Must-have items on your labor and delivery hospital bag checklist

If you’re expecting a new baby soon, then you’re probably getting your home and life ready for them. This includes preparing their nursery, equipment, and packing a bag to take to the hospital when it’s time for labor and delivery.  When packing for the hospital, it’s important to remember that labor and delivery can be unpredictable. You’ll want to be prepared for anything, so packing a comprehensive bag is essential.  We will make it easy for you with a thorough labor and delivery hospital bag checklist!

When should you pack your hospital bag? The sooner the better! Start early and add more items as you think of them. Plus, packing early means you’re ready to go even if your baby decides to arrive early.  Here are some items you should include:

hospital-bag-checklist-labor-delivery, baby swaddled in crib

Important documents and identification

When packing for the hospital, don’t forget to bring your important documents and identification.  It is high on the labor and delivery hospital bag checklist for a reason.  Do this first!  This includes your driver’s license, insurance card, and hospital admitting paperwork. If you have a copy of your birth certificate, it’s a good idea to bring that as well.

Pack snacks and drinks for our hospital stay

It’s always a good idea to pack some snacks and drinks for the hospital. This way, you’ll have something to eat and drink if you get hungry or thirsty during labor, or in the middle of the night when the cafeteria is closed. Be sure to pack something that will give you energy, like fruit or nuts. And don’t forget to pack a few bottles of water, too! Here are a few snack ideas.

-fresh fruit

-nuts

-seeds

-yogurt

-granola bars

-chocolate

-candy

-water

-sports drinks

-fruit juices

labor and delivery hospital bag checklist, newborn posed on blue blanket

Pack entertainment for labor, delivery, and your hospital stay

For something fun on your labor and delivery hospital bag checklist, think…fun!  It’s a good idea to take some books, magazines, and music with you to the hospital when you’re in labor. This way, you’ll have something to keep you occupied and distracted during labor. Plus, listening to music can help to calm and relax you.

If you’re looking for book ideas, here are a few suggestions:

“The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin

“Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood – and Trusting Yourself and Your Body” by Erica Chidi

“Crib Sheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting from Birth to PreSchool” by Emily Oster

For magazine ideas, consider packing issues of your favorite magazines or ones that are related to parenting or childbirth. And for music, be sure to pack a mix of calming and upbeat songs that will help keep you relaxed and motivated during labor.

Personal toiletries

The hospital will likely provide basic toiletry items, like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. But most expectant moms still choose to pack their own brands of toiletry items to keep them clean and comfortable during their hospital stay. Consider packing these toiletries:

– Toothbrush

– Toothpaste

– Floss

– Shampoo

– Conditioner

– Soap

– Razor

-Lip Balm

-Massage Oil

– Makeup

– Hair Ties

– Body Wash

– Moisturizer

– Face Wash

– Deodorant

-Nursing Pads

Special clothing items to pack for mom

This labor and delivery hospital bag checklist has mom in mind.  The most important thing to consider when choosing what clothing to pack in your hospital bag is comfort! You could be in labor for hours and hours. You don’t want to wear clothing that doesn’t feel good.  Consider packing a comfy nightgown, loose pants or sweatpants, a loose-fitting shirt, and a robe. You may also want to pack a pair of slippers or flip-flops to wear in the hospital.  You may also want to pack a few nursing bras if you plan on breastfeeding after delivery, and plenty of big, comfy underwear.

labor and delivery hospital bag checklist, sweet newborn baby in white wrap

A change of clothes for your partner

Your partner will likely be doing a lot of labor support, so it’s important that they’re comfortable. A change of clothes will help them to feel relaxed and ready to help you through your delivery. Plus, who knows what might happen during labor? They may get messy! Be sure to pack a few extra sets of clothes just in case.

Odds & Ends

-Phone & Charger – and extra-long charging cord is awesome!

-Glasses or contacts

-Pillows for you and your partner (sometimes the hospital pillows aren’t super comfortable).

Packing for your newborn baby

When packing for the hospital, be sure to include everything you need for your baby. This includes diapers, wipes, and of course, comfy clothes to wear in the hospital, and for the trip home.

Check with the hospital before deciding which outfits baby will wear for his hospital stay. Make sure you dress your baby in something that’s easy for doctors and nurses to access during checkups. And don’t forget warm socks and hats.

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to pack your baby’s carseat for that first ride home.

 

Chicago Moms Share their Hospital Bag Must-Haves

Pillow, long phone charger, adult diapers. -Jess

Pillow. I wish I took my own blanket, chapstick, and adult diapers. I packed 3 outfits. I took my own towels, toiletries and hair brush, shampoo and conditioner. I also took fuzzy socks but slippers work just as well. -Aly

MUST HAVE hair ties and Chapstick!!! -Haili

Your own pillow and towels!! The hospital pillows are awful and the towels are tiny. -Hanna

Schedule your newborn photoshoot

While you are planning your labor and delivery hospital bag, be sure to finalize details for your newborn portrait session!  Lillybelle Rose Photography is located in the western suburbs of Chicago.  You will find everything you need to know about newborn session packages, pricing, and scheduling on the website at Lillybelle Rose Photography.

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