What to Pack for the Hospital

Hospitals and birthing centers provide most of the essentials you'll need for the birth of your baby. But there are some things they don't provide, and other things you might want to have with you. Here's a comprehensive checklist of things to pack in your overnight bag.

Car seat for baby
Two extra pillows--labeled with your name
Mini cooler for juice, popsicles, cold packs, etc.
Birthing bag
Insurance information and any paperwork you will need
Reading materials
Copies of your birth plan
Robe and slippers
Clothes for delivery, if you don't want to wear the hospital gown
Several pairs of socks
Music
Birthing ball (if the hospital doesn't provide them)
Unscented oil or lotion for massage
A focal point, good luck charm, or other reassuring item
Eyeglasses or contacts and supplies
Lip balm
Nursing pads
Hair accessories
Juice boxes, low-sodium electrolyte drinks
Camera supplies (don't forget the charger, film and/or extra batteries!)
Book, magazine, TV listing guide
Snacks for mom after delivery
Nonalcoholic celebration beverage and cups
List of phone numbers, to call and announce the birth
Cell phone (many hospitals allow usage in restricted areas)
A calling card and/or coins for the pay phone (if cell phones are prohibited)
Your baby book, for footprints
Baby blankets
A special blanket for the "official" first hospital picture
Toiletries for mom
Baby nail clippers or emery board
Baby wipes
Soap for baby's first bath (if you prefer to use your own)
Going home clothes for mom (elastic waist, nursing bra, roomy top)
Going home clothes for baby

Pack your bag at least three weeks before your estimated delivery date and attach a note with safety pin listing items to be thrown in at the last minute. If your partner plans on staying with you, make sure your partner packs a bag, too.

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Member Comments About this Article

	"Oh and there were many other helpful suggestions that I'll be adding to the bag like some sparkling cider and entertainment for Dad... a book or some magazines ( : I nearly forgot my birthing plan too! " -- LAVENDA

	"Oh wow. I have talked to most mothers who really appreciated their birthing bags... which by the way, it is just the bag you will put all of your essentials inside of in addition to the baby bag. I know that a lot of hospitals suggest you bring your own birthing ball in case the others are in use. If you labor in the shower or tub at all, they recommend your partner bring a bathing suit (they don't want to see naked men in the shower with the mama) and if the kitchen is closed, they may not hav..." -- LAVENDA

	"I am 34wks and 3days, I am starting to put my bag together. Most things in this list are provided by the hospital for the baby, so its mostly what we want to feel comfortable with." -- TANYAGOVEA

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About The Author

Liza Barnes
Liza received her bachelor's degree in health promotion and education from the University of Cincinnati and is pursuing a master's degree in nurse midwifery. She is the proud mother of one daughter.

Packing for the Hospital or Birthing Center