By: Jordan Stachel, RDN

Medically Reviewed By: Cara Everett, MS, RDN, LDN

Published: December 8th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 10-15 minutes

Packing your hospital bag is exciting—it marks the home stretch before you get to meet your new little one. You may be wondering what to bring with you and what to leave at home. Read this article for everything you need to know.

Many women wonder when they should start organizing their hospital bag. While there is some flexibility as to when you should get the hospital bag ready, it’s a good idea to think about your individual needs. For example, if you have a higher-risk pregnancy and/or risk factors for preterm labor, having a bag packed sooner is a good idea. (1)

Generally, it is a good idea to begin packing your hospital bag around 35-38 weeks in advance. Many women wonder if it’s fine to wait until the last week of pregnancy. While this is a personal decision, getting your bag packed a few weeks prior can give you one less thing to worry about.

The end of pregnancy is sometimes unpredictable, and packing a bag beforehand is one area that you have control over.

While there are many things to consider packing in a mom’s hospital bag, these are the items that many deem essential:

• Form of ID: A photo ID, insurance forms, or other administrative paperwork
• Eyeglasses: Both glasses and/or contacts for several days
• Cell phone charger: With a USB converter, just in case. (We recommend bringing an extra-long phone cord since your outlet might be far from your bed.)
• Comfortable, loose clothing: Two or three outfits (including non-skid socks) that are easy to wear and to change into
• Bras: Nursing, sports, or other bras of choice
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, hairbrush

You want to be prepared to stay a day or two if you need to, so don’t hesitate to bring other necessities. A quick tip: ask your hospital what they provide for mothers, and you may find things that you can take off your list.

Also, consider bringing some snacks with you. Labor can be an intense process, and you may feel the need to boost your energy. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, check out our guide to lactation nutrition for tips on which foods are best for your body during and after delivery.

Once you’ve packed your things, think about what your newborn will need. Some important items include:

When your baby’s car seat has been installed, you should have it properly inspected by a certified technician. Learn more about getting your infant car seat inspected and how to select the right car seat for you with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s guide to child car seats.

While most of the focus during childbirth is on the mother and baby, it’s important for partners to also be prepared. Things spouses or partners should include in their hospital bag include:

Once you have a handle on what to include in your, your baby’s, and your partner’s hospital bags, it can also be helpful to understand what not to bring with you. Try to leave these items at home:

You can also bring an extra bag for any hospital freebies of extra diapers, wipes, and other supplies to take home with you.

Overall, packing a hospital bag for yourself and your family is an exciting step towards meeting your new baby. If you are unsure where to begin, consult your local OB/GYN office.

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Your Genate Test results and nutrigenetic counseling provided by our registered dietitians can guide you toward a nutrition plan tailored to your unique genetic blueprint. Check out our website today to learn how we can serve you.

Jordan is an RDN who holds a Master’s degree in Dietetics from The University of Southern California. She has many years of experience helping clients reach their health goals through her clinical work within private practice. It can be difficult for individuals to discern nutrition information that is both credible and relevant from misinformation and conflicting guidance.

As an expert in the field, Jordan finds great fulfillment in filling this gap by providing detailed clarification and explanation and leading the discussion surrounding nutrition and wellness. Jordan looks forward to continuing to help others achieve the most optimal version of themselves and improve their longevity as well as to be a dependable source and voice within the field of nutrition and dietetics.

1.  What are the risk factors for preterm labor and birth? National Institutes of Health. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/who_risk Updated May 9, 2023. Accessed October 15, 2023.