Whether you're preparing for surgery, recovering from an illness or getting ready to have a baby, packing the right hospital bag can make your hospital stay more comfortable. You don’t need to bring everything — just what helps you feel prepared and at ease.

Learn what to pack, what to leave at home and how to stay comfortable.

What to Pack

Begin with the basics. Here’s a list of all the essentials you may need for a comfortable hospital stay.

“Pack good, solid footwear like slip-on shoes without shoelaces to walk the halls in the hospital,” says Angela M. Tosaw, APRN, a nurse practitioner in Neurological Surgery at Northwestern Medicine. “Also, zip-up sweatshirts and fleeces rather than traditional sweatshirts will be more comfortable to put on and wear.”

Important documents

• Photo ID
• Health insurance card
• Medicare card
• List of medications (including dosages), allergies and health conditions
• Contact information for your primary care physician
• Emergency contacts

Toiletries and personal care

• Travel-sized:
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Lip balm
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hairbrush or comb and hair ties

Personal items

• Glasses or contacts
• Hearing aids (if needed)
• Medications
• Your own pillow or blanket for comfort
• CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine or sleep device (if used)
• Phone and phone charger with a long cord
• Headphones or earbuds
• Eye mask for sleeping
• Something to help pass the time like books, magazines, word games or a journal
• Pen and paper for notes
• Small amount of cash for vending machines
• Healthy snacks (if allowed)
  

“Do not take any medications while in the hospital without informing your care team,” says Tosaw. “Also, check with your care team before eating any snacks from home.”

For a typical overnight stay, pack your hospital bag at least a couple of days before your visit so you’re not rushing to pack last minute. Before you leave, double-check you have all the items you’ll need.

Also, it’s important to understand your medical insurance plan before going to the hospital. Call your insurance company to confirm your health insurance plan and expected coverage before you arrive.

For Expectant Parents

If you’re preparing for labor and delivery, pack your bag by 36 weeks in case your baby decides to arrive early.

In addition to the items above, include the following in your bag:

• A birth plan or map (if you have one)
• Shirts with a zipper (especially helpful for nursing or IVs)
• A robe
• A comfortable outfit you can take photos in (if your hospital offers newborn photos)
• Nursing bras and pads
• Nursing pillow (if you plan to nurse)
• Nipple balm
• Low-sugar lollipops or hard candy to help with a dry mouth during early labor
• Baby’s going-home outfit

Some items won’t fit in your bag, but be sure to bring your breast pump separately (if you plan to nurse) and a rear-facing car seat. Your care team will need to inspect the car seat before you and your baby can be discharged from the hospital.

Your partner or support person should also pack a separate bag that includes their own personal items and a change of clothes.

What to Leave at Home

Hospitals are not responsible for personal belongings, so avoid bringing large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry or nonessential electronics. Strong perfumes and scented lotions can bother others, so leave those at home, too. Check hospital rules about cell phones and other electronics.

How to Organize Your Bag

Use small bags or labeled pouches to keep things easy to find in your hospital bag. Put documents in a folder, toiletries in a zip bag and snacks in an easy-to-reach pocket.

If you’re staying overnight, a duffel bag or small suitcase works well.

Packing Your Bag for Outpatient vs. Overnight Stays

For outpatient stays, pack light — just ID, insurance card and basic comfort items.

For overnight stays, if your stay is extended or you’re transferred to another hospital, having a well-packed bag can help you adjust.

“Bring a backup set of comfy clothes and backup toiletries even if you’re only planning to stay overnight one night,” says Tosaw.

Commonly Forgotten Items

These are common items people forget to pack in their hospital bag:

• Phone chargers (especially long ones)
• Healthy snacks
• Lip balm
• Birth plan
• Small amount of cash for vending machines

Make a checklist and pack early to avoid last-minute stress.

More Tips for Packing the Perfect Hospital Bag

“If you forget an item, don’t worry. We have everything you need at the hospital,” says Tosaw. “The items you bring are just to keep you comfortable.”

Tosaw recommends touching base with your care team before your arrival to see if there is anything else they would recommend bringing.

“Also, make sure your house is ready to come back to before you leave,” she says. “Clean it and have food ready to go for a smooth arrival home.”

Final Prep for a More Comfortable Hospital Stay

Packing for a hospital stay doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and the right essentials, you can feel more comfortable, prepared, and focused on recovering or welcoming your new arrival. Whether it’s remembering your insurance card, bringing a cozy pair of socks or packing a few comfort items to pass the time, a well-packed hospital bag can make all the difference.