When it comes to hospital bags, there always seem to be endless opinions. But what do you really need to bring to the hospital for the birth? In this article, we share our recommendations for a well-packed hospital bag—and the best time to get it ready. A quick note: you shouldn’t wait until right before heading to the hospital! ;)

When should I pack my hospital bag?

If you pack your hospital bag before your estimated due date, you can feel confident that nothing will be missing during the birth and your stay afterward. Many pregnant women find comfort in knowing they don’t have to scramble once labor begins. After all, you can’t exactly pack your bag once Contractions start. And honestly: packing your hospital bag can also build anticipation for your baby’s arrival, can’t it? Our midwife Sissi recommends having your hospital bag packed and within reach between the 32nd and 34th week of pregnancy . It’s not uncommon for little explorers to decide to arrive a bit earlier than planned. If you’re expecting more than one baby , it makes sense to start preparing between the 28th and 30th week of pregnancy. By the way, we also recommend packing a hospital bag even if you’re planning a Home birth . Unfortunately, complications can’t always be predicted—and if they do occur, you may need to act quickly.

What to pack in the hospital bag?

To find out what you’ll need during your hospital stay, it’s a good idea to visit your chosen delivery room a few weeks before your due date. During your visit, you can easily ask what you’ll need to bring yourself, as this can vary from hospital to hospital. Our midwife Sissi regularly advises her expectant mothers on hospital bags. If you’d like to pack your bag together with her, watch our YouTube video:

Alternatively, based on years of expertise, we’ve also put together a comprehensive overview of all the important essentials for you:

Important documents

• Maternity Record

• Health insurance card

• Identity card

• Gynecologist's certificate (if available)

• Allergy pass (if necessary)

• If the clinic handles registration with the registry office: family register book/marriage certificate (if you are married to the child's father) or birth certificate or acknowledgment of paternity (if you are single or unmarried). For same-sex couples, adoption is necessary for both partners to become the child’s legal parents.

For the birth

• Multiple shirts or blouses (preferably loose-fitting, to change during contractions)

• Warm socks and slippers (believe it or not: cold feet can inhibit contractions)

• Snacks (for example, fruit juice, glucose tablets, granola bars) or money for the cafeteria (also for your companion)

• For entertainment: books, magazines, smartphone*, tablet*, and the associated chargers (*please check beforehand whether these are allowed in the clinic); also: headphones and your favorite/birth playlist

• Lip balm (lips often become dry due to conscious breathing)

• Massage oil (if you want to be massaged during labor). For example, our LILLYDOO for mom pregnancy care oil is very suitable. The oil, made from 100% natural ingredients, allows your hands to glide gently over the skin during a massage and soothes it.

• Small pillow (during a longer labor or on the postpartum ward, it’s nice to have your own familiar pillow with you)

• Camera (if you want to capture this unique experience visually)

• Hair clip or hair tie

• Contact lens wearers: storage box, contact lens solution, and your glasses (you should not wear contact lenses during contractions and childbirth)

• Container for the placenta (if you want to take your placenta home)

For the new mom

• Nursing pads (for when your milk comes in)

• Two nursing bras (preferably two sizes larger than before)

• Multiple slips (either disposable or boilable)

• Comfortable clothing (sweatpants, tops, bathrobe; for breastfeeding, a button-up pajama top is best)

• Typical toiletries (toothbrush, face cream, deodorant, hairbrush, etc.)

• Nipple balm (protects and cares for nipples before and during breastfeeding)

• If you do not want to use the clinic’s products:

  • heavy pads (tampons are not recommended after childbirth)

  • towels and washcloths

• Address book and small change for making calls (if mobile phone use is prohibited in the clinic)

• Abdominal belt (supports postpartum recovery and wound healing after cesarean sections)

For the baby

• Clothing (one to two bodysuits, a romper, a wrap-around jacket, and socks) and several burp cloths

• Bottles and formula (if you are not breastfeeding and do not want to use the clinic's products)

• Almond oil (which you can use to clean your baby’s skin folds and perhaps even give a first baby massage )

• Wound protection cream (which you hopefully won’t need yet)

• For the day of discharge:

  • 2-3 diapers (even better: have a whole month’s supply delivered to your home shortly before the birth via the LILLYDOO diaper subscription )

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., a jacket, hat, and gloves in winter)

  • Carrier and blanket or baby car seat (these can also be brought by someone on the day of discharge)

The list is based on Sissi’s years of experience with childbirth and has proven itself many times over. Still, you may have a tip that isn’t on the list yet—if so, let us know! We look forward to your suggestions. :)

Maybe you feel the list is already too extensive. In that case, simply tailor it to your needs. Especially for your stay in the clinic, visitors can also bring you anything you’re missing. But if you’re unsure and prefer to pack a bit more, you’ll be on the safe side and can fully focus on what really matters during the birth and afterward: your new family member.

We hope our list helps you, and we wish you lots of joy as you prepare for your baby adventure!