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Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Mom and Baby

A practical hospital bag checklist for the birth: documents, things for mom, things for your newborn and a few items for whoever is with you.

By The Shoishop team · · Updated · 1 min read

Pack your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date so it is ready when you need it. Keep it near the door with your documents on top. Hospitals differ in what they provide, so ask yours for their list as well.

Documents

  • Your ID and your partner’s or companion’s ID.
  • Antenatal records, test results and prescriptions.
  • Hospital registration or admission papers.
  • Some cash and your phone numbers for family.

For mom

  • Loose, comfortable clothes and a front-opening top or nightdress.
  • Nursing bras or soft bras, and nursing pads.
  • Maternity sanitary pads and comfortable underwear.
  • Slippers or flip-flops, and a light shawl or cardigan.
  • Toiletries: toothbrush, soap, lip balm, hair ties.
  • Phone, charger and a long charging cable.
  • Snacks and a water bottle, if allowed.

For baby

  • Two or three outfits in newborn size, plus a few in the next size up, because newborns vary a lot in size.
  • Soft cap, mittens and socks.
  • A swaddle or light blanket, plus a warmer blanket for cool weather.
  • A small pack of newborn diapers and wipes.
  • A going-home outfit.

For whoever is with you

  • A change of clothes and a phone charger.
  • Snacks and some cash for the hospital canteen.
  • A small notebook for names, numbers and instructions from the nurses.

Pack light. You will not need most things on this list on day one, and family can bring the rest later.

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