List of things to bring to maternity Date:04 May 2024
Hospital Bag Checklist: Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers based on the Boy or Girl · Pregnancy Community hospital bag list: what to pack for mom, baby and the birth partner.
- A short, comfortable nightgown for delivery.
- Two practical nightgowns with a front opening for breastfeeding.
- 6–8 comfortable, roomy cotton underwear.
- Comfortable cotton bras, ideally nursing bras, plus breast pads.
- A pair of comfortable slippers.
- Two packs of cotton postpartum pads.
- Hand towel, toothbrush, fragrance-free neutral soap, comb, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer and deodorant.
- Calendula (or another) nipple cream.
- Comfortable clothes for leaving the clinic.
The list may vary by country, region and whether the maternity ward is public or private.
A short, comfortable nightgown for delivery, two front-opening nightgowns for nursing, roomy cotton underwear, nursing bras, slippers and comfortable clothes for discharge. Prioritize comfort and cotton.
At least six to eight comfortable, roomy cotton underwear, and comfortable cotton bras, ideally nursing bras, along with breast pads.
Two packs of cotton postpartum pads. They differ from menstrual pads: more absorbent and gentler for this stage.
Hand towel, toothbrush, fragrance-free glycerin soap, comb or brush, shampoo and conditioner, hair dryer, deodorant and a calendula (or other personal) nipple cream.
The list suggests a calendula cream or any other personal nipple cream, useful in the first days of breastfeeding. Ask your midwife or doctor if you have doubts about a product.
- Two or three thin linen gowns and two or three cotton gowns.
- Twelve disposable diapers.
- A cotton hat.
- A button-up gown and pants set.
- One or two pairs of socks.
- A receiving blanket for discharge.
- A newborn pacifier.
Note: some clinics provide all baby clothing during the stay; in that case you only need the going-home outfit.
The list recommends twelve disposable diapers for the hospital stay. Check whether your maternity ward provides them.
A button-up gown and pants set, a cotton hat, socks and a receiving blanket for discharge.
Some maternity clinics provide all of the baby's clothing during the stay. In that case, you only need to bring the outfit the baby will wear home. Ask your maternity ward in advance.
- Comfortable clothes.
- Snacks or drinks.
- Phone and charger.
- Camera or phone for photos.
Documents for you and your partner: ID cards and health insurance. Also bring the list of phone numbers of the people you want to notify about the birth.
Split the bag into three parts: mom, baby and birth partner, and keep documents within reach. Ask your maternity ward what they provide (baby clothes, pads) so you don't overpack. In the Boy or Girl community other moms share what they found useful.
No. It may depend on each country, region or maternity ward, and on whether it is public or private. Use the list as a base and adjust it with your clinic's instructions.
Boy or Girl gathers free products for pregnant women and runs a solidarity community for donating baby items. You can also create your baby shower invitations and search baby names on the platform.
Get ready for your baby's arrival
Create your baby shower invitations, choose a name and share your list with other moms on Boy or Girl.
Educational content by Boy or Girl. Needs may vary by maternity ward and country; confirm with your clinic and healthcare professional.