Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for the Hospital or Birthing Center
Prepare for the excitement of labor and delivery with ease by knowing what to pack in your hospital bag. Get a head-start on creating an ideal pregnancy experience with this guide!
Preparing for the birth of a baby is one of the most exciting things in the world, but ensuring that you have everything you need for your hospital stay beforehand can be daunting. Packing a bag with all of the items you need gradually over the last few weeks or months of your pregnancy is essential so that nothing will be forgotten when it’s go time.
You should have your hospital bag ready to go at least a few weeks ahead of your due date and keep it near the front door or in your car trunk just in case.
The list below outlines basic items to include in a hospital bag for yourself, baby, and partner: snacks, clothing such as pajamas and underwear, toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo, phone chargers and portable battery pack, camera (and batteries) to capture memorable moments in labor, books or magazines to pass any additional waiting time, contact info including insurance information and car seat properly secured into a vehicle.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
As the excitement of welcoming a new baby into the world grows, it’s important to prepare both your home and yourself for the arrival. Packing a hospital bag is an important part of that preparation—you don’t want to be scrambling around trying to find things at the last minute, but you also don’t want to be carrying a ton of unnecessary items with you.
To avoid this, pack your hospital bag during the 8th month of pregnancy in case you go into labor early.
Keep a list on the fridge to remember any last-minute items that may not have been packed. Separate lists are given depending on what phase of labor you’re in and who needs the items. Moms should pack their own list including, but not limited to: one or two going-home outfits for mom and baby; maxi pads; nursing bras; nipple cream; comfy clothing for after delivery; toiletries such as toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, dry shampoo and deodorant; snacks such as protein bars and nuts; and cash for parking or other expenses.
Dads should bring comfortable clothing for themselves as well as an extra set of clothes to change into overnight if needed.
Hospital bag checklist
As your due date approaches, one of the most important things to do is prepare a hospital bag. This bag should include everything you and your partner might need during labor and delivery as well as immediately afterward. Here is a checklist of essentials for mom as she prepares her hospital bag.
Mom’s Hospital Bag: Mom should pack optional items like comfortable light reading materials and a pillow from home. Don’t forget prescription medication for both parents, including any necessary supplements or medications, plus a camera with extra memory cards to capture all those precious moments with baby! Include entertainment such as books or music to keep you and your partner occupied; you may want to bring something special that reminds you of home.
Baby’s Hospital Bag: Baby will come with only their approved infant car seat, so make sure to pack an outfit, cap and warm blankets to keep them safe and snug when they arrive. Be sure to have a copy of your birth plan handy as well.
Partner’s Hospital Bag: Packing items such as snacks can help keep partners energized while they wait throughout labor. Think ahead and pack essential toiletries along with something else he might need during his stay such as books or games if need be!
What to include in your bag… for you
Packing for the hospital whether you are delivering naturally or through a cesarean section, shouldn’t be an overwhelming task. Many of the items you will need we already mentioned like your ID, medication list, medications and birth plan. There are also other items that may slip your mind like bringing your own hospital gown or pajamas instead of the mesh provided. Most importantly check with the hospital first if there are any rules regarding what you can wear during delivery especially if you plan on using a pool for labor. Don’t forget to also include socks/slippers (preferably non-skid ones), toiletries, and cash or credit card in case you want to buy something from the cafeteria or mini mart.
You’d also want to bring along entertainment such as a phone or tablet loaded with books and music, as well has having a nursing pillow and baby blanket handy when the showers of love come in postdelivery. Finally hair dryer, glasses and contact lenses—if applicable—and at least one set of comfortable postdelivery clothing including underwear should not miss out either in your bag!
What to include in your bag… for baby
If you are planning on giving birth in a hospital, it’s important to have your hospital bag packed and ready before your due date. Even though you might be tempted to go all out when packing the essentials for your new bundle of joy, its best to think practically (and not over-pack!). When prepping the diaper bag, keep in mind that most hospitals provide basic needs such as diapers, wipes, and swaddle or receiving blankets.
So, what should you be sure to include? Of course there is the going home outfit but also protectors such as mittens for those long nails and a hat depending on the weather. Hospitals tend to keep rooms relatively cool so adding extra layers can help baby stay warm. Also make sure you don’t forget any essential items such as breastfeeding items if necessary. An installed car seat is also a must – do this prior to leaving the hospital as they may ask you show proof of one being properly installed. Some parents like to add photo props and even a baby book capture memories and footprints!
What your non-pregnant partner can bring
Having a nonpregnant partner in the delivery room can make labor easier, but do they know what to bring? In order to lend their best support during labor, your nonpregnant partner should be prepared.
From comfortable clothing, shoes and toiletries, the necessary medications and equipment such as glasses/contacts supplies and a camera are also essential. When it comes to snacks, your partner’s selection of sugary goodies is key for keeping going through surgery or natural delivery. They should also bring a water bottle and something to read in order to stay comfortable while waiting. In addition, depending on the hospital policies regarding Covid-19 restrictions, face masks, disposable gloves and hand sanitizer may be required. Check beforehand what requirements apply in your country or state before packing for their stay at the hospital.
Hospital Bag for Mum: Labor and Delivery
When putting together the hospital bag for labor and delivery, it is important to keep in mind that this experience can be more than just a couple of days. Have hospital records and insurance papers ready along with a birth plan. Pack a dressing gown, socks, slippers or flipflops (depending on the hospital), lip balm and body lotion/massage oil. Don’t forget a water spray and sponge, so that skin can be cooled during labour or after delivery. Lastly packed an extra comfy pillow for added comfort while you are in bed waiting to give birth.
In addition to these basic items, pack some items that will help pass the time while in labour or waiting – an eye mask and earplugs are also helpful for resting during labour or after delivery. You may also want to bring music, books, magazines, or even a tablet with predownloaded movies or series – all so that you don’t miss out on being able to relax in labor!
Hospital Bag for Mum: After Delivery
Giving birth is a life-changing experience for any mum, and having the right items prepared for your stay in the hospital can help make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Hospital stays vary from just one night to up to six days depending on the type of delivery you had. There’s a lot to think about when packing for your postpartum stay, so here are some must-haves for a hospital bag after delivery:
Nightdress, heavy duty maternity pads, comfortable underwear and bras for nursing, toiletries and cosmetics (face wash, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste), glasses or contact lenses if needed; phone with charger; clothing to wear home; towels; tissues; deodorant; hairdryer/hair clips/hair ties; ice packs or peri bottle for the vaginal area if needed; belly wrap(s) if desired – optional ; prenatal class handouts or reference books on newborn baby care – optional; snacks and drinks during labour in case it is long – optional ; food items you may want once baby arrives (comfort food) -optional.
Following a C-section surgical wound treatment will be provided at the hospital. So make sure you bring along whatever clothing you need that accommodates this medical procedure!
