Hospital Bag Checklist (2024)

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Regarding the hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery, here is some information related to the concepts mentioned in the article:

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 having a couple of pairs of socks is advisable.
• Going-home outfit: Choose an outfit that fits when you were around 6 months pregnant.
• Toiletries: It's important to bring personal toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, lotion, and hairdryer for comfort .
• Sanitary pads: The hospital can provide sanitary pads, but some women prefer to bring their favorite brand for comfort. Make sure to bring pads designed for a heavier flow.
• Hair clip or band: Women with long hair often prefer to have 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 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 labor and recovery.
• Mints or breath strips: Nausea and vomiting are common 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 and delivery.
• Glasses and contact case: If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure to bring them along with a contact case.
• Breastfeeding book: If you plan to breastfeed, bringing along a breastfeeding book or any 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 can save you time and trouble.
• Large envelope/file folder: This may 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. You can place them between your back and the bed for pressure relief.

Essentials for Baby:

• Infant car seat and infant head support: It is essential to bring an infant car seat and the accompanying head support. You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one. Make sure to bring the instructions as well .
• Going-home outfit: Prepare a going-home outfit for your baby.
• 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 that 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 bodies. Mittens can help prevent this.

Essentials for Your Partner:

• Change of clothes: Your partner should bring a change of clothes for their comfort.
• Pajamas: Pajamas can be worn during the stay at the hospital.
• 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 personal hygiene.
• Snacks: Labor can be a long process, so it's a good idea to be prepared with snacks for your partner.
• 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 having quarters for the vending machine or payphone can be useful.
• Watch with a second hand: A watch with a second hand can help track the timing of contractions and other important events during labor.
• Video/still camera: If you want to capture the special moments, make sure to bring a video or still camera. Don't forget to bring 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 can help you and your partner relax during and after labor.
• Take-out menus: In case you or your partner want to order food from outside the hospital, having take-out menus can be helpful.

Essentials for Siblings:

• Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books: These can keep siblings entertained during the hospital stay.
• Books: Bringing books can provide siblings with reading material during their time at the hospital.
• Toys: Siblings can bring their favorite toys to keep them occupied.
• Snacks: Having snacks for siblings can help keep them satisfied during the hospital stay.
• Special camera: Siblings can have their own camera to take pictures of 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 remind them that they are still important.

Please note that the information provided above is based on the content of this article. It's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or follow any specific guidelines provided by your hospital or birthing center when preparing your hospital bag.