Packing a hospital bag for delivery is a practical and strategic step in ensuring that both you and your newborn have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free stay. By organizing your essentials in advance, you reduce the likelihood of last-minute panics and ensure a smoother transition into parenthood. A hospital bag packed with everything you’ll need when it’s time to have your baby. Experts recommend getting your hospital bag together at least a few weeks ahead of your due date if possible. 

Introduction

Welcoming a new life into the world is a joyous and exciting event, but preparing for the big day involves more than just selecting baby names and decorating the nursery. One crucial aspect of your pre-delivery preparations is packing a well-thought-out hospital bag. Ensuring you have all the essentials packed can contribute significantly to a smoother and more comfortable experience during your hospital stay. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the essential items to include in your hospital bag, offering a detailed checklist to help you prepare for the big day.

When to Pack Your Hospital Bag

You should have your hospital bag ready to go by 36 weeks or 37 weeks pregnant, just in case you go into labor before your due date.

It’s fine to throw some items in at the last minute, like your toothbrush, but you’ll want your bag mostly packed and easily accessible by this point in your pregnancy.

Some items are essential (you’ll need a car seat, for example); others will make you feel comfy and remind you of home. We asked Babylist parents what their must-have items were and also drew on our own childbirth experiences.

Here’s an extensive list of everything you may want or need with you in the hospital.

Why Packing a Hospital Bag for Delivery is Important

Packing a hospital bag is a practical and strategic step in ensuring that both you and your newborn have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free stay. By organizing your essentials in advance, you reduce the likelihood of last-minute panics and ensure a smoother transition into parenthood.

Planning Your Hospital Stay

Before diving into the checklist, consider the following factors:

1. Hospital Policies:
   • Check with your hospital about any specific items they may provide or restrictions on what you can bring.
2. Length of Stay:
   • Consider the typical length of stay for uncomplicated deliveries, and pack accordingly.
3. Personal Preferences:
   • Think about your own preferences and comfort items that will make your stay more enjoyable.

Essentials for Mom

1. Hospital Documents:
   • Start with the basics. Your identification, insurance information, and any necessary hospital paperwork should be readily accessible.
2. Comfortable Clothing:
   • Pack loose, comfortable nightgowns or pajamas. A robe and slippers can add to your comfort, and don’t forget comfortable nursing bras or regular bras.
3. Toiletries:
   • Prepare a toiletry bag with your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush or comb, deodorant, and any skincare items you prefer. Lip balm is often a must, especially in the dry hospital environment.
4. Nursing Supplies:
   • Whether you plan to breastfeed or not, having nursing pads, nursing bras or tops, and lanolin cream for sore nipples can be beneficial.
5. Personal Items:
   • Glasses or contact lenses with solution, snacks, a water bottle with a straw for easy sipping, and your phone charger are all essentials. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for capturing those precious early moments.
6. Postpartum Care:
   • Consider items like maxi pads or maternity pads, disposable underwear or mesh underwear, and perineal spray or witch hazel pads for added comfort. If you prefer, a postpartum belly wrap can provide support.

Essentials for Baby

1. Baby Clothing:
   • Pack a few onesies, sleepers, socks, a hat, and a special going-home outfit for your newborn.
2. Blankets:
   • Bring swaddle blankets and receiving blankets to keep your baby cozy and warm.
3. Feeding Supplies:
   • If you plan to bottle-feed, bring baby bottles and formula. If breastfeeding, ensure you have all the necessary items for a successful start.
4. Diapers and Wipes:
   • Pack enough diapers in the newborn size, along with baby wipes for diaper changes.
5. Car Seat:
   • Install the car seat in your vehicle well before your due date. This is a hospital requirement for the trip home.

Extras Things

1. Pillow and Blanket:
   • Sometimes, having your own pillow and blanket from home can provide added comfort during your stay.
2. Snacks for Partner/Support Person:
   • Pack snacks and drinks for your partner or support person, as they might need sustenance during the labor and delivery process.
3. Comfort Items:
   • Consider any specific comfort items that you find particularly soothing, such as a favorite pillow or a sentimental item.
4. Extras for Labor:
   • If allowed in your birthing environment, consider bringing massage oil or lotion and a birth ball for added comfort during labor.

Hospital Bag Checklist for Partners and Coaches

Labor can be long — and there will be times when your partner or coach doesn’t have much to do. Here’s what might come in handy:

• Phone and a charger
• Gum, mints, lip balm
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, other toiletries, spare contact lenses, glasses
• A travel pillow or bed pillow and a blanket for naps or an overnight stay
• Sweatshirt or jacket for quick runs to the drugstore or deli
• A change of underwear and fresh shirt in case labor goes on — and on
• Pajamas or sweats in case of an overnight stay
• Snacks — and more snacks, especially ones that keep well (pretzels, trail mix, granola bars)
• Small bills or change for vending machines and the hospital cafeteria
• Reusable water bottle or another beverage (juice, Gatorade)
• A camera and/or video camera, if you have one and want to capture early memories
• Diversions like a paperback book, newspaper, magazines or Sudoku

Is There Anything You Shouldn’t Bring With You to the Hospital?

You can certainly overdo it when it comes to packing your hospital bag. Here’s what not to bring to the hospital when you’re ready to deliver:

• Too much clothing for you or the baby. Choose one outfit each and leave the rest at home.
• Valuables. Don’t bring diamond earrings, the priceless watch your dad gave you, or anything you’d be sad to lose. Hospitals aren’t hot beds of crime, but better safe than sorry.
• A bunch of cash (rely on your partner, coach or relatives with you in the hospital to pay for food, drinks and snacks).
• Diapers, since the hospital will provide enough for the time you’re there.

Hospital Bag Essentials for Going Home

In addition to packing things for your stay, don’t forget to pack what you’ll need after you’re discharged.

• Homecoming outfit for your baby

Pack a newborn-size gown or sleeper so you can skip dealing with tiny pants and socks as you get the hang of diaper changes. You’ll likely get a newborn hat in the hospital, so you can skip that unless you’ve got your heart set on a specific one.

• Going-home outfit for you

Here’s a hint: You’ll probably still look about 5 months pregnant (which is totally normal as your uterus shrinks back down), so skip your non-maternity clothes and pack your favorite comfy maternity dress or leggings and a tunic.

• An extra bag or two

With all the goodies from the hospital—diapers, blankets, and creams—and all the gifts from well wishers, you’re bound to have more stuff coming out than you did going in, so an extra bag will come in handy.

• An infant car seat

Many hospitals have specific policies around infant car seats—you might be asked to bring yours in to be inspected before you’re allowed to leave the hospital. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants are safest when riding in a car seat that properly fits them and is rear-facing.

Conclusion

As the day of your baby’s arrival approaches, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you’ve packed everything you need for your hospital stay. By using this comprehensive guide and checklist, you can rest assured that you’ve covered all the essentials for both yourself and your newborn. Take the time to customize your hospital bag based on personal preferences and hospital policies, and remember to pack well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)