Getting ready for your baby’s arrival?
In Japan, hospitals and birth centers ask mothers to prepare some personal items before delivery.
This article helps you pack efficiently: what to pack, when to prepare, and how to stay organized, plus links to useful resources and a printable checklist.
1. How to Prepare in Advance
When labor begins, you may need to go to the hospital suddenly – even by yourself. Many parents in Japan pack two separate bags:
- Labor Bag for the day you go to the hospital
- Hospital Stay Bag for the days after giving birth
Choose a lightweight tote or maternity bag with a wide opening. You can keep using it later for outings with your baby.
2. What to Pack
Below are the essential items most hospitals in Japan ask you to bring.
For Your Labor Day
- Health insurance card / hospital ID
- Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳 / boshi kenko techo)
- Important documents and seal
For Your Hospital Day
- Pajamas
- Nursing bras and breast pads
- Toiletries
Some hospitals provide “maternity set” (basic amenities, pajamas, breast pads, baby diapers, etc.). Adjust your bag depending on what’s included.
3. When to Start Packing
Start preparing your bags around week 28-30 and try to finish by week 35. As your belly grows, packing becomes harder, and labor can start earlier than expected.
Keep both bags near your entrance so they’re easy to grab anytime!
4. Tips from Other Moms & Next Step
- You can generally find most of the items you need at 100-yen shops.
- Keep important documents and insurance cards at the top of your bag.
- Share the bag’s location and contents with your partner or family.
“Packing early helped me stay relaxed. When labor started suddenly, everything was ready!” by Mom of one (Kyoto)
Useful Links (Official & Trusted)
- Useful maternity and postnatal Japanese expressions (Mother’s Tree Japan)
- Maternal & Child Health Interpreter Consultation (SHARE)
Multilingual support for communicating at clinics and hospitals. - AMDA Medical Information Center
Helps you find clinics and hospitals with foreign-language support
