Your Personal Guide to

Your Hospital Bag

Everything you need packed and ready, organized by who it's for. Check items off as you go. Your progress saves automatically.

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Photo ID & insurance cards

Keep in an easy-access pocket

Birth plan copies (3+)

For your nurse, OB, and backup

Comfortable robe or gown

Front-opening for skin-to-skin

Grip socks or slippers

Hair ties, headband & lip balm

Hospital air is very dry

Phone charger with extra-long cord

10ft recommended — outlets are far from the bed

Pillow from home

Use a colored pillowcase so it doesn’t get mixed up

Glasses or contacts

Snacks & drinks for early labor

Honey sticks, coconut water, crackers, gum

Massage tools for back labor

Tennis ball in a tube sock, handheld massager, or rolling pin

Pro tip

Comfort items

Focal point object, essential oils (if hospital allows), portable fan

Labor playlist or Bluetooth speaker

Eye mask

For resting between contractions and during recovery

Loose, comfy going-home outfit

Pack something that fits like you’re 6 months pregnant

Slip-on shoes

Your feet may be swollen — avoid anything with laces

Nursing bras (2–3)

Comfortable whether or not you plan to breastfeed

Breast pads

Leaking starts regardless of breastfeeding plans

Nipple cream (lanolin or organic)

Toiletries & dry shampoo

Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, face wash, deodorant

Postpartum underwear (high-waist, dark)

Hospital provides mesh, but many moms prefer their own

Your own towel

Hospital towels are small and rough

Pro tip

Stool softener

Check with your provider

Phone/tablet for entertainment

Nursing pillow (optional)

Reduces strain when feeding — worth it if you have room

Baby book

Nurses will stamp footprints at the hospital

Pro tip

Going-home outfit in newborn size

Going-home outfit in 0–3 month size

You won’t know baby’s size until they arrive

Swaddle blanket

Car seat (installed & inspected)

Required for discharge. Many fire stations will check for free

Baby hat & mittens

Mittens prevent scratching — newborn nails are sharp

Weather-appropriate blanket or bunting

For the car seat ride home

Pacifier (if using)

AAP recommends waiting 3–4 weeks if breastfeeding

Baby nail file

Safer than clippers for tiny fingers

Pro tip

Change of clothes (2–3 days’ worth)

Pack an extra set in case of a longer stay

Toiletries & deodorant

Snacks, cash & a reusable water bottle

Labor is long — they need energy too

Phone charger

Pillow & blanket

Hospital chairs aren’t kind

Camera or video setup

Charged battery + empty memory card

Swimsuit (optional)

Some hospitals have birthing pools or showers

Pro tip

Sweatshirt or jacket

The room is kept cool for mom during labor

Insurance card & pre-registration paperwork

Birth plan

Pediatrician’s name & number

List of emergency contacts

List of current medications with dosages

Share with your doctor at check-in

Hospital’s address saved in GPS

If you’re banking cord blood, these steps ensure a smooth collection. Add cord blood collection to your birth plan.

StemCyte collection kit

Bring to the hospital — it stays in your bag until delivery

Confirm kit is registered

Call (866) 389-4659 if you need to verify

Add cord blood collection to your birth plan

This gives your OB and nurses advance notice

Give kit to your nurse upon arrival

Let them know you’re banking cord blood

Notify your OB/midwife in advance

Know the 24/7 courier pickup number

Found on your collection kit

Bring instructions insert for your nurse

Have StemCyte’s number saved

(866) 389-4659

Most hospitals supply these items. Call your hospital to confirm and take extras home — nurses often encourage it.

Hospital gowns

Mesh/disposable underwear

Postpartum pads & ice packs

Peri bottle (squeeze bottle for cleaning)

Newborn diapers & wipes

Receiving blankets & swaddles

Breast pump (for in-hospital use)

Formula & bottles (if needed)

Basic toiletries

Grip socks (some hospitals)

Don’t forget your collection kit

Cord blood collection happens once, right after delivery. Make sure your kit is registered and packed before your due date.

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