Getting ready for go time? Have a bag ready with these key items to help during labor, delivery, and that first blissful day or two of baby bonding.

Sources:
"Hospital Pack List." Womenshealth.gov. March 5, 2009.
"Packing for the Hospital or Birth Center." American Pregnancy Association. September 2, 2016.
"The Ultimate Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist." Dignity Health. July 31, 2015.

Paperwork

• Insurance information
• Birth plan (if you have one)
• List of people to call, text, or email after baby arrives (so you don't forget someone important in the excitement)

Sources:
"Hospital Pack List." Womenshealth.gov. March 5, 2009.
"The Ultimate Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist." Dignity Health. July 31, 2015.
"Checklist: Packing A Hospital Bag." The Bump. 2017.
"Birth Plan." The Bump.
"Creating Your Birth Plan." American Pregnancy Association. October 26, 2016.

Feel-Good Items

• Relaxing music playlist
• Snacks to keep your energy up
• Robe and nonslip socks or slippers
• Family photos
• Your own pillow or other items to help you feel relaxed and comfortable

Sources:
"Hospital Pack List." Womenshealth.gov. March 5, 2009.
"The Ultimate Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist." Dignity Health. July 31, 2015.
"Checklist: Packing A Hospital Bag." The Bump. 2017.
"The Ultimate Hospital Packing List." Parents.
"Packing for the Hospital or Birth Center." American Pregnancy Association. September 2, 2016.

Overnight Essentials

• Comfortable maternity clothes and sleepwear (open-front, if breastfeeding)
• Toothbrush and paste, lip balm, hair tie, contacts case, and other favorite personal care items
• Books or magazines
• Phone and charger
• Your partner's overnight bag

Sources:
"Hospital Pack List." Womenshealth.gov. March 5, 2009.
"Packing for the Hospital or Birth Center." American Pregnancy Association. September 2, 2016.
"What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag." The Bump.
"The Ultimate Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist." Dignity Health. July 31, 2015.
"Checklist: Packing A Hospital Bag." The Bump. 2017.

New-Baby Needs

• Newborn baby outfit or two (sized for newborn or 0–3 months)
• Hat and socks or booties
• Baby car seat and blanket (get it secured in your car before you leave for the hospital)

Sources:
"Hospital Pack List." Womenshealth.gov. March 5, 2009.
"What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag." The Bump.

Baby Bonding

• Nursing pads (your milk comes in, whether or not you plan to nurse)
• Nursing bra and lanolin, if breastfeeding
• Nursing/baby-feeding pillow
• Small present for sibling(s) “from baby” such as a book, stuffed animal, or a “Big Sis” T-shirt

Sources:
"Hospital Pack List." Womenshealth.gov. March 5, 2009.
"Packing for the Hospital or Birth Center." American Pregnancy Association. September 2, 2016.
"The Ultimate Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist." Dignity Health. July 31, 2015.
"What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag." The Bump.

Good idea: Pack a baby book (or at least a nice sheet of paper or two) to get your print of baby's footprint while the nurse already has that fresh, wee work of art inked up to make the birth certificate official.

Sources:
"Packing for the Hospital or Birth Center." American Pregnancy Association. September 2, 2016.
"Checklist: Packing A Hospital Bag." The Bump. 2017.
"What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag." The Bump.

If you finish packing and are still in the nesting mood, take a peek at our guide to stocking your nursery with all the essentials.

This content is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or a guarantee of prevention, improvement, or treatment of specific conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific medical questions or concerns.