Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivery: What to Pack (India)

When should you pack?

Aim to have your bag packed by 34–36 weeks. Most babies arrive between 37 and 42 weeks, but more than one in ten babies in India is born before 37 weeks, and twins arrive earlier still. If you are expecting twins or have been told your pregnancy is high-risk, pack by 32 weeks. Not sure how far along you are? Check with our pregnancy week calculator.

A good system is three bags: a small “labour bag” you carry in, a larger bag for your stay (usually 1–2 days for a normal delivery, 3–4 days after a caesarean), and a separate bag for the baby. Keep them near the door, and tell whoever will drive you where they are.

1. Documents (the most important bag of all)

Put these in one waterproof folder or zip pouch. In an emergency you may be taken to a different hospital, and these papers let the new team treat you safely.

• Mother & Child Protection (MCP) card or antenatal booklet
• All ultrasound reports (dating, NT, anomaly, growth) and blood test reports – especially blood group and Rh type
• Aadhaar card or other photo ID for mother and the attendant
• Health insurance card, policy number, and the cashless pre-authorisation form if your hospital needs one
• Hospital registration or booking slip, and any birth-preference notes
• A list of current medicines and allergies
• Bank or scheme details if you are claiming JSY or PMMVY
• Some cash and a card or UPI-enabled phone for pharmacy and canteen bills

2. For mom – labour

• A loose, front-opening nightie or kurta (if the hospital allows your own clothes)
• Hair ties or clips, and a light shawl or dupatta
• Lip balm – air-conditioned labour rooms are drying
• A water bottle with a sipper or straw
• Glucose biscuits, dates or energy bars (check whether you’re allowed to eat in labour)
• Socks or slippers with a good grip
• Phone, long charging cable (sockets are often far from the bed) and earphones for music

3. For mom – after the birth

• 2–3 sets of loose, front-opening nightwear or feeding kurtis
• Maternity sanitary pads (a pack of 20) – bleeding (lochia) is heavy in the first days
• Disposable or old, full-coverage cotton underwear, one size larger than usual
• 2 nursing bras and a pack of breast pads
• Nipple cream (lanolin-based is common) – ask your doctor or lactation nurse
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, face wash, comb, towel, moisturiser
• A comfortable outfit to go home in – remember your tummy will still look about 5–6 months pregnant
• After a C-section: high-waisted underwear that sits above the wound, and an abdominal binder or belt if your doctor recommends it

4. For baby

• 4–6 soft cotton jhablas or front-opening vests
• 2–3 caps, 2 pairs of mittens and 2 pairs of socks
• 2 swaddles or soft cotton wraps, and one warmer blanket in winter
• Newborn-size diapers (a small pack) or cotton nappies with a waterproof sheet
• Soft cotton cloths or wipes (fragrance-free) and a small towel
• A going-home outfit
• An infant car seat, if you are travelling home by car

5. For your partner or attendant

• A change of clothes and toiletries
• Snacks and water – labour can be long, and canteens close
• Phone charger and a power bank
• A list of phone numbers to call with the news
• A small bag for the mother’s valuables (jewellery is best left at home)

What you can leave at home

Gold jewellery, lots of new baby clothes (babies outgrow newborn sizes quickly), heavy books, and full-size bottles of anything. Many families also carry mountains of food from home – check your hospital’s food policy first.

When to grab the bag and go

Go to hospital if contractions are regular and strong, your waters break, you have bleeding, or your baby is moving less than usual. Our guide to signs of labour covers this in detail. Save 102 (free pregnancy transport in most states) and 108 (ambulance) in your phone now.

Frequently asked questions

Useful calculators

More from the blog