Hospital Bag Checklist (2024)

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Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article about what to bring to the hospital for your baby, let's go through each section and provide relevant information:

Hospital Bag Packing List Essentials (and a few non-essentials) for Mom:

• 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, make sure the nightgown and robe 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 the baby.
• Socks: Many women complain of cold feet during delivery, so it's a good idea to have a couple of pairs of socks in case one pair becomes soiled.
• Going-home outfit: Choose an outfit that fits when you were around 6 months pregnant.
• Toiletries: Take along essential toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, lotion, and hairdryer for your comfort.
• Sanitary pads: The hospital can provide sanitary pads, but 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, a hair clip or band can keep it pulled back 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 can be helpful, and it's a good idea to distinguish them from the hospital's washcloths by using different colors.
• Magazines: While you may not have a lot of downtime, having magazines can provide some reading material during those few minutes of rest.
• Mints or breath strips: Many women experience nausea or vomiting during labor, 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 with a contact case.
• Breastfeeding book: If you have any reference books on breastfeeding, it can be helpful to bring them along.
• Baby book: The nursery often takes the baby book and puts the baby's footprints in it. Bringing your baby book can save you time and trouble.
• Large envelope/file folder: This may be used to store any loose paperwork you receive at the hospital.
• Tube socks filled with tennis balls or rice: These can help alleviate sore and aching muscles during labor. You can place them between your back and the bed for pressure relief.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Baby:

• Infant car seat and infant head support: You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without an infant car seat. Make sure to bring the instructions as well.
• Going-home outfit: Choose a comfortable 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 have a hat to keep them warm.
• Booties/socks: Keep your baby's feet warm with booties or socks.
• Receiving blankets: Newborns love to be swaddled, and receiving blankets are perfect for swaddling.
• 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 bodies. 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 comfort.
• Pajamas: Pajamas can be worn during the hospital 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 bring their own toiletries for their comfort.
• 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: Not all hospitals allow cell phone use, so it's a good idea to have quarters for the vending machine or payphone.
• Watch with a second hand: A watch with a second hand can be helpful for timing contractions and monitoring the progress of labor.
• Video/still camera: Make sure to bring extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc., to capture special moments.
• 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 can help you and your partner relax during and after labor.
• Take-out menus: In case you or your partner want to order food for delivery during the hospital stay.

Packing List for Siblings:

• Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books: These can keep siblings entertained during the hospital stay.
• Books: Bringing books can provide entertainment for siblings.
• Toys: Pack some toys to keep siblings occupied.
• Snacks: Having snacks for siblings can be helpful during the hospital stay.
• 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, which helps them feel involved and important.
• 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 reinforce their importance.

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