Hospital bag size, and what to leave at home
One bag a support person can carry, and no valuables.
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No standard size
We found no source that sets a size for a hospital bag. We suggest one bag that a support person can carry, plus a small pouch for papers. Ask your hospital or birth center how much room there is for bags.
A pouch for papers
Keep your ID, insurance card, and any paperwork your hospital asks for in one small pouch you can reach first.
Leave valuables at home
MedlinePlus advises keeping valuables at home.
What your hospital allows
Ask your hospital or birth center what it provides and what it allows. Rules differ from place to place, so we do not list items that a hospital bans.
A second bag later
If a stay runs longer, a support person can bring a second bag from home. That is our tip, not a source's.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. We are not a hospital, birth center, or health care provider, and we cannot tell you what your hospital provides, allows, or requires. Ask your clinician and your hospital or birth center what to bring and what to expect. For car seats, follow the seat maker's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual, and see NHTSA's car seat guidance. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
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