Packing your hospital bag for labor and delivery
You painted the nursery, washed the baby clothes and completed the childbirth class; now it is time to pack your hospital bag for the labor, delivery and hospital stay. We recommend you have your bag packed by week 36 — just in case baby decides to make an early arrival.
For mom
- Bring a photo ID and insurance information
- A copy of your birth plan and your preferences
- Anything that makes you comfortable (favorite music, cotton socks or slippers, pillow, T-shirt, yoga pants, robe, aromatherapy (but please leave diffusers at home), etc.
- Snacks
- Cell phone and charger
- Personal care items
- Lip balm
- Contact lens case, solution and eyeglasses
- Shampoo and shower gel
- Lotion
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Comb, brush, hair ties
- Deodorant
- Makeup, if desired
- Supportive nursing bra (one without an underwire is recommended), tank top or pajamas
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing pads
- Loose, comfortable outfit for going home (think early pregnancy size and you may need a full cup size larger than before you were pregnant)
- The hospital provides gowns, bathrobes, sanitary pads and disposable stretch panties for your stay.
- Leave valuables (purse and wallet) at home
- Remove all body piercings and jewelry including earrings before coming to the hospital
For the partner/labor support person
- Bring a photo ID
- Comfortable clothes (T-shirt, sweatshirt, extra set of clothes, if spending the night)
- Snacks
- Small amount of money
- Cell phone and charger
- Camera and/or video recorder, batteries and chargers
- Laptop and cord, if desired
- Leave valuables (purses and wallets) at home
- Special gift for older siblings who will be visiting after the birth, if desired
- Personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
For baby
- Car seat. Learn how to use and install the seat in your vehicle before coming to the hospital. We recommend you make an appointment with a certified technician to check the safety and fit of the seat in your vehicle.
- Baby book (for footprints)
- Hat and blanket for going home
- Special outfit for hospital photo, if desired
- “Going home” outfit
- The hospital provides everything your baby needs during your stay (diapers, T-shirts, blankets). At discharge you may take your baby’s crib cards, comb, bulb syringe and any remaining diapers.