Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivery in India: Mom & Baby Essentials

• Introduction
• When to pack your hospital delivery bag?
• What to pack in your hospital bag checklist in India?
• Mom-to-be hospital bag checklist:
• Newborn Baby Hospital Bag Checklist:
• Father or the caregiver's hospital bag checklist:
• Must Avoid Items In The Hospital Bag For Delivery:
• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• FAQs
• MESSAGE FROM SUPERBOTTOMS
• Reference Links

The moment labour pains kick in, everything else takes a backseat, and life starts to revolve around the baby and the mommy. A few weeks before this is expected to happen, you should ideally have everything you need during and after delivery handy to avoid last-minute running around. A hospital delivery bag is one of the most critical "essentials" to keep ready for the big day!

When to pack your hospital delivery bag?

Now that's an important question. Just in case the labour pains start earlier than expected, you would not want to be in labour, need something, and then have to make someone who should be there for you go running around for it. So, by the time you reach the 36th week of your pregnancy (32nd week in case you are expecting twins), your maternity bag should be ready except for last-minute things like toiletries, a comb, etc.

Keep a spare set ready in the bag so that you don't forget them if you have to rush to the hospital.

What to pack in your hospital bag checklist in India?

While packing the maternity bag or hospital delivery bag, it is always better to begin with a checklist on paper. It helps you keep track of things you need to buy, things you already have, what might be required for the mommy-to-be, the newborn baby, the father or caregiver accompanying you to the hospital, and other general delivery-related items.

Here is a ready-to-use hospital bag checklist for India, that you can refer to while arranging for things you would need:

Mom-to-be hospital bag checklist:

1. Medical Documents: Your hospital and medical insurance paperwork. Ideally, your hospital will have your past reports and medical history, and your doctor will also know you well. But in case there is a last-minute change in the hospital or the attending doctor, it is always better to have complete paperwork, your medical records, medical insurance papers, identification, etc., handy.

2. Clothing: An Extra pair of clothing, depending on the season in which you are delivering. Even in summer, at times post-delivery, a new mother may feel a bit cold. It is always advisable to pack an extra cardigan or a front-zip jacket/hoodie for yourself in your hospital bag checklist for mom. Comfortable flip-flops or slippers to use at the hospital.

3. Medicine: Any medication that you consume apart from the ones related to your pregnancy. Make sure to tell the attending staff in advance so those medications are accessible to you at your bedside.

4. Extra Pillow and towel: Hospitals usually provide one pillow, or maybe one extra if you ask for it. Carry your extra pillow to keep under your feet or behind your back for additional support and comfort. For hygiene purposes, it is also a good idea to include a towel in your hospital bag for delivery.

5. Sanitary Napkins and Underwear: Women experience heavy flow bleeding for the first few days after the delivery. Regular sanitary pads might not be sufficient at such a time. Thus, keep hospital-grade heavy-flow maternity pads or comfortable underwear such as SuperBottoms MaxAbsorb Period Underwear for later in your maternity hospital bag checklist. It is also common to lose bladder control and experience incontinence after the delivery.

6. Breastfeeding and Nursing Accessories: Last but not least, make sure to pack your breastfeeding and nursing accessories, such as breast pads, nursing covers, nursing bras, feeding pillows, etc, in your hospital bag checklist for mom. Check out eco-friendly reusable breast pads by SuperBottoms.

Newborn Baby Hospital Bag Checklist:

1. Clothing: An outfit that the baby will go home in. It is better to pack 2 outfits —one newborn size and one 0–3 months size —to choose from, since what fits a newborn varies from baby to baby. You can pack SuperBottoms Mulmul Jhabla for a comfortable sleep.

2. Winter Care Essentials: Newborn babies are not equipped to regulate their body temperature naturally. Thus, they can catch a cold easily. So, pack a warm baby blanket, a knit cap, booties and mittens to keep them warm. SuperBottoms - India's #1 Reusable Cloth Diaper Brand for Babies provides UNO Cloth Diapers, which keep your baby dry and comfortable during winters.

