What To Pack In Hospital Bag Pregnancy Checklist

What To Pack In Hospital Bag For Baby

After your hospital bag has everything for you, then move on to the essentials for baby.

• A car seat. If youre driving home, this is non-negotiablethey wont let you take your baby home from the hospital without a car seat, and it should be already installed.
• A going-home outfit. Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you dont know how big or small your baby will be! Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Dont forget hats and/or socks, if weather appropriate.
• Your pediatricians contact information. The doctors and nurses will ask you for this information several times, so its good to have it handy. Include the email or fax number for the pediatricians office so they can easily forward your babys medical records.
• Bottles, if youre using. If you plan to bottle-feed from the get go, pack at least two for the hospital. If you plan to formula feed, pack some of your preferred brand, as well, though the hospital will most likely have samples for you.
• Do not bring diapers or wipes! The hospital has all the diapers and wipes youll need. In fact, one Babylist parent suggested bringing an extra bag for all the freebies youll bring home from hospital.

What Not To Pack In A Hospital Bag

There is such a thing as packing too much in your hospital bag.

So here are our suggestions of what not to include in your hospital bag checklist:

• Expensive jewelry. You wouldnt want to accidentally lose anything sentimental or pricey while youre busy bringing a baby into the world.
• Incense and candles. Most hospitals are scent-free due to peoples allergies
• More than one outfit for baby. Just pack for the weather, theres no need for more than one going home outfit for baby.
• Diapers. Hospitals usually provide you with a few newborn diapers, so you shouldnt need any until you get home.

Hospital Bag Checklist For Mom

On average, moms who deliver vaginally stay in the hospital for one to two days, Randazzo-Ahern says. If you deliver via c-section, youd be looking at closer to three or four days. Keep your length of stay in mind as you select what to pack in your hospital bag. A tip for the thrifty: Ask your hospital what they provide for mothers, and take those things off your hospital bag checklist. Otherwise, find deals and offers on the items youll need here, and use the following hospital bag checklist for mom.

The Bumps How to Pack Your Hospital Bag Video:

Photo ID, insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan

Eyeglasses

Cell phone and charger we recommend bringing your regular USB charger cable and a portable power bank in case you cant find an outlet

Two or three pairs of warm, nonskid socks these super-fuzzy pairs are snugly, but if you prefer something more discreet, try these short hospital socks that you can reuse for your postpartum workout classes

A warm robe or sweater you dont mind sacrificing to the cause Amazon carries options under $25

Lip balm weve had great luck with this natural beeswax balm from Burts Bees

Headband or ponytail holder this versatile headband has thousands of rave reviews on Amazon and will wick away sweatbecause there will be sweat

Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor we like these dry-mouth drops for their minty-fresh scent

Loose, lightweight clothing and sleepwear

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Hospital Bag Packing List For Baby

• Infant car seat and infant head support You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one make sure you bring the instructions.
• Going-home outfit
• Hat Babies lose the vast majority of their body heat through their heads.
• Booties/socks
• Receiving blanketsNewborns love to be swaddled, and these blankets are perfect for swaddling.
• Newborn diapers If they do not have the umbilical cord area cut out, make sure you fold them down.
• Wipes Begin with the wipes that are designed for newborns or sensitive skin.
• Mittens Many newborns will have longer nails, so they can easily scratch their face and other parts of their bodies.

What Your Birthing Partner Should Pack

• Toiletries and a change of clothes Labour can take a while so a change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste are a good idea for freshening up along the way.
• Food and drink Have a supply of snacks and drinks for during and after labour.
• Loose change Have some cash at the ready for parking.
• Swimmers and towel If theres a large bath at your hospital, they could join you in the bath for extra support.
• A camera/smartphone and charger Make sure it has plenty of room on the memory card to capture those special moments.

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What Moms Should Pack In Their Hospital Bag Checklist

What to Pack in Hospital Bag for Mom

What to Pack in Hospital Bag for Baby

• A car seat. If youre driving home, this is non-negotiablethey wont let you take your baby home from the hospital without a car seat, and it should be already installed.
• Bodysuits. Hospital policies can vary on what newborns can be dressed in so consult with your healthcare provider in advance about what to pack. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of accessories and layers. Remember, with bodysuits it’s a good idea to choose those that fasten up at the front.
• Blanket. The hospital will likely provide blankets, but a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.
• Socks and booties. Newborns can get cold easily so take some socks and booties just in case. Even during skin-to-skin contact, your newborn can wear a hat and socks.
• Take me home outfit. Consider the weather conditions: a bodysuit, booties, and hat could be fine during the warmer months, but in winter, pack mittens and a jacket or snowsuit, as well.
• Do not bring diapers or wipes! The hospital has all the diapers and wipes youll need. In fact, one Babylist parent suggested bringing an extra bag for all the freebies youll bring home from hospital.

