held fan, labour comb, earphones/ air pods)

Recovery Essentials

These can be placed at an accessible spot inside a new mama’s washroom to support recovery delivery.

• Disposable maternity underwear
• Maternity Pads
• A Peri Bottle
• Bed Bath Wipes for New Mama
• Good to have (mouthwash)
• As your doctor before packing (belly binder or maternity belt)  

Breastfeeding Essentials

These should typically be placed beside the new mama’s bed for supporting breastfeeding.

• Nursing Bras
• Disposable Nursing Pads
• Nipple Cream
• Good to have (Nursing Cover, Feeding Pillow)
• You may or may not need it (Breast Pump, Feeding Bottles, Formula, Nipple Puller, Nipple Shield etc.)

Grooming & Homecoming

• A homecoming outfit for the new mama
• A homecoming outfit for the new baby
• Mama’s grooming kit (comb, fragrance free moisturiser, lip balm, make up (if you plan to wear make up)

Other Essentials

• A pair of slippers for the mama (carry an extra pair of you must)
• Baby’s swaddles, mittens, diapers, formula etc. (discuss with your hospital before carrying/ buying)
• Baby’s nest (good to have to carry the baby back home)
• A car seat/ baby carrier (not mandatory)
• Stem Cell Kit (provided by your stem bank if you opted for it)

PREPARE YOURSELF TOO

As you get closer to your due date, taking care of a few small things now can make the days after birth feel a little easier.

• Trim your nails so they're short and comfortable for caring for your newborn.
• If you'd like, schedule a haircut or other personal grooming—you may not find the time for a few weeks after delivery.
• Wash and organise your postpartum clothes, nursing bras, and comfortable sleepwear so they're easy to reach.
• Stock your pantry and fridge with nourishing meals and easy-to-grab snacks.
• Set up your feeding and recovery corner with the essentials you'll want close by.
• Finish any important household tasks or errands that have been on your list.
• Wash baby clothes, blankets, and linens if you haven't already.
• Share emergency contacts and hospital details with your birth partner or family.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to slow down. Rest is one of the best ways to prepare for birth.