What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: The Complete Checklist for New Moms

As your due date approaches, it’s time to start thinking about one of the most important tasks before baby arrives — packing your hospital bag. After months of preparing and choosing the best baby products, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about what to actually take with you for the big day. But don’t worry — MacroBaby has you covered!

Whether it’s your first baby or not, having your bag ready by around 36 weeks of pregnancy ensures you’ll be prepared for anything. From essential documents to comfy clothes and baby’s first outfit, here’s your complete guide to what to pack for you, your baby, and your partner.

🧘♀️ What to Pack for Mom

Comfortable Clothing

Think loose, breathable, and cozy. Pack:

• Pajamas or a soft robe (something that allows for skin-to-skin contact)

• Nursing bras or tanks

• Maternity leggings or soft joggers

• Non-slip socks and comfy slip-on shoes (your feet may be swollen post-delivery!)

• A lightweight outfit to go home in

Toiletries

Bring your essentials so you can freshen up and feel more like yourself:

• Hairbrush, dry shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste

• Lip balm, deodorant, face wipes, lotion, and hair ties

• Contact lenses or glasses if you use them

Nursing & Postpartum Essentials

These items can make a huge difference in your comfort after delivery:

• Nipple cream or silver nursing cups

• Nursing pillow for better feeding support

• Nursing pads and breast ice packs

• Manual pump or milk catcher

• Postpartum diapers or absorbent underwear

• Perineal spray and Tucks pads

• Prenatal vitamins

Tip: You can find breast pumps, nursing pillows, and postpartum care kits online at macrobaby.com.

Other Must-Haves

• Printed copies of your birth plan

• Your phone charger (extra-long cords are a lifesaver!)

• A water bottle with a straw

• Healthy snacks (granola bars, pretzels, dried fruit)

• A small tote bag for hospital freebies

• A pillow or blanket from home for extra comfort

👶 What to Pack for Baby

Essentials for the Ride Home

• Car seat: Hospitals won’t let you leave without one! Make sure it’s properly installed before your due date.

• Coming-home outfit: Pack one newborn size and one 0–3 month size (include hat and socks if it’s cold).

• Bottles and formula: If you plan to use a specific brand, bring two bottles and some formula (though most hospitals offer samples).

You don’t need to bring diapers or wipes — the hospital provides them!

Shop the best infant car seats, baby bottles, and coming-home outfits directly from MacroBaby to make sure you’re prepared for your little one’s first ride home.

💑 What to Pack for Your Partner or Support Person

Don’t forget your support team!

• Change of clothes and basic toiletries

• Pillow or lightweight sleeping bag

• Snacks and a reusable water bottle

• Headphones, tablet, or a book for downtime

🍫 Snacks to Bring

Labor can be long — and hospital food isn’t always the most exciting. Pack a mix of:

• Salty snacks: pretzels, crackers

• Sweet treats: M&Ms, hard candies

• Protein: nuts, protein bars

• Healthy options: dried fruit, granola

After delivery, you’ll definitely appreciate having these on hand (and your partner will too).

👜 When to Pack Your Hospital Bag

The best time to pack is between 36–37 weeks of pregnancy, or two weeks before your scheduled delivery. Keep your bag near the door or in your car, so you’re ready to go when the big moment arrives.

Final Tip from MacroBaby

Every hospital experience is unique — but being prepared makes it much smoother. Pack early, bring comfort items that make you feel like yourself, and don’t forget those essentials for baby’s first day in the world.

Need help getting ready? Visit MacroBaby.com or stop by our store in Orlando, FL to shop everything from maternity must-haves to newborn essentials — all in one place.