Packing your maternity suitcase is an essential step in welcoming your baby with peace of mind. Here's a complete checklist to ensure everything is ready when you leave for the maternity ward.
When should you pack your maternity suitcase?
Ideally, your suitcase should be packed (except for last-minute items like your toothbrush) by the 36th or 37th week of pregnancy, in case labor starts before your due date.
Some items are essential (you'll need a car seat, for example), while others will make you feel comfortable and remind you of home. We asked Goodnvibes parents about their must-have items and also drew inspiration from our own birthing experiences.
Here is a comprehensive list of everything you might want or need with you to the hospital. 👉 To help you organize your bag efficiently , also discover our tips for preparing your diaper bag properly .
What to pack in your maternity suitcase?
Start by preparing what you will need for yourself.
Birth plan. Print a few copies—one for your records, one for your midwife(s), and another to display in your maternity room. It's a good idea to highlight certain key points during a quick read.
A bathrobe. A comfortable bathrobe is one of the best postpartum garments available.
Toiletries. Don't forget them! You'll need a hairbrush, regular or dry shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, extra hair ties, and facial wipes (Goodnvibes parents recommend these in case you're unable to shower right away). Don't forget your contact lenses and/or glasses, if you wear them.
Comfortable clothing. If you plan to breastfeed after delivery, pack a nursing bra or tank top. Pair your tank top with soft, loose-fitting pants, like joggers or lightweight sleep pants. You can also pack a nice, dark-colored pajama set. Postpartum leggings can also be comfortable. If you plan to have a water birth, pack a dark-colored sports bra or swimsuit top. For your feet, socks are great for staying warm. Pack slip-on shoes like Crocs or flip-flops for the ride home. Your feet are likely to be swollen from the IV (and pregnancy), so you'll be glad to have shoes you can easily slip on.
Drinks. Bring a bottle of water!
An extra-long cell phone charger cable. The parents at Goodnvibes can't recommend this enough. Hospital beds are usually far from power outlets, and you'll need a fully charged phone for all those photos you'll be taking of your new baby and for video chats with friends and family.
Nipple cream. If you plan to breastfeed, your nipples will appreciate your foresight.
Pillows and a bath towel. It turns out that hospital towels are the exact opposite of luxurious hotel towels: they're thin, scratchy, and way too small. You might be glad you brought a towel from home for your first postpartum shower. Goodnvibes parents also recommend bringing your own pillow.
Maternity pads. The hospital will provide you with pads and mesh underwear, but many Goodnvibes parents have reported that sanitary pads are more comfortable and safer. Perineal massage oil is also an invaluable addition to your postpartum arsenal.
Portable Bluetooth speaker and Spotify playlist. Listening to music while working can be a plus for some. If you make a playlist, add lots of songs to it—work can last more than 24 hours straight, and you don't want to listen to the same 10 songs over and over... and over again for that entire time. But you might want some silence!
Nice things to have: A Goodnvibes parent says he brought a portable diffuser to the hospital and used it after surgery to make his room smell like a spa.
What to pack in your baby's maternity suitcase?
Once your maternity bag has everything you need, move on to baby essentials.
A car seat. If you're driving home, this is non-negotiable—you won't be allowed to bring your baby home from the hospital without a car seat, and it must already be installed.
Clothes. Pack outfits in different sizes, as you don't know how big or small your baby will be! Aim for newborn-sized clothes and others in sizes 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks.
Bottles, if you use them. If you plan to bottle-feed your baby from the start, pack at least two for the hospital.
Diapers and cotton balls. In fact, some hospitals no longer provide diapers, so it will be essential to bring a pack of diapers and some cotton balls.
What to pack in your partner's maternity suitcase?
If your partner or support person is attending the birth and staying at the maternity ward, remind them to pack as well. In addition to clothes and toiletries (partners want to brush their teeth too!), here are some items to bring.
Snacks! Try to bring something from each of these categories: savory (like sandwiches), sweet (like candy or M&Ms), protein (think protein bars), and healthy/fresh (some fruit, for example). During Covid-19, most hospitals aren't allowing people to leave and return to the hospital, so the snacks you bring will be very important! Also, look for nearby restaurants that deliver. (Check with your hospital or maternity ward for their rules.) And bring a reusable water bottle.
Book/iPad/laptop/headphones and general entertainment. Download some new podcasts to listen to in case you have some downtime.
A lightweight sleeping bag and pillow. Hospital sheets and pillows can be rough and thin.
