What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag When You’re Having a Baby
- Posted on: Jan 26 2023
Preparing to have a baby is exciting but it can also be stressful. Packing a hospital bag ahead of time to get ready for your hospital visit is a good step to help put your mind at ease. It is also useful to pack a bag ahead of time (when you are 36 or 37 weeks) in case there is an emergency and you have to get to the hospital quickly. Although packing a bag may sound easy, many women struggle with what to pack for going to the hospital. Use the below guide to learn what essentials you will need to pack in your hospital bag.
Documents and Papers to Bring to the Hospital
Many people forget that they need to bring their insurance card and identification to the hospital for admission purposes. Bringing your documents will make the admission process much easier. Some hospitals or doctors will give you pre-admission forms to fill out and bring to the hospital with you.
If you created a birth plan this is also something you will want to print off and pack in your bag to bring to the hospital. It is a good idea to print off a few copies so that you have one for yourself, one for your chart and one for your labor nurses to have as well.
Items to Pack for Yourself
Having comfortable clothing is going to be very important while you are in the hospital. Typically the hospital provides a basic hospital gown that you can wear during your stay, but if you would like to wear your own clothes we recommend bringing clothing that is practical and comfortable. Pajamas, robes, and sweatpants are good options. If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, make sure that your pajamas or tops are breastfeeding friendly. Along with comfortable clothing, you should also have comfortable footwear such as slippers or flip-flops. Most hospitals have showers so make sure to bring flip-flops to wear in the shower if you prefer.
Pack toiletries such as a hairbrush, hair ties, glass, contacts, toothbrush, and toothpaste. If you have specific sanitary pads that you prefer you can bring those as well but remember to get the ones for heavy flow. Don’t worry if you forget these items because oftentimes hospitals can provide them if you ask. A couple of items that aren’t necessary but might be nice to have are a favorite pillow or blanket from home. These may get dirty or sweaty during labor so you may want to save them for after labor. Every labor is different, but in some cases it could be long and a bit boring. It is a good idea to bring some form of entertainment such as reading material, a tablet, and a cell phone, as well as chargers for these items. Several people recommend bringing an extra long charger since the outlets might not be close to the bed in your hospital room.
It would also be good to pack a few snacks or drinks to have on hand during your stay. While most hospitals will have food and drink options for you, and you can also have food brought to you during your stay, many women like to have a few snacks on hand.
Items to Bring for Your Baby
The most important item you need to bring with you when having a baby is a car seat. If possible, install the car seat before you go to the hospital. It is required by law that you have a car seat and it is properly installed before you can take your baby home. The hospital has staff that will check that you have a properly installed car seat before you go home.
Another important item to consider for your baby is the outfit they will wear to go home. Make sure you consider what season it is and dress the baby appropriately. A few items you may want to bring with you but are not absolutely necessary are swaddling blankets, diapers, and wipes. The hospital will have these but if you prefer a certain brand, you can bring your own.
Items to Pack for Your Partner or Support Person
If you have a partner or support person staying with you during your delivery it’s a good idea for them to also pack a change of clothes, comfortable shoes such as slippers, toiletries, a pillow and/or a blanket, as well as any items for entertainment like a book, tablet and/or a cell phone. Your partner or support person should also have a few snacks on hand in case they get hungry during their stay. While you can leave to go get food, having food on hand can make your stay more enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
Pack a hospital bag and have it ready to go when you go into labor. Don’t stress if you forget something because the hospital probably has it or you can ask a family member to pick it up for you. Use this checklist to help guide you while packing your hospital bag.
Important Documents
- Insurance Card
- Driver’s License or ID
- Forms
- Birth Plan
For You
- Comfortable clothing
- Slippers and/or flip-flops
- Toiletries
- Sanitary pads
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Reading Material or Entertainment
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Snacks
For Baby
- Car seat
- Outfit to go home in
- Swaddling Blankets
- Diapers and wipes
For Partner/Support Person
- Change of clothes
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Reading Material or Entertainment
- Phone
- Phone charger
- Snacks
Posted in: Obstetrics