Packing Your Hospital Bag:
The Must-Have Items for Labor & Delivery
If you’re expecting a new baby soon, then you’re probably getting your home and life ready for them. This includes preparing their nursery, equipment, and packing a bag to take to the hospital when it’s time for labor and delivery
When packing for the hospital, it’s important to remember that labor and delivery can be unpredictable. You’ll want to be prepared for anything, so packing a comprehensive bag is essential.
When should you pack your hospital bag? The sooner the better! Start early and add more items as you think of them. Plus, packing early means you’re ready to go even if your baby decides to arrive early.
Here are some items you should include:
Important documents and identification
When packing for the hospital, don’t forget to bring your important documents and identification. This includes your driver’s license, insurance card, and hospital admitting paperwork. If you have a copy of your birth certificate, it’s a good idea to bring that as well.
Pack snacks and drinks for our hospital stay
It’s always a good idea to pack some snacks and drinks for the hospital. This way, you’ll have something to eat and drink if you get hungry or thirsty during labor, or in the middle of the night when the cafeteria is closed. Be sure to pack something that will give you energy, like fruit or nuts. And don’t forget to pack a few bottles of water, too! Here are a few snack ideas.
-fresh fruit
-nuts
-seeds
-granola bars
-chocolate
-candy
-water
-sports drinks
-fruit juices
Pack entertainment for labor, delivery, and your hospital stay
It’s a good idea to take some books, magazines, and music with you to the hospital when you’re in labor. This way, you’ll have something to keep you occupied and distracted during labor. Plus, listening to music can help to calm and relax you.
If you’re looking for book ideas, here are a few suggestions:
“The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin
For magazine ideas, consider packing issues of your favorite magazines or ones that are related to parenting or childbirth. And for music, be sure to pack a mix of calming and upbeat songs that will help keep you relaxed and motivated during labor.
Personal toiletries
The hospital will likely provide basic toiletry items, like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. But most expectant moms still choose to pack their own brands of toiletry items to keep them clean and comfortable during their hospital stay. Consider packing these toiletries:
– Toothbrush
– Toothpaste
– Floss
– Shampoo
– Conditioner
– Soap
– Razor
-Lip Balm
-Massage Oil
– Makeup
– Hair Ties
– Body Wash
– Moisturizer
– Face Wash
– Deodorant
-Nursing Pads
Special clothing items to pack for mom
The most important thing to consider when choosing what clothing to pack in your hospital bag is comfort! You could be in labor for hours and hours. You don’t want to wear clothing that doesn’t feel good.
Consider packing a comfy nightgown, loose pants or sweatpants, a loose-fitting shirt, and a robe. You may also want to pack a pair of slippers or flip-flops to wear in the hospital.
You may also want to pack a few nursing bras if you plan on breastfeeding after delivery, and plenty of big, comfy underwear.
A change of clothes for your partner
Your partner will likely be doing a lot of labor support, so it’s important that they’re comfortable. A change of clothes will help them to feel relaxed and ready to help you through your delivery. Plus, who knows what might happen during labor? They may get messy! Be sure to pack a few extra sets of clothes just in case.
Odds & Ends
-Phone & Charger – and extra-long charging cord is awesome!
-Glasses or contacts
-Pillows for you and your partner (sometimes the hospital pillows aren’t super comfortable).
Packing for your newborn baby
When packing for the hospital, be sure to include everything you need for your baby. This includes diapers, wipes, and of course, comfy clothes to wear in the hospital, and for the trip home.
Check with the hospital before deciding which outfits baby will wear for his hospital stay. Make sure you dress your baby in something that’s easy for doctors and nurses to access during checkups. And don’t forget warm socks and hats.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to have your baby’s carseat fully installed and checked before your baby’s first ride home.
MUMSEE – Facebook Group Moms Share their Hospital Bag Must-Haves
Bring an outfit for baby hospital photos, and a day home outfit.
Comfortable slippers, long phone charger and a blanket for the hubby.
-Tuyet N.
[G]et 3 outfits for your kiddo. One premise size, newborn and one size up from newborn. Sometimes kiddos come out bigger or smaller than anticipated.– Julia L.
[Bring] nipple cream if you are going to breast feed, bathrobe, [and] flip flops, [be]cause you may not want to bend over after baby.
-Cara C.
Be careful not to overpack. Carrying all the bags back to the car afterwards was such a chore. – Sofia G.
Want to join a supportive and safe local modern mom’s village? Want to make mom-friends or get tips on baby and/or mommy self-care? Check out the MUMSEE: The Modern Mom’s Village Facebook group that I’ve got started. We’ve got lots of MUMSEE mommy ventures planned ahead!