A Hospital Bag Checklist for Mama and Baby: What Do You REALLY Need?

It’s third trimester time—you’re rounding the corner toward your due date, and sh*t is about to get real!

That means it’s time to prep, mama. Yes, you might hate packing (anyone else procrastinate on vacations?), but trust me: having that hospital bag ready to grab when the contractions start will be a lifesaver.

When Do I Pack My Hospital Bag?

Most mamas aim for around 36-37 weeks (earlier if you’re feeling extra prepared). And yes, you’ll want your partner to install the car seat around then, too. More on that in a minute!

What to Pack for You, Mama

• Copies of Birth Plan/Hospital Registration/Insurance Info/ID
  Keep all your important docs in one folder so you’re not frantically searching for them when you’d rather be focusing on, oh, I don’t know…pushing a baby out.

• Phone + Charger (with Extra-Long Cord) + Headphones
  Because you’ll want to text your mom/IG your birth announcement/FaceTime the dog (no judgment here).

• Socks or Slippers with Grippy Bottoms (we gift these socks to our mama team every year!)
  Hospital floors can be slippery—let’s not add a broken tailbone to the mix.

• Comfy Robe for Nursing
  Easy on, easy off, and it doubles as stylish loungewear.

• Nursing Bra
  Trust us—anything to make that first latch easier is your friend.

• Faux Candles (Don’t Forget Batteries!)
  The glow sets a calming mood without the fire hazard.

• Custom Birth Banner/Talismans/Affirmations
  Want a little extra inspiration? Bring your favorite uplifting notes or visuals to keep your head in the game.

• Toiletries (how cute are these bags?)
  That first shower is basically spa day in postpartum life. Pack your fave travel-sized soaps/lotions.

• Lip Balm (I've used this nipple balm as lip balm for years)
  Hospitals are drier than the Sahara.

• Shower Flip Flops 
  Because…shared shower. Enough said.

• Cocoon
  Slip into our super-soft postpartum lounge set to keep you cozy before and after birth.

• Nipple Butter
  Because your boobs are about to do some serious work, and they deserve TLC.

• Comfy Clothes
  Think nursing tanks, leggings, slip-on shoes, and soft pajamas. Pro tip: you’ll still look ~5-6 months pregnant on your way out—rock those stretchy pants proudly.

• Water Bottle with Straw
  Staying hydrated is a must (and you might not want to contort yourself for every sip).

• Snacks
  Hospital food can be questionable, so bring honey sticks, granola bars, fruit snacks—easy, quick energy boosts.

• Depends
  (Unpopular opinion, but yep, we said it.) Mesh panties might be free, but...treat your postpartum vagina to something slightly nicer.

• Playlist + Speaker
  Need tunes? Check out AMMA’s birth playlist here and turn it up (or down) depending on your vibe.

Mama Pro Tip
Long labor in your future? probably...

Download an e-book or a show on your phone, and keep a note-taking app ready for journaling important details or baby’s first stats.

What to Pack for Baby

• Car Seat
  Install this (or have your partner do it) around your 37th week. Trust us, you don’t want to fiddle with manuals mid-contraction.

• Spare Tote Bag for Freebies
  Diapers and wipes can get pricey—take advantage of all those “free” samples.

• Outfits (Newborn + 0-3)
  Because you never know if you’re birthing a petite peanut or a 9-pound linebacker.

• Receiving Blanket
  The hospital’s might be scratchy. Bring your own soft, adorable one.

• Swaddle
  Make baby burrito-wrapping 101 easy (and photo-worthy).

Got Extra Room?

• Your own pillow (hospitals = flat pancakes)
• Props/birth announcement cards for that adorable IG feed post

Mama Pro Tip
Even if you’re planning a home birth, pack a hospital bag and install the car seat just in case. If things shift unexpectedly, you won’t have to stress-pack through contractions.

If You’re Planning a Belly Birth

You’ll likely have a longer hospital stay, so bring extra clothes (high-waisted = best friend), and a nursing pillow to keep baby off your incision. Pro tip: pack two bags—one for the procedure and one for recovery. Keep the second in the car until you’re post-op so you’re not lugging all the things around.

Prepping for birth might not be as fun as nursery décor, but you’ll thank yourself later when you can focus on welcoming your little one instead of realizing you forgot your slippers at home. You’ve got this, mama!

Image via MintArrow; Arielle Levy, photographer

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