Packing Your Hospital Bag: A Checklist for First-Time Moms

Packing your hospital bag is an important step when preparing for your baby's arrival. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your time in the hospital.

Essential Documents

• Identification and Insurance Bring a valid photo ID and your insurance card for easy hospital registration.
• Hospital Paperwork Include any pre-admittance forms required by the hospital. Have copies of your medical records handy, so that your medical team can easily review your medical history.
• Birth Plan If you have a birth plan, bring several copies for your medical team. Also, make sure your partner is aware of your ideal birth plan.
• Pediatrician’s Contact Information Have your pediatrician’s contact details handy for the hospital staff. Include the email or phone ax number for the pediatrician’s office so they can easily forward your baby’s medical records.

Comfort and Personal Care

• Toiletries Pack essential toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and a hairbrush. Don’t forget extras like hair ties, dry shampoo, and facial cleanser.
• Lip Balm and Lotion Hospitals can be dry, so bring lip balm and moisturizer.
• Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses If you wear them, remember your glasses, contact lens solution, and a lens case.
• Comfortable Clothing:
  • Nightgowns Pack a soft, loose, front-opening nightgown if you plan to breastfeed
    
  • Socks and Slippers Keep your feet warm and prevent slipping. Pack flip-flops for the shower.
  • Going-Home Outfit Choose loose-fitting clothes with a drawstring or elastic waist. Leggings can also hold up your mom diaper.
• Personal Items Bring a favorite pillow or blanket to make the hospital room feel more like home.
• Other necessities Include items like a hairbrush, hair clips, and hair ties.

Labor and Postpartum Support

• Nursing Bras Pack a few comfortable, well-fitting nursing bras or sports bras.
• Maternity Pads and Underwear The hospital will provide some, but you may want to bring heavy-duty maternity pads and large underwear.
• Snacks and Drinks Labor can be long, so pack snacks and drinks, but check with your medical team about eating during labor. Also, bring your favorite snacks for after labor.
• Phone and Charger Stay connected with loved ones and capture those first precious moments. A long phone cord is recommended.

Essentials for Baby

• Bodysuits Pack bodysuits that fasten up at the front. (no buttons!)
• Socks and Booties Newborns can get cold easily, so bring socks and booties.
• Receiving Blanket While the hospital provides blankets, having your own is nice for skin-to-skin contact.
• Going-Home Outfit Consider the weather and pack a suitable outfit, including a hat and mittens if needed. Pack two outfits in different sizes.
• Car Seat Install the car seat in your car before packing your hospital bag. It is non-negotiable, as hospitals will not allow you to take your baby home without one.
• Bottles and Formula If you plan to bottle-feed, bring your preferred bottles and formula, although the hospital will likely have samples.

Support Persons Bag

• Clothes and Toiletries Pack changes of clothes and toiletries for overnight stays.
• Pillows and Blankets Ensure comfort during the hospital stay.
• Snacks and Drinks Keep energy levels up with snacks and a water bottle.
• Entertainment Bring books, video games, or other activities to stay occupied.

Most importantly remember that it is okay if you forget something. Nurses, partners or family members can always bring you what is needed. The main focus is having a healthy baby.