What Your Partner or Support Person Should Pack

As a birth partner you might also want to pack some things for your time supporting mom in the hospital:

When To Pack The Hospital Bags

Whether its your babys bag, your labor bag, your recovery bag, or your partners bag, its always a good idea to have them packed well before your due date so you wont be running around in a panic when you go into labor.Trust us, youll already be anxious enough! And besides, you never know if your baby will decide to arrive early.We recommend going through your hospital bag checklist anywhere from 35 to 38 weeks into your pregnancy.In most cases, youll still have two weeks or so before the birth, and youll need everyday items like your toothbrush and phone charger while youre at home. Make a list of items you cant pack early and toss them in your bag right before you leave the house.

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Hospital Bag Checklist For Partner

Youve meticulously gone through the hospital bag checklist for mom and babybut dont forget about packing a bag for your partner! Since youll both likely be spending a night or two in the maternity ward, gather up some overnight essentialsplus a few things to keep your partner occupied . Heres what to put in a partners hospital bag:

Cell phone and charger

Toiletries: toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens case and solution

Snacks

Entertainment, whether its something to read, listen to or watch

Camera with batteries, charger and an extra memory card

Any daily prescription medicationfor both parents!

When youve gone through the hospital bag checklist and are satisfied youve packed what youll need, stash your hospital bag in your car or by the front door if you plan on taking a taxi to the hospitaland get ready for babys arrival!

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Hospital Bag Checklist For Labor And Delivery

Important Documents: Bring copies of your birth plan , a picture ID, health insurance information, and hospital registration forms. Even if you’ve already registered at the hospital, some need to confirm your records before they can admit you.

Cash and Change: Bring at least $20 in cash and change for snacks, gift store runs, and any of your miscellaneous cravings. Because…hospital food.

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Smartphone and Charger: We know, you’re never without your phone. But be sure you pack chargers in the hospital bag, too. Besides needing a phone for obvious reasons you’ll want to download helpful apps, like a contraction timer and white noise.

Music, Movies, and Magazines: Load up your smartphone or tablet with tunes and anything you might want to binge-watch on Netflix. It’ll help district youand your partnerduring a long labor.

Relaxation Tools: A homemade hot pack can bring you instant relief during active labor because it molds to your bodyand it can easily be warmed up in the hospital’s microwave. Other items to pack in the hospital bag for labor: a back massager, stress-relieving squeeze ball, and massage oil or lotion.

Soft Pillow: The pillows in the hospitals may be uncomfortable, and bringing one you’re familiar with may help you relax. Don’t forget one for your partner, too, if they’re planning on spending the night.

Flip-Flops: Pack flip-flops for the shower or to wear home if your feet are swollen.

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Taking A Hospital Tour

Schedule a tour of the hospital where you plan to give birth a month or two in advance of your due datemost hospitals recommend you tour the facilities at around 32 weeks.

On the tour, a guide will show you where to park, where to check in and what the delivery rooms look like. Theyll also go over labor and delivery options available to you, and show you the recovery rooms. Dont be afraid to ask questions, and if you have a birth plan, bring it with you .

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag Checklist

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more abouthow we write Babylist contentand theBabylist Health Advisory Board.

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What Should Be In Your Hospital Bag When Having A Baby

Youve spent hours getting your babys nursery ready and youve mastered how to properly install a car seat, but there is one more pre-baby task youll need to tackle: If your due date is getting closer, its time to prepare a hospital bag checklist for mom and baby.

From the must-have items youll want to include, to the items that you and your partner should leave at home, a hospital bag checklist can be really helpful. And, since no one wants to pack a bag between contractions, its a good idea to prepare these items early so youll have everything you need for labor, delivery and the exciting moment when its time to bring your baby home.

