Hospital bag checklistTwo bags, not one.

Two bags: the small one comes with you into the labour room, the large one can stay in the car until the next day. No rush. The goal is to arrive well into labour, travelling light.

By Caroline, midwife

Small bag labour room

Paperwork

  • Pregnancy notes / file
  • Blood type card
  • Blood test results & scan reports
  • Health insurance card & health record
  • ID & family record book

For baby

  • Long-sleeve onesie
  • Long-sleeve pajamas
  • Warm sweater or cardigan
  • Sleeping bag suit (gigoteuse)Attaches at the shoulders. Bring it even in summer.
  • Socks, booties and hat

For you

  • Comfortable two-piece outfitTop + bottom separately. Avoid a dress: monitoring goes on your belly.
  • Phone charger
  • Change of clothes for after
  • Towel and swimsuit

Comfort & wellbeing

  • Downloaded playlistDon't rely on hospital Wi-Fi. Download everything in advance.
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Essential oils or massage oil
  • A combPress the teeth into your palm during a contraction.
  • Tennis balls (back & foot massage)
  • A book or downloaded showIf contractions are slow to start after your waters break, you may wait up to 48h at the maternity.
  • Your nestA poster, fairy lights, a blanket, a pillow... whatever makes you feel at home.

For your support person

  • Food for your support personSandwiches, trail mix, cereal bars: everything they need to stay by your side.
  • Charger for your support person
Tick it off in the app. Both bags are in Hoama, item by item, even without a connection. Get the free app

Large bag postnatal stay (3–4 nights)

For you

  • Comfortable outfits (2–3)
  • Large maternity pads
  • Comfortable underwear
  • Toiletry bag
  • Nursing braIf that's the plan.
  • Pen and paperTo jot down feeds and changes in the first days if needed, and to sign the newborn screening card.

For baby

  • Bodysuits (x4)
  • Sleepsuits (x4)
  • Nappies (a small supply)
  • Baby toiletriesGentle soap, cotton pads, towel.

Comfort & treats

  • Everything you've been avoiding for 9 monthsSushi, soft cheese, cured meat: this is the moment.
  • Night lightHospital overhead lights at 3am are brutal.

Going home

  • Car seatFitted and checked before your due date. Stays in the car, if that's how you're getting home.
  • Baby wrap or carrierUseful for the way home, then day to day.

Free app · iOS & Android

Your list, in your pocket.

In Hoama, tick items off as you pack, bag by bag, even without a connection. The app also has breathing, mantras, guided audio stories and a guide for the birth partner. Free, no account, no ads.

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Caroline, midwife

By Caroline, midwife

M.Sc, midwife in private practice in a French city near the Alps. Certified in physiological birth, natural birth, and medical hypnosis. She teaches at university the latest research advances in drug-free pain management.

This page doesn't replace the advice of your midwife or your maternity unit.