Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivery: What to Pack

Introduction

As your due date approaches, preparing your hospital bag starts to feel urgent. "What should I pack?" "Are there differences between Japanese and Vietnamese hospitals?" These are questions many moms-to-be have.

Giving birth at a hospital in HCMC comes with some differences from Japan in terms of what to bring and the environment. This article organizes what to pack into your hospital bag, divided by: items for mom, baby, and partner.

When Should You Have It Ready?

We recommend having your hospital bag ready by weeks 34-36 of pregnancy. Labor can start earlier than expected, so it's best to prepare with time to spare.

A helpful tip is to split your items into three separate bags.

1. Labor bag: Things you need during labor (a smaller bag)
2. Hospital stay bag: Things you need during your stay (a larger bag)
3. Discharge bag: Things you need when going home (packed separately)

For Mom: Labor Bag

This bag holds everything you need as soon as labor begins. Keep it organized so you can grab things quickly.

Documents and Valuables

• Passport (hospitals may require it for foreigners)
• Health insurance card / travel insurance certificate
• Mother-child health booklet
• Hospital registration card
• Cash (VND)
• Credit card

Items for During Labor

• Drinks: Bottled water or sports drinks. A straw cap lets you drink while lying down
• Light snacks: Jelly drinks or energy bars that are easy to eat quickly
• Lip balm: Your lips tend to get very dry during labor
• Hair ties/headband: To keep long hair out of the way
• Face towel: For wiping sweat. A cold towel on your neck feels great too
• Smartphone and charger: For contacting family and tracking contraction intervals
• Earphones: For listening to relaxing music

For Mom: Hospital Stay Bag

Items you'll need during your hospital stay after delivery (typically 2-4 days, longer for a C-section).

• Clothing: 2-3 sets of nursing pajamas (front-opening), 3-4 postpartum underwear, 2-3 nursing bras, socks, slippers
• Toiletries: Maternity pads, breast pads, face wash, shampoo, body soap, skincare products
• Handy extras: Extension cord (hospital outlets can be far away in Vietnam), S-hooks, plastic bags, notepad

For Baby

• Clothing: 2-3 thin cotton newborn onesies, 1 outfit for discharge day, hat, socks, swaddle blanket
• Care items: 10-15 diapers, baby wipes, 5-6 gauze handkerchiefs
• For discharge: Car seat (bringing one even when using Grab is safer), discharge outfit

For Partner

• 1-2 changes of clothes, snacks and drinks, smartphone and charger, camera, cash, towel

Differences Between Japanese and Vietnamese Hospitals

Giving birth at a hospital in HCMC comes with some differences from Japan. Knowing these in advance makes preparation smoother.

What the Hospital Provides

It varies by hospital in Vietnam, but the admission kit may not be as comprehensive as at Japanese maternity clinics. Here are things to check with your hospital in advance:

• Are towels and pajamas provided?
• Are maternity pads and diapers supplied?
• Are meals provided? (Japanese-affiliated hospitals often serve meals)
• Is formula and baby bottles available?

Visitors and Companions

• Many private hospitals offer private rooms
• Some hospitals allow partners in the delivery room
• Visiting hours vary by hospital, so check in advance

Payment

• Delivery costs vary significantly by hospital
• Confirm your insurance coverage in advance
• Many hospitals accept credit card payments

Items Best Brought from Japan

Here's a summary of items that are hard to find in HCMC or where Japanese quality gives extra peace of mind: maternity pads (soft and highly absorbent), postpartum underwear (unique Japanese design), nursing pajamas (highly functional), breast pads, baby undershirts (soft cotton), and gauze handkerchiefs.

Wrapping Up

Have your hospital bag ready by weeks 34-36. HCMC hospitals differ from Japan in some ways, so check in advance and prepare thoroughly. Share the checklist with your partner so you're not scrambling on the big day.

Looking for Japanese maternity and baby products? Download the Farmi app to browse.

Note: This article and some images were created with the assistance of AI (artificial intelligence) and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.