Checklist: Packing the hospital bag for the birth
An overview of the most important things to pack in your hospital bag for the birth
- Pack your hospital bag between the 32nd and 34th week of pregnancy.
- Prepare a checklist for important documents that you can't pack straight away (maternity passport, ID, health insurance card).
- Pack comfortable clothes for the birth and hospital stay and also think about personal care products and feel-good items for yourself.
- Prepare the clothes and equipment for the baby and the journey home.
- Install the baby car seat for the car in good time.
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Hospital bag for the birth: Well prepared for the hospital
The birth of your child is a very special moment - exciting, emotional and often a little overwhelming. A well-packed hospital bag gives you peace of mind and ensures that you can concentrate on the essentials in the hours before and after the birth: yourself, your baby and the start of family life together.
Take your time to prepare your hospital bag. Many parents-to-be even see packing as a nice ritual in late pregnancy - a tangible sign that things are about to start.
To make sure you don't forget anything important, you can find a clear checklist for your hospital bag here.
When should I pack my hospital bag? Timing and important tips
It is advisable to pack your hospital bag between around the 32nd and 34th week of pregnancy. From this point onwards, your baby can theoretically be born at any time - and you are on the safe side if things start earlier than planned.
It is practical to use a printed checklist. This way, you can pack things that you still need in everyday life - such as ID documents or your health insurance card - just before you leave and still not forget anything. It's best to have your bag clearly visible and let the person accompanying you know where it is. This will keep everything calm and organized at the crucial moment.
Clinic bag checklist: Important documents
- Mother's passport
- Health insurance card
- ID document (identity card)
- Family record book with the marriage certificate (if you are married to the child's father) or Birth certificate or acknowledgement of paternity (if you are single or unmarried)
- Allergy passport if applicable
Tip: Keep all documents together in a folder - this way you will have them to hand quickly.
Clinic bag checklist: What do I need for myself?
Comfortable clothing is particularly important for the birth and the days afterwards. Pack what you feel comfortable in.
- Large, loose knee-length T-shirt for the birth
- Button-up nightgowns (handy for breastfeeding)
- Jogging suit or comfortable loose pants
- Morning coat
- Thick socks, Slippers
- Cotton or disposable briefs, sanitary towels
- Breastfeeding bras, nursing pads
- Breastfeeding pillows
- Washcloths, towels, personal hygiene/cosmetic bag (e.g. toothbrush, face cream, deodorant, etc.) Toothbrush, face cream, deodorant, hairbrush, hair tie, lip balm)
- Possibly. Massage oil, favorite/relaxing music with headphones
- For contact lenses: storage box, contact lens solution and glasses
- Refreshments (snacks, juice) or money for the cafeteria
- Camera, mobile phone
Consciously pack small feel-good extras too - they can be very valuable during your hospital stay.
Hospital bag checklist: What does my baby need in hospital?
Many clinics provide diapers, bodysuits and care products for the first few days. It is best to find out in advance what your maternity clinic offers.
- Body, shirt, panties, romper
- Cap, socks, jacket
- Multiple burp cloths
- Possible pacifier and wound protection cream
Hospital bag: What do I need for the journey home with baby?
- Baby blanket
- Car seat or infant carrier for the car
- 2 to 3 diapers
Important: It is best to install the infant carrier in the car before the birth.
Frequently asked questions about the hospital bag for the birth
Where can I get help and advice?
Do you have questions, fears and worries about pregnancy, birth or partnership? Then you can contact a pregnancy advice center near you free of charge. You can use the database of the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG) to find a pregnancy advice center near you in just a few clicks.
You can obtain information on general family advice centers or local family offices via our Family Guide.
Your gynecologist will not only give you a medical examination, but will also advise you on general questions about pregnancy and childbirth. You can use the portal Frauenärzte im Netz to find a gynaecologist as well as gynaecological clinics and fertility centers in your city or surrounding area.
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