Hospital bag checklist for mum and baby

The moment to leave for the maternity hospital often comes without warning, so it's best to have your bag ready in advance. Here is a practical checklist of what to pack for you, for your baby and for the trip home. Tick things off as you go so nothing is forgotten.

When to pack

Aim to have the bag ready at around 35–37 weeks of pregnancy. Keep it somewhere easy to see and tell your partner or family where it is, so they can grab it quickly if needed.

Documents

• Passport or ID card
• Medical records from your pregnancy and test results
• Any contract or other documents your hospital asks for
• Phone and charger (a long cable is handier)

For mum — during labour

• A comfortable shirt or nightdress
• Dressing gown and non-slip slippers
• Warm socks
• Hair clip or hair tie
• Lip balm
• Water and a light snack (if your hospital allows)
• Headphones and your favourite music

For mum — after the birth

• Nursing bras (2–3)
• Breast pads
• Maternity pads
• Cotton or disposable underwear
• Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, moisturiser
• A towel (if the hospital doesn't provide one)
• A feeding pillow: it helps you hold your baby comfortably while feeding and takes the strain off your back and arms
• Loose, comfortable clothes for going home

For baby

• Bodysuits, short and long sleeved (4–6)
• Sleepsuits with feet (4–6)
• A thin hat
• Socks and scratch mittens
• Newborn nappies (one pack)
• Wet wipes or cotton pads
• Nappy cream
• Muslin squares or a light blanket

For the trip home

• An infant car seat, already fitted in the car
• An outfit or snowsuit for your baby to suit the weather
• A warm blanket if it's cold outside

A few tips

• Pack things in separate small pouches — “mum”, “baby”, “documents” — so you can find what you need quickly at the hospital.
• Wash your baby's clothes beforehand with a fragrance-free baby detergent.
• Don't overpack: family can bring anything you've forgotten later.
• A large changing bag works well as the hospital bag — and you'll keep using it for walks afterwards.

You'll find your baby's first clothes, feeding pillows and everything else for the hospital bag in the Mamas & Papas online shop or in our stores in Yerevan Mall and Dalma Garden Mall.