Do you want to find yourself scrambling for supplies in moments between your contractions? Thankfully pregnancy is a nine-month-long process, so even if you take your time shopping, you will have weeks if not months to buy everything and pack your hospital bag in advance.
Your baby might even decide to knock on your door a few weeks earlier than you’re expecting. That’s why leave the bag in your trunk or near your door so that once you start hitting the snooze button on your contractions, you can leave for the hospital as soon as you want.
Make sure to pack everything necessary for you, your newborn baby, and your partner. That goes without saying that you don’t need to pack things unnecessarily. To give you an idea of what things are important, read below to get a detailed overview.
What to pack: for mom
Hospital work, paper work, ID and insurance card
It goes without saying that your Identifications will be required at the hospital. Along with your ID make sure to file the copy of all your medical history, insurance document and reports of the past 9 months. These will help the doctor assess your birthing situation and deliver your baby safely.
Pillows
Hospitals do provide you with a pillow but it might not be very comfortable. You pretty much would be using a certain kind of a pillow for the whole nine months and a sudden change might feel uncomfortable.
Comfy Clothes (Gowns and bathrobes)
- It is going to get pretty uncomfortable for the time being when you are going to be at the hospital. So, help yourself and pack for baggy long t shirts, soft robes and gowns. These might not help you with the pain and stress but at least they won’t add to it like a tight clothing would.
- Keep a couple of cotton bras and breast pads.
- Comfortable underwears
Toiletries and personal care
Make sure to pack a personal care bag with the following items to keep you fresh and clean:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste with mouthwash (fresh mints)
- Hairbrush or comb with hair ties and hair clips
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Moisturizer, lip balm and oils
- Facewash, shampoo, showergel
- Optionally you can also pack makeup if you want to use it after the delivery.
- Underwear with maternity sanitary pads
- Eye masks to help you sleep
Entertainment: books, games
You might be in labor for some time and you and your partner might get bored waiting for your baby’s arrival. While it won’t be a vacation when you are occupied with contractions and labor pain, remember that some labors go over 24 hours or even longer. You can pack for the following entertainments:
- Board games and puzzles
- Books
- Magazines
Snacks and drinks
Next to keeping yourself occupied, you also want to stay hydrated and not hungry. Whether you will be allowed to eat or not will depend on the situation and your medical team. But make sure to pack your favorite snack if you want to avoid eating hospital food after labor.
Slippers and socks
Your goal while packing your hospital bag should be to focus on comfortability. One of the major things to ensure that will be your slippers and socks. Make sure to pack flip flops that are not slippery.
Phone, camera and charger
You will not be glued to your phone the entire time but we would suggest you take pictures and record the special moments through your phone or camera. You could even spend some time posting the news on social media and break the news to your loved ones. Don’t forget to slip in your phone, camera and charger in the bag.
Water spray or fan
Labor can get pretty sweaty and hot. If you pack one of these in, your partner can help you relax in between the pushing.
Tote bags
You will come back home with your baby and a huge amount of complimentary supplies and maybe even a couple of gifts from the hospital. So, make sure to fold in a couple of tote bags inside your hospital bag so that you can easily pack when you check out of the hospital.
What to pack: for baby
Car seats
This isn’t something that will fit in your hospital bag but make sure to get it ready along with your hospital bag. Having the right car seat already installed will make your life so much easier when you have to bring back your baby home.
Clothes (socks, bodysuits, booties)
Newborns need comfort more than fashion. So, when you are packing for your baby’s clothes, make sure to pack something that is extremely comfortable, soft and warm. You can use this checklist:
- Newborn socks and booties
- Soft onesies and bodysuits that open from the front
- Hats
- Cloth Napkins
Blankets
Make sure to pack in a couple of small blankets for your tiny new guest as it has the tendency to get wet and dirty pretty quickly.
Diapers, lotions and wipes
Pack this trio even though the hospital might provide you if you need more of it, it is always nice to be prepared.
What to pack: for partner
For anyone accompanying you to the hospital, they can pack the following:
- Extra clothing items.
- Personal care items.
- Entertainment and books.
- Phone and charger.
- Food and snacks.
References:
- Hospital Bag Checklist—What to Pack: https://www.pampers.com/en-us/pregnancy/giving-birth/article/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag-go-bag-checklist
- Hospital Bag Checklist: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/checklist/hospital-packing.aspx
- What to pack in your hospital bag: your complete checklist: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag
- 10 Things to Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Baby Delivery: https://www.americordblood.com/top-10-things-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag/
- The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivering a Baby: https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/preparing-for-labor/the-ultimate-hospital-packing-list/