These essential items are a must-have when you arrive at the hospital:

• A picture ID
• Your insurance card
• Your medical providers information
• Your birth plan, if you have one
• Any paperwork the hospital or birthing center asked you to fill out before arriving
• A cord blood kit, if you’re planning to bank or donate your baby’s cord blood

What To Pack In The Hospital Bag For Your Birth Partner Or Support Person

Now what about a hospital bag checklist for your partner or whoever else you choose to have in the room?

If your birth partner is allowed to stay overnight, or theyll be staying for a few hours, its worth them packing their own labor hospital bag.

• Comfortable shoes. A must-have for someone who might be pacing the corridors!
• A change of clothes. Some hospitals will allow your birth partner to stay overnight, some wont. But either way, its good to be prepared.
• Swimwear. Just in case youd like them to join you in your birthing pool.
• Snacks. No one likes food from a hospital vending machine.
• Phone and charger. For even more sweet pics and announcing to the world.
• Any daily prescription medication for both parents.
• A pillow. In case they want to try and grab some sleep in a chair, a pillow will make things more comfortable.
• Things to keep them busy. Your partner will probably have downtime too, so throw in some light reading or an iPad to keep them occupied.
• List of people to tell. Having the text ready to go can make your birth announcement that bit easier and quicker.
• A hand-held fan. Your birth partner can help keep you cool during labor.

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How We Made Our Picks For The Best Postpartum Underwear

To help you choose the best postpartum underwear, the What to Expect editorial team conducted research to analyze the popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use for different pairs of underwear. What to Expect staff and contributors road-tested postpartum underwear, and we sought out reviews from real parents in the What to Expect Community to provide insights on the postpartum underwear theyve used and love the most.

Here, the best postpartum underwear to wear after baby arrives.

See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist

Hospital Bag Checklist: What To Pack + Free Downloadable

Hospital Bag Checklist: what Im packing for labor and delivery, postpartum care items, clothing, snacks, my going home outfit, and babys hospital bag! Natural and non-toxic products to help support me through labor and delivery.

I honestly cant believe that I am writing this blog post! I have watched so many Whats In My Hospital Bag videos on YouTube throughout my pregnancy, and its honestly just surreal that Im already at this point of packing for the hospital. It still feels a little bit surreal that Mr. Matt and I are going to be parents in just a few days or weeks. Baby Acorn could come at any time now and now that Ive got my hospital bag packed, Im feeling a lot more prepared.

Speaking of prepared, Mr. Matt and I have also been working hard over the past few weeks on her nursery, which is really coming together. There are only a few more key pieces that I am waiting on to arrive before its officially finished. I cant wait to give you a tour of the nursery its a small room that we have completely transformed with all the calm nature-themed vibes and I love it so much. Stay tuned for the nursery tour video and blog post coming soon !

A few weeks back, I asked you HealthNuts on Instagram stories for recommendations and must-haves for what to pack in my hospital bag. You had some great suggestions, and Ive included many of them! Incase you were wondering, here are YOUR top suggestions for what to pack:

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Ner Hospital Bag Checklist

Encourage your partner to pack their own bag of essentials for the birth.While they wont need quite as much as you and the baby, having their own gear on hand can make the time at the hospital much easier.At a minimum, we suggest they pack:

• Change of clothes
• Cell phone charger
• Entertainment
• Snacks and water

If your partner plans on staying with you after the birth, theyll need to include a pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, and toiletries in their kit.Sometimes, though, if you live close to the hospital, the nurses will encourage your partner to go home and get a good nights sleep so they can come back fresh in the morning. This is especially common if you plan on breastfeeding your little one.The nurses will be there to help you, so your partner may have nothing to do. Theyre better off recuperating at home so they can support you the next day when you need it the most.Talk to your doctor and the hospital about what they recommend and then your partner can pack their bag accordingly.

Sports Bra Or Nursing Bra:

You may or may not need this one but its nice to have if you want to contain the post birth boobs. I was so obsessed with breastfeeding the first time around that a bra was the last thing on my mind, but bras are small enough that they can get tucked in a bag without taking up too much space and if you want one, there isnt much of a substitute, so you may as well take it, or even better, wear it when you go in.

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Dont Forget Your Baby Book

While youre visiting the hospital, make sure to take lots of photos of your new baby and their first moments with mommy & daddy. You can also ask someone on staff at the hospital if they have any professional photos you can purchase, so you dont miss out on capturing this special time in your life.