The Labor Hospital Bag Checklist For First Time Parents

Bring your health insurance card, birth plan, any pre-registration forms you have received from the hospital and a valid form of identification. Keep these important papers well-organized in a large envelope or file folder that will make it easier for your partner to find whatever may be needed. You may also want to include a list of names and contact numbers of people you’d like to be notified after delivery immediately.

It’s recommended that what clothing you decide to wear will make you feel comfortable as you go through labor, will not be an obstacle during the process, and will be easy to wash if it gets dirty or soiled. Since labor can take several hours, don’t feel as if you have to stay in a hospital gown the entire time. As long as you are wearing a loose and comfortable clothes like a sleeveless or short loose-sleeved nightgown, a warm robe, or a sweater, you’ll probably find yourself much more comfortable until it’s time to push.

Some hospitals will provide this for you, but if you’re particular about the socks you like to wear, bring two to three pairs of comfortable, non-skid, and easy to wash socks with you. You’ll be thankful when you take your walks around the hospital corridors.

Wrap yourself with an extra layer of clothing to make you feel warm and comfortable as you walk around the hospital, especially after delivery.

Bring several pairs of your panties. Don’t fool yourself. Delivering a baby can be very messy, both before and afterward. If you don’t want to wear disposable hospital undies, packing several pairs of your own can be an excellent idea.

Some hospitals will provide you with items like bath towels but don’t expect a plush, luxurious experience. Bring your own if you want some extra comfort.

Your feet might be too swollen for your shoes after birth, so bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals just in case.

You’ll be staying a few days in the hospital, or at least overnight. Make sure you bring toiletries and personal items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, a contact lens case and solution if you wear contacts, a hairbrush, lip balm, a headband or hair bands, and heavy duty sanitary pads. Just as you would when traveling, keep your toiletries in small packs or travel-sized containers.

Have at least enough money to spend on vending machine snacks, drinks or any other miscellaneous items you might need to buy during your stay.

Always keep this pair handy. You'll need your spouse to fill out and sign some forms, especially during checking out.

Do you ever forget to bring your cell phone with you when you’re in a hurry? You probably won’t when it comes to packing for the hospital, but make sure to take the charger with you. If you plan on bringing other electronic devices, bring their corresponding chargers. Bring your video camera and extra memory cards, too.

Bring a couple of extra bags for dirty stuff you need to bring home.

Sugar-free candies will keep your mouth from drying out during labor, so it’s good to have them. Sweets with sugar in them are no good, as they will only make you thirsty in the long run.

If you plan on breastfeeding your newborn, bring a set of nursing supplies such as breast pads, lanolin cream, nursing bras, a pump, cooling gel pads, and a nursing pillow.

Bring several changes of clothes for yourself and your partner or whoever will stay in with you at the hospital. Make sure you pack comfortable clothes in the right size – your baby bump will not go away overnight, though it will diminish over the next few days and weeks.

Some families prepare a big homecoming party for the newest member of their family. It’ll be great to see your child in a suitably unique homecoming outfit. 🙂 Even if you’re not planning on any party, dressing up your baby in their homecoming clothes is an exciting idea. It’s recommended to wrap your baby in receiving blankets, a soft cap, mittens, and socks or booties appropriate to the weather outside.

Before you and your child check out for release, make sure you have already installed a rear-facing car seat for your child. Your hospital will probably not allow you to travel with your baby without an appropriate seat (although hospital in second and third world countries do) or until they have ensured that your chosen car seat is installed correctly.