How to use the hospital bag checklist
- Work through each group: documents, things for you, things for the baby and things for your birth partner.
- Tick each item as it goes into the bag. The progress counter shows how much is left.
- Turn on Remember my entries on this device if you want to come back to the list later.
- Use Print to take a paper copy, or to give one to your birth partner.
How the list works
The list groups the essentials that maternity services commonly recommend. The documents item changes by country, so the German version mentions the Mutterpass, the Spanish version the tarjeta sanitaria, the Mexican version the cartilla, the Russian version the обменная карта (exchange card) and the Australian version the Medicare card. Your ticks are stored only in your browser, and only if you choose to keep them.
Worked examples
Planned hospital birth. Pack at 36 weeks: documents in a clear folder at the top of the bag, your going-home clothes and the baby’s outfit at the bottom, and snacks in an outside pocket.
Second baby. Add childcare plans for your older child to the phone list, and pack a small bag for them in case they stay with family.
Birth centre or home birth. Many items still apply. Check with your midwife what they bring and what you should have ready.
Tips and common mistakes
- Fit the car seat early and practise using it; you may need it to leave hospital.
- Pack two bags: one for labour, one for after the birth, so your partner can fetch the second when needed.
- Pack a long phone cable; sockets are often far from the bed.
- Include comfort items such as your own pillow or music if your hospital allows them.
- Keep the bag by the door and tell your birth partner where it is.
A little extra for the stay
If you might stay longer, for example after a caesarean birth, add extra underwear and nightwear, high-waisted underwear that sits above a wound, and a few more snacks. Your midwife can tell you how long people usually stay at your hospital.
Limitations
This is a general list. Hospitals and birth centres have their own guidance, and your midwife may suggest extra items for your situation.