3. Swaddle Wrap: Swaddling a baby helps them feel cosy and warm, and sleep better. So, pack a few prewashed soft cotton swaddles, such as SuperBottoms Dry Feel Swaddle Wrap, in the hospital delivery bag for the baby.

4. Baby-Care Essentials: Baby essentials include nail clippers, body wash, burp cloth, shampoo, massage oil, hairbrush, soft towel, etc.

5. Organic Cotton Langot: Washable and reusable organic cotton langot, such as SuperBottoms Dry Feel Langots.

6. Feeding Essentials: At times, the breast milk supply might take a day or two to kick in, and in such a scenario, if you decide to feed formula milk to the baby, keep feeding bottles and a packet of formula recommended by the paediatrician also ready.

Father or the caregiver's hospital bag checklist:

1. Food or Snacks: There is no specified time until when the labour can go on, and it can last for long hours at times. Therefore, it is wise to pack a few snacks for the caregiver or father accompanying the mom-to-be.

2. COVID-19 Pandemic Essentials: All COVID-19 essentials, such as face masks, face shields, hand sanitiser, surface disinfectant, etc., should be kept handy in your hospital bag checklist for delivery in India to avoid exposure to any infection while running around for arrangements at the hospital.

3. Clothing and Bedding Essentials: A small pillow and a blanket, an extra pair of socks, neck support, and a few pairs of clothing in case you are unable to visit back home in between, before the discharge formalities.

4. Medical and Personal-care items: Caregiver's prescription medicines, reading glasses, or any personal care items they may need outside the home.

5. Payment Options: ATM cards, debit cards, credit cards, and some cash for change for payments.

6. Extras: Toiletries, extra phone chargers, and an extra bag to carry back any gifts that the baby or family received while at the hospital.

Must Avoid Items In The Hospital Bag For Delivery:

While we have covered everything one must carry in the hospital bag for delivery in India, there are also certain items one must avoid taking along. Here is a list of things to avoid you:

1. Jewellery: Leave all your jewellery behind. It is advised to remove all jewellery the mommy-to-be is wearing and leave it at home.

2. Valuables: Don't carry too much cash or valuable items and electronics, as you would want your only priority to be the delivery, the mom, and the newborn on your mind.

3. Uncomfortable Clothing: Avoid carrying any fancy or dressy clothes for yourself in your hospital bag for delivery to India, as you would need to be comfortable and rest easily.

With this maternity hospital bag checklist, you are all set and ready with everything you need to bring a new life into this world. Now, all you need to do is remember to stay calm and breathe!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1 • A hospital bag checklist for delivery in India for birth is one of the most important "essentials" to have on hand to prepare for the big day.
2 • Keep track of everything you need to acquire, what you currently have, and what the mommy-to-be might require.
3 • Consult any medication that you take that is not related to your pregnancy and make sure you notify the attending staff.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is it important to have a hospital bag checklist for delivery?

Ans. Delivery is such an unpredictable phenomenon that can happen at any time, and a well-prepared hospital bag checklist for delivery will help us avoid last-minute hustle.

Q2. Should I pack a different bag for me and my baby?

Ans. Yes, you should pack separate bags for you and your baby so you can take them off when needed without creating a mess.

Q3. What should I avoid taking in my hospital bag checklist for delivery?

Ans. You should avoid carrying costly items and uncomfortable clothes in your delivery bag.

Message from SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! SuperBottoms brings you doctor-recommended cloth diapers — the best rash-free diapering solution for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. Unlike disposable diapers loaded with chemicals, our newborn cloth diapers, when used and washed properly, can help eliminate the risk of diaper rashes. SuperBottoms offers a wide range of safe, skin-friendly essentials for the whole family — including Reusable Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pants, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, Padded Underwear for potty training, SuperSoft Underwear for everyday comfort, Joggers for playful days, and Period Underwear for women. Not just for everyday use, SuperBottoms products also make the best gifting choice for babies — thoughtful, eco-friendly, practical, and loved by parents. Now available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit.

Reference Links:

1. Hospital Bag Checklist: Everything You Need for Mom and Baby
2. Hospital bag checklist: What to pack forlabourr and postpartum