Hospital Bag Preparation Guide

Having your hospital bag ready by week 36 is a good idea — to avoid being caught unprepared in case of an unexpected early delivery. Keeping it near the door, in an easily accessible spot, will be practical. Organizing two separate bags (mom + baby) can also make things easier.

For mom: ID and insurance cards, pregnancy monitoring file, comfortable pajamas (2-3, front-button for nursing), slippers, socks, nursing bra (2), breast pads, postpartum pads, lip moisturizer (lips can get dry during labor), hair ties, phone charger, light snacks, and water.

For baby: Bodysuits and onesies (3-4, newborn and 0-3 month sizes), beanie, socks, blanket, swaddle, car seat (a must for hospital discharge), diapers (newborn size, 1 pack), wet wipes, and diaper cream.

For partner: Comfortable clothes, snacks, phone charger, and a small pillow may be useful (the companion bed may not be very comfortable). Don't forget to put a copy of your birth plan in the bag.