Hospital bag checklist: what to pack, when and how

Packing a hospital bag is one of the most concrete and reassuring jobs you can do before the birth. However much you think about it, the idea is simple: a small number of comfortable things for the day and the days after, plus your paperwork. You can shorten or lengthen the list below to suit your situation.

You can tick these items off one by one in the hospital bag list inside the app; this article explains what each part is for.

When should you pack?

Many people find it comfortable to pack somewhere between the start and the middle of the third trimester. There is no exact week; babies sometimes arrive earlier than expected, so it helps to complete the list slowly and keep the bag ready by the door.

Give the bag a back-up plan too. For everyday things you still use in the last weeks (phone charger, ID, card), write them on a sheet of paper and hang it on the bag. That way you do not have to think about what to grab at the last minute.

For you

Length of stay depends on the type of birth and the hospital. A comfortable set for one or two nights is usually enough:

• Front-opening nightgown or pyjamas (2–3)
• Dressing gown or cardigan
• Non-slip slippers and warm socks
• Nursing bras (2) and breast pads
• Maternity pads
• Comfortable, loose, disposable underwear
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hair tie
• Towel and soft, unscented toiletries
• Lip balm and hand cream
• Phone, charger and a long extension cable
• A comfortable outfit for going home; choose one that still fits your pregnant body
• A light snack and a water bottle
• Headphones, a playlist or calming sounds
• Glasses or a lens case, if you use them
• Your own pillow, if you like

For the baby

A newborn needs surprisingly little. Choose newborn size, cotton, easy-to-put-on pieces:

• Cotton bodysuits (3–4)
• Sleepsuits or rompers (3–4)
• Hat, socks and mittens
• A thin and a thick blanket, plus a swaddle or wrapping blanket
• Newborn nappies (one small pack) and sensitive wipes or cotton wool
• Burp cloths and a muslin
• An outfit for going home, suitable for the season
• A dummy, if you wish and according to the hospital’s advice
• Bottles and formula if you plan to use them, again according to the hospital’s advice

The most important item in this section is a newborn-suitable car seat already fitted in your car for the journey home. It is a good idea to install it before the birth.

For your partner / companion

A companion gives support and also gets through a long day from their own bag, so they should not forget their own needs:

• ID and a phone charger
• A change of clothes for a day or two and comfortable shoes
• Cash or a card, and coins for the car park and the snack bar
• Snacks and water
• A phone or camera if you want photos
• A list of people to call
• Massage oil or a hot-water bottle for pain relief, if the hospital allows it
• Toothbrush and toiletries

Paperwork and practical things

Paperwork is the most critical part of the bag. Keep it all in a clear folder at the top of the bag:

• ID card
• Insurance or SGK details, private hospital papers and pre-registration form, if relevant
• Your pregnancy record or antenatal card
• Test results and ultrasound reports (printed, or on your phone via e-Nabız)
• Blood group card, especially if you are Rh negative
• A printout of your birth plan, if you made one
• A list of your medicines and allergies
• Your partner’s ID and, if you have one, the family booklet or marriage certificate (for the birth registration)
• Phone charger, long cable, coins and a card

What to add if you have a caesarean

After a planned or unplanned caesarean, the hospital stay is usually a little longer. Consider:

• Soft, high-waisted underwear and trousers that do not press on your belly
• A looser, more comfortable outfit for going home
• Loose nightgowns that will not rub the incision
• Extra pads and extra underwear
• A support pillow for feeding, if you like
• Something to read or a list to listen to while resting

After a caesarean, follow the team’s guidance on getting up and moving.

Winter and summer differences

The season mostly affects the baby’s clothes. In winter, an extra blanket and a thick hat; in summer, thin, breathable fabrics are enough. Hospitals are usually heated, so dressing in layers is most practical, and adding a layer for the trip home depending on the weather.

The same logic applies to you: a dressing gown and thick socks in winter, a light cotton nightgown in summer.

Ask in advance what the hospital provides

Hospitals differ. Some provide nappies, pads or baby clothes, and some provide certain personal items themselves. Others do not allow certain things to be brought in. At the pre-birth appointment or the hospital tour, ask:

• Which supplies does the hospital provide?
• Do I need clothes, nappies and blankets for the baby?
• How many companions are allowed, and what are the visiting hours?
• Which electronic devices or foods are allowed?

This information lightens the bag and prevents unnecessary shopping.

What people carry but do not need

Many people over-fill the bag. You can leave these at home without worry:

• Valuable jewellery and too much cash
• Lots of baby clothes; newborns grow fast and little is used in hospital
• Heavy cosmetics and make-up
• Laptops or large electronics
• Strongly scented products, which can bother the baby and others in the hospital
• Your own medicines, unless your doctor agrees

10 quick tips that help right away

1. Split the bag in two: a small bag for the birth itself and a second one for afterwards.
2. Keep your paperwork in a clear folder at the top of the bag.
3. Keep the phone charger and long cable in a separate pouch.
4. Fit the car seat before the birth and try it once.
5. Wash and dry the baby’s clothes beforehand.
6. Sort everything into small pouches so you find things quickly.
7. Prepare a small separate bag for your partner.
8. Write the contents on a sheet of paper and hang it by the door.
9. Ask during the hospital tour what is provided and adjust the bag.
10. Review the bag once more just before the birth and check the dates.

Frequently asked questions

At how many weeks should I pack the bag? There is no exact week. Many people pack at an unhurried pace between the start and the middle of the third trimester. It is wise to finish the paperwork section a little earlier in case of an early birth.

Does the hospital provide baby clothes? It varies. Some hospitals provide baby clothes and some do not. Ask at the pre-birth appointment; either way, have an outfit of your own choice for going home.

Can I bring medicines in the bag? If you take regular medicines, ask your doctor. Rather than bringing your own, it is safer to prepare a list and tell the doctor.

Do I need a separate bag for a caesarean? No separate bag is needed; just a few extra pieces (high-waisted underwear, a loose nightgown).

What is the worst thing to forget? ID, your pregnancy record and the car seat are the most important. Everything else can be added at the hospital or by relatives.

For when to head to the hospital, take a look at the Guide article on the first signs of labour. This article is for general information; your hospital’s and doctor’s guidance comes first.