Ask someone what to pack in a hospital bag, and you’ll probably get a different answer every time. But what do you really need for a hospital birth? In this article, we share our tips and tell you when to start packing your hospital bag for delivery. One thing is clear: if you’re packing your hospital bag right before heading to the hospital, you’re definitely too late!

When do I pack my flight suitcase?

An emergency bag for childbirth is a bag where you pack items you’ll need during and immediately after delivery. Think clothing for you and your baby, care products, and important documents. It can also be helpful for your partner to pack an emergency bag, too. That way, you won’t have to search for everything at the last minute.

Pack a hospital bag even if you prefer to give birth at home. Things can go differently than planned, and if you still need to go to the hospital, it’s helpful to have your emergency bag ready—especially if urgent care is required.

Start packing your hospital bag well before your due date. This way, you can be sure you’ll have everything you need for a hospital birth and any potential stay. It’s also reassuring to know all your essentials are in one place, so you don’t have to search for your belongings at the first contraction. And what about the excitement of packing a travel bag?

Experts recommend having your travel bag ready between the 32nd and 34th week of pregnancy. Some little explorers simply can’t wait to see the world. Expecting more than one baby? Then it’s useful to have everything prepared between weeks 28 and 30.

Preparing the escape bag: what do you pack?

Feel free to visit the delivery room at your hospital a few weeks before the birth. Every hospital is different, so what you need to bring may vary. Ask the medical staff so you can pack your emergency bag wisely.

What should you bring to the hospital for the birth? LILLYDOO has put together a comprehensive list for you with everything you need to take.

Important documents

• Care pass

• ID card (also for your partner)

• Midwife's papers (if you have them)

• Birth plan (if you have one)

• List of important phone numbers

Not all documents can stay in your emergency bag for weeks. For example, you may need your health insurance card or ID card earlier for other purposes. So, place a note in a clearly visible spot listing the important documents you still need to grab at the last moment.

Before the birth

• Several undershirts or T-shirts and a comfortable pair of pants (preferably slightly loose-fitting so you can change easily during contractions).

• Warm socks or slippers (believe it or not, cold feet can hinder labor)

• Food and drinks (for example, fruit juice, dextrose, or a muesli bar) or money for the canteen (also for your support person)

• Entertainment: books, magazines, phone*, tablet* and the corresponding chargers (check in advance whether these devices are allowed in the delivery room). Also bring earplugs or headphones for your favorite (birth) playlist.

• Lip balm (puffing can make your lips quite dry)

• Massage oil (if you’d like a massage during labor). For example, our LILLYDOO almond oil . This 99% pure almond oil with vitamin E is specially developed for sensitive skin.

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

• Camera (if you want to capture this unique moment)

• Hairbands or hair elastics

• If you wear contact lenses: lens case, contact lens solution, and your glasses (ideally, don’t wear contact lenses during contractions and birth)

• Something to put the placenta in (if you want to take it with you, please inform the healthcare staff; hospitals usually do not ask for it)

For the new parents

• Throat compresses (for when milk production starts)

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

• Underwear that fits postpartum pads

• Multiple sets of underwear (disposable items or panties that you can boil)

• Comfortable clothing (sweatpants, tops, bathrobe; for breastfeeding, a pyjama with buttons is ideal)

• Personal care (toothbrush, facial cream, deodorant, hairbrush, etc.)

• Balm for your breasts (for protection and care before and during breastfeeding)

• If you don’t want to use products from the hospital:

• heavy sanitary pads (preferably avoid tampons after childbirth)

• towels and washcloths

• Belly band (supports the back and can also stimulate wound healing after a cesarean section)

For the baby

• Clothing (one or two rompers, a baby suit, a swaddle, a hat, and socks) and several burp cloths

• Bottles and bottle feeding (if you are not breastfeeding and do not want to use the hospital's products)

• Almond oil (to clean your baby’s skin folds and maybe even pamper your little explorer with a first massage)

• Wondzalf (that you hopefully won’t need yet)

• When you leave the hospital:

• 2-3 diapers (or even better: order a monthly diaper box from LILLYDOO before birth, and you’ll have the whole month covered at home)

• Clothing suitable for the season (for example, a jacket, hat, and gloves in winter)

• Baby carrier and blanket or car seat (of course, someone can also bring that on the day)

A good preparation of your travel bag is half the battle

This hospital bag checklist for childbirth is based on our expert’s many years of experience. Are you missing anything? Feel free to let us know—we always enjoy hearing your ideas.

Do you think this list is a bit too long? Then, of course, you can simply adapt it to your specific situation.

Your family and friends will likely be happy to support you in any way they can. They can probably bring something to the hospital if you forget it. Still, you can’t use what you don’t pack, so it’s best to play it safe and not be too sparing when packing your hospital bag. After all, during the birth and the time afterward, you’ll want to focus entirely on what matters most: your new family member.

We hope you find this travel bag packing list useful and helpful. We wish you lots of joy as you prepare for your baby adventure.