Cradle to AbleHaving your bag packed early takes away a lot of stress. Most doctors suggest having it ready by about 34 to 36 weeks (earlier for twins or if you are at higher risk of an early delivery). Every hospital is different, so call yours and ask what they provide, what they require, and how many people can stay with you.
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Documents and money
- Your photo ID (for example Aadhaar) and your partner's
- Hospital registration or admission papers
- Your antenatal file: scan reports, blood tests, blood group and your doctor's notes
- Health insurance card and policy, and any cashless pre-approval letter
- Some cash, a debit or credit card for deposits, and small change for the family
- Copies of the main papers in a folder, and photos on your phone
- Your birth plan, if you wrote one
For you: labour and recovery
- 2 to 3 loose, front-open nightdresses or gowns that are easy to feed in (some hospitals give gowns)
- Nursing bras, 2 to 3
- Maternity pads, a large pack. Bleeding after birth is heavy.
- Disposable or loose cotton underwear
- Slippers or non-slip sandals and warm socks
- Toiletries: toothbrush, soap, shampoo, hairbrush, hair ties and lip balm
- Towel and a change of clothes for going home, in your current size
- Any regular medicines, and an abdominal binder if your doctor advised one after a C-section
- Phone, charger and a long charging cable
- Water bottle, and light snacks for after the birth
For your baby
- 3 to 4 sets of soft cotton newborn clothes
- Mittens, socks and a cap
- 2 to 3 swaddle wraps or soft blankets
- Newborn-size nappies and a pack of wipes or cotton wool
- A soft towel
- A going-home outfit, with a spare in case of leaks
- A rear-facing infant car seat, if you are going home by car. Many families fit one before the due date.
For your partner or companion
- Phone charger and power bank
- A change of clothes, a light jacket and toiletries
- Snacks, a water bottle and a small amount of cash
- The folder of documents, and the list of phone numbers to call
Ask your hospital before you pack
- What do you provide for the mother and baby, and what should we bring?
- How many people can stay with me, and what are visiting hours?
- When should I come to the hospital, and whom do I call first?
- Which papers do you need for admission, and who registers the baby's birth?
- What is covered in the package, and what is extra?
- Which newborn vaccines and checks are given before we go home?
- What time is usual discharge, and how long is the usual stay?
Leave at home
- Jewellery and valuables
- Big sums of cash
- Too many baby clothes. Hospitals are small and your baby will grow out of newborn sizes quickly.
Know when to go
Your doctor will tell you the signs to watch for. In general, people are asked to call or go in if waters break, if there is bleeding, if contractions are regular and getting stronger, or if the baby moves much less than usual. If anything worries you, call your doctor or go to the hospital. Do not wait.
See also our guide to hiring a nanny or japa and the first weeks at home.
Related guides and nearby weeks
See what happens week by week: 36 weeks pregnant, 37 weeks pregnant, 38 weeks pregnant, 39 weeks pregnant, 40 weeks pregnant. Or open all weeks of pregnancy.