Packing Your Hospital Bag For Labor And Delivery

Getting ready for the big day?  2 big ticket items to take care of in advance:  1) Install the baby car seat and 2) pack your hospital bag.  We looked like bumbling idiots when we walked into the labor ward -- the nurses actually asked us if we were moving in.  Avoid over-packing by using the list below.

1. Health Insurance Card
2. Ipod/Ipod/Iphone Charger - Labor mix
3. Snacks for your partner
4. Camera/video camera/charger
5. Cell Phone/charger
6. Laptop/charger - many hospitals have wifi
7. Books/magazines
8. Folder or Envelope to organize hospital and birth papers
9. Bag to bring home hospital issue blankets, diapers, etc.
10. Gifts for nurses -- they will be so helpful, and you will want to express your gratitude
11. Breast feeding pillow

Toiletries

1. Hair brush
2. Shampoo
3. Face wash
4. Toothbrush
5. Toothpaste
6. Makeup -- you'll want to look nice in your pictures?
7. Deodorant
8. Ponytail holder
9. Contact Lenses
10. Contact Lens Solution
11. Contact Lens Case
12. Glasses
    

Clothes for Mom

1. Socks
2. Slippers
3. Robe
4. Underwear (2) - you will probably wear the hospital issue disposable underwear as you'll bleed for a few days
   
5. Nursing bras (1) - you probably only need it to go home, you'll be in your gown the entire stay
   
6. 1 outfit for hospital, although you will probably wear the hospital gown until you are discharged
7. Going home outfit - comfy loose pants and roomy shirt
8. Nipple ointment - although they will probably have samples at the hospital
9. Breast pads - for going home

Clothes for Baby
Baby will wear hospital issue kimono shirts, hats and swaddle blankets.

1. Going home outfit - zip pj's is probably the best option
2. Babba Cover for car seat in winter
3. Bundle Me for Infant Car seat - you won't need a snow suit if you have this.

Clothes for Partner

1. Slippers - you can't walk around the hospital without shoes
2. Socks
3. 2-3 Underwear
4. Sweater/Jeans/Sweatshirt
5. T-shirts
6. Extra pillow

The hospital will likely issue you disposable diapers for Mom, squirt bottle, disposable underwear, sanitary pads for bed/car/chairs, baby diapers, gauze and vaseline for circumcision dressing, swaddle blankets, hat, kimono shirts.  The hospital may also issue you a bag to take things home, breast shields and tubing, SNS starter kit, formula, and nipples.

Good luck!