Pack your hospital bag by around weeks 32–36 of pregnancy, so it's ready well before your due date. Put the documents in first: your ID, the hospital file with scan and test reports, and your health insurance or TPA card. Then add comfortable nightwear, maternity pads, nursing bras, toiletries and snacks for you; onesies, swaddles, caps, newborn diapers and a going-home outfit for baby; and a change of clothes, chargers and cash for your partner. Always follow your hospital's own list if they give one.
Documents to keep in one folder
- ID for mum and partner (Aadhaar or another government photo ID).
- Your antenatal file: scan reports, blood test results and prescriptions.
- Health insurance card or TPA details, plus any pre-authorisation papers.
- Your birth plan, if you have one, and the hospital's registration papers.
- A written list of important phone numbers.
Hospital bag checklist
| For mum | For baby | For partner |
|---|---|---|
| ID & hospital documents Insurance card / papers Comfortable nightwear (front-opening helps with feeding) Nursing bras Maternity pads Toiletries Slippers & socks Phone charger Snacks & water bottle Going-home outfit |
3–4 onesies / jhablas Swaddles Caps & mittens Socks Newborn diapers Wipes Soft blanket Going-home outfit Car seat (if driving home) |
Change of clothes Snacks Chargers & cash Toiletries A light shawl or jacket for air-conditioned rooms |
Hospitals differ: some supply baby clothes, diapers or maternity pads. Ask at your next check-up and cross off what you don't need.
Keeping a week-by-week pregnancy journal
A journal is a keepsake and a practical tool. A simple routine:
- Once a week: take a bump photo and note how you're feeling, symptoms, cravings, sleep and energy.
- At each check-up: write the date, week, weight and blood pressure, what the doctor said, and your questions for the next visit.
- Each trimester: a short overview of body changes, emotions and your to-do list.
- In the third trimester: if your doctor asks you to monitor baby's movements, record them. Contact your doctor or hospital straight away if you notice movements slowing down or changing.
Planning a godh bharai or baby shower?
Most families hold it in the seventh or eighth month. Fix the date and venue about six weeks ahead, send invitations about four weeks ahead, and keep a gift log for thank-yous.
Printable journals
The Pregnancy Journal has this hospital bag checklist for mum, baby and partner, plus about-us and due-date pages, three trimester pages, 8 weekly journal pages with bump-photo space, an appointment log, a symptom tracker, a kick counter, baby name ideas, a baby shopping list, a birth plan and a "welcome to the world" page. A4, ₹549. For the celebration, the Baby Shower Notebook covers guests, budget, menu, games and gifts. See all family planners.
Frequently asked questions
When should I pack my hospital bag for delivery?
By around weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy, so it is ready well before your due date in case labour starts early.
What documents should I take to the hospital for delivery in India?
Government photo ID for mum and partner, your antenatal file with scan and test reports, health insurance or TPA details, hospital registration papers and a list of important phone numbers.
What should I pack for the baby in the hospital bag?
Three to four onesies or jhablas, swaddles, caps and mittens, socks, newborn diapers, wipes, a soft blanket and a going-home outfit, plus a car seat if you are driving home.
What should the partner pack?
A change of clothes, snacks, chargers, cash, toiletries and a light shawl or jacket for air-conditioned rooms.
Does the hospital provide baby clothes and diapers?
Some hospitals do. Ask at a check-up and remove anything they supply from your list.
This is general information, not medical advice. Always follow your doctor's and hospital's instructions, and contact them straight away if you are worried about you or your baby.