Hey there, mama-to-be. You’re in the home stretch now. You’ve spent the past several months preparing for the birth of your child. Generally, anticipation builds as you eagerly await the moment when you’ll finally get to meet your little one. You’ve decorated your nursery, stocked up on all baby gear and essentials, figured out how to properly install your infant car seat and finalised your birth plan. Now, you are wondering what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery.
Packing your hospital bag can feel like preparing for the biggest adventure of your life with blindfolds on. By getting things organised beforehand, you can prevent any last-minute rush to pack a suitcase between contractions. Ultimately, peace of mind goes a long way when you’re preparing to welcome a new baby. Read on to learn some tried and true tips on what to pack in your hospital bag for you, your newborn and your partner and a few items you probably don’t need to pack with you for the big day.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
It’s worthwhile to have both your hospital bag and your baby’s hospital bag organised and packed during the eighth month of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that your baby can arrive earlier than expected. While it’s fine to throw in some last-minute things like your toiletries, you’ll want your bag mostly packed by this point in your pregnancy.
Pack your bags alongside your birth support partner, to ensure you both can double-check and make sure you have everything you might need. Once packed, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists(ACOG) recommends leaving your hospital bag near the front door or in your car, so you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
On average moms who deliver vaginally stay in the hospital for one to two days. If you deliver via a c-section, you might be looking at a three to four days hospital stay. When packing your hospital bag,it’s important to consider the potential length of your stay in the hospital. Ask the hospital what they provide for moms and possibly take those items off your hospital bag checklist. You can still include them if you prefer your own version / brand of these items or simply want to have extra.
What to Pack: Mama’s Labor and Delivery Must-Haves
The labor and delivery bag should contain items essential for your comfort during labor and delivery, as comfort is key during this time.
- Hospital paperwork, ID, and insurance card. Ask if it will be helpful for you to have a copy of your medical records handy. Hospitals require your ID, any medical cards, and insurance documents so make sure you have a copy of these readily available.
- Birth plan (if you have one). Have a few copies printed and available for doctors and nurses. One for your chart, some for your labor nurse(s) and perhaps another to tape up in your hospital room.
- Eye mask and earplugs. The maternity ward isn’t exactly a sleep spa, it can be bright and busy. An eye mask and earplugs could be just what you need during the downtimes of labor, or for your well-deserved rest after the delivery.
- Relaxing entertainment. Pack some things to help you pass the time like a trashy novel, magazines, crossword puzzles, a tablet with downloaded movies or series, or a music player with that playlist that always makes you smile or headphones you can connect to your phone.
- Personal items. Home sweet (temporary) home. Your favourite rite pillow, comforter or blanket can help you feel relaxed and comfortable and can make all the difference.
- Cell phone and charger. Consider bringing your regular USB charger cable and a portable power bank.
- Slippers and flip-flops. You’ll want slippers that are comfortable and easy to slip in and out of to wear as you walk around the hospital ward. Pack some flip-flops for using in the shower.
- Socks. Your feet may feel cold during labor.
Mama’s Post-Delivery Comfort Kit
You’ll want to make yourself feel at home as much as possible despite being in the hospital. Here are a few things to pack to make your hospital stay as cozy as possible.
- Comfortable clothes. Choose a loose, comfortable set of PJs that are either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so that your blood pressure can be checked easily. If you plan on breastfeeding after delivery, pack a nursing-friendly nightgown, and a few nursing bras or nursing tanks in your bag. You’ll also want to pack nursing pads. Loose clothing such as maternity leggings and maternity tops are also a good option, since your belly will still look pregnant and tighter clothing will be uncomfortable especially if you had a c-section. Pack a plastic bag to toss in the dirty stuff.
- Heavy-duty maternity pads. It’s normal to bleed a lot after the birth, and maternity pads are softer and more absorbent than standard pads. You can also opt for adult diapers, in my experience, they felt more secure and comfortable.
- Underwear. If you are using maternity pads, you may want to pack several pairs of underwear that are large enough to wear over heavy-duty maternity pad.
- A perineal spray. Delivery can be a bit uncomfortable for your nether region. A perineal spray is a priceless addition to your postpartum kit offering soothing relief.
- Nipple cream. If you’re planning to breastfeed, be proactive and pack a nipple cream, this would be helpful for sore nipples while you and baby are getting the hang of breastfeeding.
- Toiletries. Don’t forget these! You’ll want your hairbrush, extra hair ties, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, and face wipes. Remember extra contact lenses (plus contact lens solution) and/or glasses, if you wear them.
- Bath Towel. The hospital may supply a bath towel, but it would probably be a bit thin and small. It may be nice to have your own towel.
- Cosmetics and skin care products. If makeup and a skincare are part of your usual routine, treat yourself. Feeling a little more “you” can do wonders. Make sure you pack some moisturizer, as your skin may feel drier than usual.
- Snacks and drinks. You might want to pack some healthy snacks to keep your energy up during labor, such as granola bars or dried fruit. Even if you are not allowed to eat during labor, consider packing some of your favourite snacks for after labor as you may feel like some comfort food during your hospital stay. Bringing a reusable water bottle is also a good idea to keep yourself hydrated during your stay.
- Nursing pillow. Nursing pillows make it a lot easier for you to get your baby into a good feeding position and save you from some sore arms.
Hospital Bag Essentials for Birth Partner
Since you’re both likely be spending a night or two (or more) in the maternity ward, ensure your partner gathers up some essentials, plus a few things to keep them occupied.
- Cell phone and charger
- Comfortable clothing and PJs
- Slippers or comfortable shoes to wear
- Toiletries: toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, moisturizer, contact lens case and solution
- Snacks: Food and drinks
- Cash or change for vending machines
- Entertainment: books, magazines, puzzles
- An extra pillow and blanket
- Any daily prescription medication
Baby’s First Travel Bag
Let’s get your little bundle of joy ready for their debut. Here are the essentials you’ll want to add to your baby hospital bag:
- Diapers and wipes. Incase these are not provided by the hospital, pack approximately 20 to 30 diapers in newborn size and 1 or 2 packs of wipes.
- Bottles. If you’re bottle-feeding from the get go, pack at least two bottles if you’re set on using a certain brand. If you plan to formula feed, pack some of your preferred brand, as well.
- Socks and booties. Newborns can get cold easily so take some socks and booties just in case.
- Receiving blanket. A receiving 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 on the way home.
- Going-home outfit. Consider the weather conditions: A bodysuit, booties, and hat could be fine during the warmer months, but in colder months, pack mittens and a jacket, as well. Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you don’t know how big or small your baby will be. Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months.
- Car seat. This obviously isn’t for the hospital bag, but your baby’s car seat should be installed in your car around the same time you pack your baby bag so it’s ready for the hospital.
Printable Hospital Bag Checklist
Want a handy checklist to make sure you’ve got it all? Download and print this hospitable bag printable checklist as a reminder of what you’ll want to bring in your hospital bag.
Things to Leave at Home
Here’s what not to bring to the hospital when you’re ready to deliver:
- Too much clothing for you or the baby. Less is more. Don’t overpack! Choose one or two outfits each and leave the rest at home.
- Valuables. Don’t bring diamond earrings, the expensive watch you got for your birthday, or anything you’d be sad to lose. The last thing you want to worry about is losing something important while you’re focused on giving birth and taking care of your new baby.
- Candles. Hospitals and birth centers won’t allow you to burn them.
The Mama-Whisper’s Final Note
You’ve got this, mama! A little prep now means a smoother hospital stay. And hey if you just want to rock the hospital gown? Do it! Less laundry is always a win.
