Hospital Bag Checklist (2024)

As you prepare for labor and delivery don’t forget to think about what to bring to the hospital for your baby. Here is a hospital bag checklist of things that many new moms have found useful.

Hospital Bag Packing List Essentials (and a few non-essentials) for Mom

The paperwork

Health insurance card
Pre-registration forms from the hospital

Personal Items

Nursing bra(s) – This supports swollen, tender breasts, and helps keep breast pads in place.
Sports bra – Many women find these extremely useful during a water birth or when using the birth pool; they are also good for suppressing lactation if you are not planning on breastfeeding.
Breast pads – You will need these whether or not you are breastfeeding because they stop leaks by absorbing milk.
Nursing pillows – These can be used if you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding; either way they reduce the strain on your arms, neck, and back when feeding your baby.
Nightgown and robe – Make sure they open in the front if you are planning on breastfeeding.
Slippers – During early labor it is always recommended to walk around. These will also come in handy as you make trips to the nursery to check on your new baby.
Socks – Many women complain of their feet being cold during the delivery, so have a couple of pairs in case one pair becomes soiled.
Going-home outfit – Choose one that fit when you were around 6 months pregnant.
Toiletries – To be more comfortable, take a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo, soap, lotion, hairdryer, etc.
Sanitary pads – The hospital can provide you with these, but many women feel more comfortable when they bring their favorite brand with them. Remember, you are going to need a pad designed for a heavier flow.
Hair clip or band if you have long hair – Women with long hair like to have it pulled out of their faces during labor and delivery.
Pillow from home – This makes you more comfortable; just make sure you have a different colored pillowcase on it to distinguish it from hospital pillows.
Extra washcloths – These also need to be colored to distinguish them from the hospital’s washcloths.
Magazines – You will not have a lot of downtimes, but there could be a few minutes here and there when you could read.
Mints or breath strips – Many women experience nausea/vomiting during labor and delivery; these will help freshen your mouth or the mouths of your support people.
Lollipops or other hard candies – These can alleviate dry mouth.
Glasses and contact case
Breastfeeding book – Take along any reference books that would be helpful.
Baby book – The nursery often will take your baby book and put your baby’s footprints in it. This will save you a lot of time and trouble.
Large envelope /file folder- This may be used to store any loose paperwork.
Tube socks that have been filled with tennis balls or rice – These can help alleviate the sore aching muscles during labor. Just take a tube sock and place three tennis balls inside the sock. Tie or sew off the open end of the sock to keep the tennis balls in place. Many women like to place these between their backs and the bed because the pressure applied makes them feel better. You can also fill a sock with uncooked rice (but not instant). These can either be heated or placed in the freezer and provide comfort during painful contractions.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Baby

Infant car seat and infant head support – You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one; make sure you bring the instructions.
Going-home outfit
Hat – Babies lose the vast majority of their body heat through their heads.
Booties/socks
Receiving blankets – Newborns love to be swaddled, and these blankets are perfect for swaddling.
Newborn diapers – If they do not have the umbilical cord area cut out, make sure you fold them down.
Wipes – Begin with the wipes that are designed for newborns or sensitive skin.
Mittens – Many newborns will have longer nails, so they can easily scratch their face and other parts of their bodies.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Your Partner

Change of clothes
Pajamas
Bathing suit – This is important if you and your partner are planning on a water birth or using the birthing pool during labor.
Toiletries
Snacks – Labor can be a long process, so you want to be prepared.
A cooler filled with drinks and sandwiches – This keeps the partner close by and can help avoid multiple trips to the hospital cafeteria.
Quarters for the vending machine and/or payphone- Remember not all hospitals allow cell phone use.
Watch with second hand
Video/still camera – Make sure you have extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc.
Address book – This will help you contact friends and family about your new arrival.
Massage oils – Many labor classes discuss the use of massage oils during class because they can help alleviate back labor.
iPod/CD player – Soothing music may help you and your partner relax both during and after labor.
Take out menus

Packing List for Siblings

Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books
Books
Toys
Snacks
Special camera
A gift from big brother/sister to the baby – This can be something that was picked out prior to delivery by the older sibling.
A gift from Mom and baby to the big brother/sister– Many times older siblings tend to get jealous around the birth of the baby. A special gift can help alleviate this problem and allow the big brother/sister to know that they are still important.

Want to Know More?

Creating Your Birth Plan
Stage One of Labor
Cord Blood Banking: Your Three Choices Explained

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. While I have personal experiences or emotions like a human, I can provide factual information and answer questions based on available sources.

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

Hospital Bag Packing List 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 can also be useful for 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 choose 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 helpful, and it's recommended to use colored ones 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 mints or breath strips can help freshen the mouth.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Baby:

Infant car seat and infant head support: It is essential to bring an infant car seat and the accompanying head support. Hospitals typically require this before allowing you to leave with your baby.
Going-home outfit: Choose a comfortable and weather-appropriate outfit for your baby to wear when leaving the hospital.
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 this purpose.
Newborn diapers: Make sure to bring newborn diapers. If they don't 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 or bodies, so mittens can help prevent this.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Your Partner:

Change of clothes: Your partner should bring a change of clothes for their comfort.
Pajamas: Pajamas can be worn during the hospital stay.
Bathing suit: If you and your partner are planning on a water birth or using the birthing pool, a bathing suit is essential.
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: Having a cooler with drinks and sandwiches can keep your partner close by and avoid multiple trips to the hospital cafeteria.
Quarters for the vending machine and/or payphone: Not all hospitals allow cell phone use, so it's a good idea to have quarters for the vending machine or payphone.
Watch with a second hand: A watch with a second hand can be useful for timing contractions and monitoring the progress of labor.
Video/still camera: If you want to capture the special moments, make sure to bring a video or still camera along with extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc..
Address book: An address book can be helpful for contacting friends and family about the new arrival.
Massage oils: Massage oils can be used during labor to help alleviate back labor.

Hospital Bag Packing List for Siblings:

Crayons, markers, paper, coloring books: These items can keep siblings entertained during the hospital stay.
Books: Bringing books can provide additional entertainment for siblings.
Toys: Siblings can bring their favorite toys to keep them occupied.
Snacks: Having snacks for siblings can help keep them satisfied during the hospital visit.
Special camera: Siblings can have a special camera to take pictures of the new baby.
A gift from big brother/sister to the baby: Siblings can bring a gift that they picked out prior to the baby's arrival.
A gift from Mom and baby to the big brother/sister: Giving a special gift to the older sibling can help alleviate any feelings of jealousy and make them feel important.

I hope this information helps you prepare for your labor and delivery. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.