The Practical Hospital Bag Checklist (Week 35 and Up)
By PregnancyPal Team · Published April 6, 2026
A field-tested list of what to pack for you, your partner, and your baby — split by what you will actually use in the first 24 hours vs. the rest of the stay.
Preparing for Delivery Day
Aim to have your bag ready by week 35. Roughly 80% of births still happen at term, but early labour does happen, and a packed bag spares you a last-minute rush at an exhausting moment. Below is a practical, field-tested list — separated by what you'll actually want in the first 24 hours vs. the rest of the stay so you can find things one-handed in a hospital room.
For you — first 24 hours
- Photo ID, insurance card, hospital paperwork, and your birth plan (if you wrote one)
- Phone, extra-long (10 ft / 3 m) charger, and a small power bank
- Hair ties, lip balm, a small fan or cooling cloth — labour rooms run warm
- Comfortable nursing-friendly robe and warm socks with grippy soles
- Glasses, contacts case, basic toiletries
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle (check what your hospital allows during labour)
For you — the rest of the stay
- 2–3 sets of loose, dark-coloured clothes for after delivery
- Nursing bras and breast pads (even if you don't plan to breastfeed — engorgement happens)
- Postpartum underwear or hospital-grade mesh briefs
- A going-home outfit in roughly the size you wore at 6 months
- Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, your own towel if you prefer
For your partner / support person
- Their own ID, comfortable clothes, slip-on shoes
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle (they will forget to eat)
- Pillow, blanket, and a sleep mask — hospital cots are not generous
- Phone charger separate from yours, headphones for the long quiet stretches
For baby
- 2–3 sleepers / onesies in newborn AND 0–3 month sizes
- Going-home outfit (think weather; many hospitals require a layer)
- Receiving blanket; a warm bunting if cold-weather
- Installed and inspected car seat — most hospitals will not discharge without one
- The hospital usually provides nappies, wipes, and a basic blanket while you're there
Documents and admin
- Birth plan (one page; flexible)
- Pediatrician's name and contact, your obstetric records or app summary
- A short list of phone numbers for partner / family if your phone dies
One last note
Plans change. Some labours are short and uncomplicated; some are long; some take a turn nobody predicted. The bag is a stress reducer, not a guarantee. Your care team's job is to adapt; your job is to stay as comfortable and rested as you can.
PregnancyPal provides general information and is not a substitute for professional
medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider. Read more on the
PregnancyPal blog.