What To Bring
Packing List for the Hospital
About a month before the baby is due, families will want to begin packing a suitcase for the trip to the hospital. There are several items that should be considered:
- Any childbirth class notes or guidelines and labor hints
- Eyeglasses as well as contact lens case and solution
- Massage aids- tennis balls, rolling pin, wooden massagers
- Massage oil or lotion
- Comfort aids- rice sock, herbal heat pillow, aromatherapy, socks for cold feet
- iPod, smart phone, or CD player for music to help with relaxation
- Lip balm or moisturizer
- Hair brush, clips, ponytail holders, head bands and rubber bands
- Mouth care items: toothpaste, toothbrush
- Camera/video camera, extra batteries or battery charger
- List of names and phone numbers of people to notify
- Calling cards for long distance calls; cell phone and charger
- For labor partner: snacks, drinks, drinking cup, mints, change for snack machines
For Mom, after birth:
- Comfortable clothes for lounging & sleeping: robe, slippers, nightgowns, sweat suits
- Bras: If breastfeeding-nursing bras
- Underpants
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, comb/brush, other hair care items
- Make-up, deodorant, lotion
- Baby's "memory" book -- for footprints or staff names and guest signatures
- Clothes and shoes to wear home (a loose outfit; something you could wear at five months pregnant)
For Baby:
- Clothes for hospital baby photo
- