Hospital Bag Checklist

What to pack in your hospital bag

A few weeks before your due date, pack a small overnight bag for you and your support person for your stay at the hospital. We recommend you leave jewelry and other valuables at home for safekeeping, as you may have to remove them during your hospital stay. Below are some suggestions on what to pack.

For you

• Your birth plan
• Birthing gown, if you so choose.
• Comfortable nightgown or pajamas that open in the front so you can breastfeed easily, a robe and slippers
• A nursing bra
• Toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, your own special shampoo, lotion, etc., hair ties and whatever else will make you feel comfortable
• Shower sandals
• Eyeglasses (it’s best to leave contact lenses at home)
• A camera and/or phone with plenty of memory and charging cord
• Music of your choice (bluetooth speaker is fine)
• Lip balm to use during labor
• Your insurance card and any hospital paperwork you need
• A notebook and pencil to write down any questions you may have for your health care provider
• Massage equipment like oils, lotion, and tennis balls or a plastic rolling pin to roll across your lower back
• Anything else you want to put in your room to make you comfortable (like photos or your favorite pillow)
• Something to wear in the hospital & to home – remember, after birth, most women are the same shape they were at approximately five months of pregnancy
• A list of prescription medications that you are currently taking, along with their dosage. Be sure to share this list with your doctor upon check-in.

For your support person

• A change of clothes
• Comfortable shoes – there is usually a lot of standing during labor and delivery
• Snacks and beverages
• Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
• Pillow and blanket
• Chargers for your personal electronics (bluetooth speaker, camera, cell phone)

For your baby

• A set of clothes, a hat and a blanket (premie or newborn size)
• Nursing pillow
• Special blanket and/or cute swaddles for photos
• Something special for your baby to wear for newborn photos, if you choose to take them.
• An infant car seat (mandatory)