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“I pack my suitcase and take with me…” The hospital bag – my weekender for the hospital

Sep 28, 2025

I'm standing in front of my closet, heavily pregnant with my first child and already on maternity leave. In one hand, a checklist titled "Hospital Bag" and in the other, the bag in question—previously used only as a weekender for short trips.

So, here we are. This is the first hospital stay in my life, I think to myself. For months, an app has been accompanying me, and now I'm reminded to pack my bag. The same message is everywhere: "Better to pack early than late."

Okay, let’s get started:

It all starts with choosing the bag.

As I already wrote, I decided to go with my weekender because I don't plan on staying in the hospital for longer than 2-3 days. That's the plan.

First, the most important thing—you. Start with your personal belongings. Crucially, comfortable and airy clothing!

But you don't want to come across as too "shabby" either. (Haha, as if anyone (or yourself) would really care what you look like after giving birth.) Practical, comfortable clothing is key. If you plan to breastfeed, consider which underwear and outerwear are best suited for it—in any position and at any time of day.

Here is a list of the personal things that I consider most important:

Personal documents such as maternity record, family register, identity card, health insurance card
Underwear (nursing bra)
Jogging suit or the components of a comfortable outfit
Nightwear
Socks and slippers/bathing shoes
Cosmetics and toiletries
Nursing pads
Chargers for electronic devices (mobile phones, cameras, etc.)
Snacks like power bars, nuts, etc.
Nursing pillow
Towel (if not provided by the clinic)

From the closet to the bathroom and back again. And so I scurry through the apartment, searching for and putting everything I could possibly need into a pile.

Magazine or book? Nope, I didn't plan on that. It's time to look at the baby... or tell the whole world via text that you've brought the most wonderful being into the world.

Then it’s time to pack for the baby:

Wrap bodysuit (long or short sleeve)
Romper or 2-piece comfortable suit (preferably with feet)
Accessories (such as hat, cardigan, socks or, in winter, gloves, etc.)
Muslin diapers, burp cloths and wipes
Blanket or wrap especially for the journey home
dummy
Car seat/carrycot for baby

To make packing easier, I would recommend the following things:

Every hospital has different amenities, whether it's single, shared, or family rooms. Check with the hospital or birthing center beforehand to find out what's available and what you'll need to bring. Information about this is available on their website. In addition, almost all birthing centers offer open days or similar viewing events.
Ask your friends who gave birth the same way (whether in a hospital, birthing center, or home birth), and especially ask their partners what they should still bring or pick up for the women.
Download checklists to tick off.
Place the missing item (e.g., cell phone charger) on a Post-it note or a large piece of paper on the open bag so that when you leave in the middle of the night, it can be quickly packed, or so that the person you're with can see it immediately and pack it themselves. Because it can all go so quickly that in the excitement (don't panic!) it can be forgotten or lost.
Before the birth, pack the car seat in the car together with the accompanying adult, install it correctly and test it (preferably on a cuddly toy)!

Looking back, I can say I had everything I needed with me, as I actually only stayed in the hospital for three days. My husband brought the stroller and car seat for the trip when he brought us home.

But it's also not a big deal if something is missing or the stay is unexpectedly longer (e.g., emergency C-section or the baby's blood pressure isn't yet normal). In most cases, your husband/wife, family, or a friend will be on hand and can quickly rush home or to the nearest drugstore/pharmacy.

So enjoy the packing process for the most exciting trip of your life! smile

Best regards,
Your Melissa // 34 years old, simply a mom of a baby boy

Always seek medical advice

Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.

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