Third trimester
Hospital bag essentials
Pack light. You need comfort for labor, a change of clothes, and a small kit for the baby. Brand lists are not useful here. Use this as a structure, then tick items in the hospital bag tool.
Related gear notes
For you
Comfortable clothes, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, and any documents the hospital asked for. A thin birth-plan folder beats a binder.
For the baby
Going-home outfit, diapers if the hospital does not supply them, and one swaddle. Leave extra gear at home until you know what you will use.
Skip for now
Monitors, noise machines, and nursery furniture can wait. They do not belong in a labor bag.
FAQ
When should I pack?
Most families pack by 36 weeks so the bag is ready if labor starts early.
Do I need to buy everything on this page?
No. These are category notes, not a shopping list. Borrow or skip anything you will not use.
Where can I track the checklist?
Use the hospital bag tool. Progress stays in this browser only.