Are you ready to head to the hospital? Is counting down the days giving you anxiety? Well, packing your hospital bag could actually be therapeutic. Having a good idea of exactly what you need to carry will help you eliminate the uncertainty as well.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to carry in your hospital bag. We’ll also highlight what you should pack for your spouse and your little one. Let’s begin!
When should you pack a hospital bag?
Because your baby may arrive sooner than you’ve planned, consider having your hospital bag and your baby’s hospital bag arranged and packed between early month 8 and early month 9. This is to say that you should have your suitcase packed by 36 to 37 weeks pregnant, in case you go into labor before your due date.
Pack everything with your spouse and double-check to ensure you have everything you need for the hospital. Once you’ve packed them, keep them somewhere where you’ll be ready to head out at a moment’s notice.
What to pack for mom
Being prepared for labor and delivery means having a few administrative items on hand. You should also bring a few entertainment items because it might be a long wait before the baby comes. Here is what to pack for mom:
- Your birth plan. Be sure to have a few copies with you so that everyone involved in your baby’s delivery has access to your plan if they need it.
- Hospital documents, your ID, and your insurance.
- A comfortable bathrobe that you’ll wear at the hospital before and after the deliver
- Massage oil or body lotion. A little massage during labor can be calming for some expectant mothers. Put some oil in your hospital bag if this sounds like you.
- A comfy pillow. Pillows will be provided by your hospital, but they may not be the perfect type for you. If you have a favorite from home, you may want to bring it with you.
- Entertainment items, including magazines, a tablet, a music player, or books.
- Earplugs and an eye mask. An eye mask and earplugs may be precisely what you need during the downtimes of labor or for some well-deserved shuteye after the delivery to help you get some rest in a crowded and bright maternity unit.
- Toiletries, including your toothbrush, shampoo, hairbrush, lip balm, deodorant, and face wipes.
- Slippers or flip-flops. To wear while you move around the hospital ward, you’ll want slippers that are comfy and easy to put on and off. Pack a pair of flip-flops to wear in the shower.
- Water spray and sponge. If you start to feel overheated during delivery, put a little water on your face and neck, then sponge it away.
- Lip balm. During labor, your lips may get chapped. Keeping lip balm on hand will keep your lips nourished and well hydrated.
- Comfortable clothes
- Drinks. Bring a water bottle and an electrolyte drink, such as Gatorade or just come with some nice refreshing plain water.
- Nipple cream just in case your nipples get sore
- A bath towel from home because hospital towels are thin and tiny.
- Adult diapers because they are more comfortable and secure than maternity pads
- Handouts and reference materials. You may have gotten some useful notes from your prenatal classes or had some baby reference books. You will get plenty of individualized advice, but you may find these materials more beneficial after you have your child in your arms.
- Beverages and snacks. Be sure to check with your hospital to see if you’ll be able to eat or drink throughout delivery.
- Maternity pad
- A nightgown
- Several pairs of comfortable underwear
- Comfortable well-fitting nursing bras
- Cosmetics and skincare items especially if you use makeup on a regular basi
- Glasses or contacts if you use them
What to pack for your partner/ spouse
If you are a birth partner or spouse, you may want to bring the following items to the hospital with your partner:
- Drinks and snacks. Also, pack some change for the hospital vending machines.
- A comfort cushion. You could also benefit from a little relaxation during your break.
- Entertainment items like books, a tablet, or a music player
- A pillow and a sleeping bag/ sleeping sack.
- A camera or phone to document everything and keep in touch with friends and family.
- One or two changes of clothes because you never know how long you’ll be there.
- Toiletries. You may need to freshen up in the shower after a hard day of work. Most hospitals are comfortable with this, but you should double-check ahead of time.
- Glasses or contacts if you need them
What to pack for your baby
Here is what to bring to the hospital for your little one:
- 3-5 sets of baby clothes
- A receiving blanket and one going-home outfit. Be sure to consider the weather
- Your pediatrician’s contact information
- If you are planning to bottle-feed your baby, bring a few bottles as well
Final Thoughts
That concludes our list of everything you need to bring with you to the hospital. With it, you should be ready to go to the hospital as soon as your little one chooses to turn up! Good luck!
