Hospital Packing List
Preparing to give birth is an exciting time, and packing for the hospital can help you feel ready and relaxed as the big day approaches. Below is a handy checklist to make sure you have everything you need. Include the essentials, like your ID, insurance card, and any paperwork.
Bring comfort items like cozy socks, a robe, and toiletries for freshening up, plus snacks and a water bottle. Don’t forget an outfit for baby’s first photo, a going-home outfit for both of you, and a car seat ready to go! Small touches like a phone charger, lip balm, and headphones can also make your stay more comfortable. Being prepared helps you focus on what really matters—welcoming your new baby into the world!
There are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to what hospital staff is able to help with. It’s important to be familiar with your car seat in advance and to know how to properly buckle your child in the seat when it comes time to go home. The nurses are not able to do this for you. Partners also need to be prepared with their own medication like Advil/Tylenol or anything else regularly taken.
We discuss all of this and more in our Childbirth Preparation classes. It’s the perfect chance to connect with experienced Labor and Delivery nurses who actively work on the floor and can answer all your questions.
Packing List for Mom:
- Robe/Comfy Lounge Clothing
- Aromatherapy (peppermint, lavender, etc)
- Music Playlist & device to play music (headphones &/or bluetooth speaker)
- Focal Point object or photo (i.e. honeymoon pic, favorite beach, ultrasound)
- Camera/video camera/phone
- Baby Book or Journal
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Breastfeeding cover/blanket
- Massage oils (unscented)
- Instant Hot/Cold packs for labor (distraction tool)
- Phone Charger – longer cord is best!
- Clean Maternity Clothes to wear home
- Pillow
- Light Blanket or Throw
- Pajamas
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, brush)
- Hairdryer
- Flip flops for the shower or walking around the hospital room
- Lip balm
- Ponytail holder to keep long hair off your face
- Refillable water bottle (insulated is best)
- Warm socks and/or slippers
- Nursing bra – if planning to breastfeed
- Tight sports bra – if NOT planning to breastfeed
- Tennis ball or other small back massager
- Book &/or Kindle &/or Tablet
Packing List for Dad:
- Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen
- Tums
- Any medications you take on a regular basis
- Snacks!! (protein bars, dried fruit, pretzels, etc.)
- Refillable water bottle (insulated is best)
- Gum and/or Mints
- Phone charger
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shaver, shampoo, comb, lotion)
- Complete change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks, pajamas)
- Slippers
- Flip flops if you plan to use the shower
- Sweatshirt
- Book &/or Kindle &/or Tablet
- Headphones or ear buds
- Any contact info for friends/family/support you may need while away
Packing List for Baby:
- Undershirt
- Footed pajamas
- Blanket (seasonally appropriate)
- Hat
- Special outfit and/or simple props for hospital photos
- Nail file/emory board (no clippers yet!)
- Infant car seat
