Hospital Bag Checklist (2024)

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Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in the article about what to bring to the hospital for your baby.

Hospital Bag Packing List Essentials for Mom:

• Health insurance card: It is important to bring your health insurance card to the hospital for billing purposes.
• Pre-registration forms from the hospital: These forms help streamline the admission process.
• Nursing bra(s): Nursing bras provide support for swollen and tender breasts and help keep breast pads in place.
• Sports bra: Many women find sports bras useful during a water birth or when using the birth pool. They can also be helpful for suppressing lactation if you are not planning on breastfeeding.
• Breast pads: Breast pads are necessary whether or not you are breastfeeding, as they absorb milk and prevent leaks.
• Nursing pillows: Nursing pillows can be used for both breastfeeding and bottle feeding. They help reduce strain on the arms, neck, and back while feeding the baby.
• Nightgown and robe: If you are planning on breastfeeding, choose a nightgown and robe that open in the front for easy access.
• Slippers: Slippers are recommended for walking around during early labor and for making trips to the nursery to check on your baby.
• Socks: It's common for women to complain of cold feet during delivery, so having a couple of pairs of socks is advisable.
• Going-home outfit: Choose an outfit that fits when you were around 6 months pregnant for your journey back home.
• Toiletries: To be more comfortable, pack essential toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, lotion, and hairdryer.
• Sanitary pads: While the hospital can provide sanitary pads, many women prefer to bring their favorite brand for comfort. Make sure to choose pads designed for a heavier flow.
• Hair clip or band: If you have long hair, it's helpful to have a hair clip or band to keep your hair out of your face during labor and delivery.
• Pillow from home: Bringing a pillow from home can make you more comfortable. Just make sure to have a different colored pillowcase to distinguish it from hospital pillows.
• Extra washcloths: Bringing extra washcloths is useful, and it's recommended to have them colored to distinguish them from the hospital's washcloths.
• Magazines: While downtime may be limited, having magazines can provide some reading material during your stay.
• Mints or breath strips: Many women experience nausea or vomiting during labor and delivery, and mints or breath strips can help freshen the mouth.
• Lollipops or other hard candies: These can alleviate dry mouth during labor.
• Glasses and contact case: If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure to bring them along.
• Breastfeeding book: If you plan to breastfeed, taking along a breastfeeding book or any other reference books that would be helpful can be beneficial.
• Baby book: The nursery often takes the baby book and puts the baby's footprints in it. This saves time and trouble for the parents.
• Large envelope/file folder: This can be used to store any loose paperwork.
• Tube socks filled with tennis balls or rice: These can help alleviate sore and aching muscles during labor. Place three tennis balls inside a tube sock and tie or sew off the open end to keep the balls in place. Some women find relief by placing them between their backs and the bed.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Baby:

• Infant car seat and infant head support: It is essential to bring an infant car seat and the necessary head support. You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one.
• Going-home outfit: Choose a comfortable and weather-appropriate outfit for your baby to wear when leaving the hospital.
• Hat: Babies lose a significant amount of body heat through their heads, so it's important to bring a hat to keep them warm.
• Booties/socks: Keep your baby's feet warm with booties or socks.
• Receiving blankets: Newborns often enjoy being swaddled, and receiving blankets are perfect for this purpose.
• Newborn diapers: Make sure to bring newborn diapers. If they do not have the umbilical cord area cut out, fold them down to avoid irritation.
• Wipes: Start with wipes designed for newborns or sensitive skin.
• Mittens: Many newborns have longer nails and can easily scratch their faces and other body parts. Mittens can help prevent this.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Your Partner:

• Change of clothes: Your partner should pack a change of clothes for their stay at the hospital.
• Pajamas: Pajamas can provide comfort during the stay.
• Bathing suit: If you and your partner are planning on a water birth or using the birthing pool during labor, a bathing suit is important.
• Toiletries: Your partner should pack their essential toiletries.
• Snacks: Labor can be a long process, so it's a good idea to be prepared with snacks.
• A cooler filled with drinks and sandwiches: This keeps your partner close by and can help avoid multiple trips to the hospital cafeteria.
• Quarters for the vending machine and/or payphone: Remember that not all hospitals allow cell phone use, so having quarters for the vending machine or payphone can be helpful.
• Watch with a second hand: A watch with a second hand can be useful for timing contractions.
• Video/still camera: Make sure to bring a camera to capture special moments. Don't forget extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc.
• Address book: An address book can help you contact friends and family about your new arrival.
• Massage oils: Many labor classes discuss the use of massage oils during labor, as they can help alleviate back labor.
• iPod/CD player: Soothing music may help you and your partner relax during and after labor.
• Takeout menus: Having takeout menus can be convenient if you or your partner prefer to order food.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Siblings:

• Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books: These can keep siblings entertained during the hospital stay.
• Books: Bringing books can provide additional entertainment for siblings.
• Toys: Pack some toys to keep siblings occupied.
• Snacks: Having snacks for siblings can be helpful.
• Special camera: Siblings can have their own camera to capture moments with the new baby.
• A gift from big brother/sister to the baby: This can be something that the older sibling picked out prior to delivery.
• A gift from Mom and baby to the big brother/sister: A special gift can help alleviate any jealousy the older sibling may feel and remind them that they are still important.

I hope this information helps you prepare for your hospital stay. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!