Hospital Bag Checklist for Birth

Unless you have a planned cesarean section, exactly when your labor will start—day or night—is entirely up to your little angel. Therefore, it is very important to prepare a bag containing the items that will be urgently needed at the moment of birth and to keep it in a place where you can easily access it.

We call this bag, which contains the items you and your baby will need, the “Hospital Birth Bag”. So, what are these materials that should be in your hospital bag? Let’s review them together.

For the Baby (Newborn Essentials)

• Outfits: Front-buttoned onesies or two-piece outfits that can be easily put on and taken off (2 sets).

• Bodysuits: Short or long-sleeved bodysuits/vests depending on the season (3 pieces).

• Warmth: A thin or thick cardigan/vest depending on the season.

• Mittens: To prevent your baby from scratching their face with their nails.

• Hat/Beanie: Definitely required to keep the baby’s head warm (babies lose heat from their heads).

• Socks: Thin cotton socks for summer, thick ones for winter.

• Transport: Car seat or carrycot (Essential for leaving the hospital).

• Blanket: A thin muslin blanket for summer or a thick blanket for winter.

• Hygiene: Newborn size diapers.

• Skin Care: Diaper rash cream, baby powder, and body lotion.

• Cloths: Muslin squares or burp cloths (3-4 pieces).

• Wipes: Wet wipes (Water-based, newborn safe).

For the Mom (Maternity Essentials)

A 24-hour hospital stay is generally required after birth. Therefore, your hospital bag must include:

• Pajamas/Nightgowns: Nursing-friendly (front-buttoned) pajama sets or nightgowns to make breastfeeding easier (2-3 sets).

• Documents: Your ID card (or Passport for foreigners), insurance documents, and pregnancy file must be with you when going to the hospital.

• Underwear: Cotton maternity panties or disposable postpartum underwear (2-4 pieces).

• Nursing Bras: 2 pieces for easy breastfeeding.

• Clothing: A vest, cardigan, or dressing gown/robe (hospitals can be cool).

• Footwear: Comfortable slippers.

• Headscarf: Spare headscarves for hijab-wearing mothers.

• Beauty: Since looking good in post-birth photos is important, you can keep your makeup kit with you.

• Toiletries: Personal care items (Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hand soap, deodorant).

• Electronics: Do not forget your phone charger and a power bank.

• Music: You can load your favorite relaxing songs onto your phone for labor.

For the Companion/Partner

If your spouse or a relative will stay with you as a companion, you may need to pack items for them too:

• Personal care items (Toothbrush, deodorant, shaver).

• Phone charger.

• Comfortable clothes or pajamas for the night.

Room Decoration & Guests

While you are in labor, your relatives can bring items for decorating your hospital room and treats for your guests (Baby candies/chocolate, door ornaments, and traditional “Lohusa Sherbet”). When you come out of the delivery room, your room will be prepared and decorated for you and your baby.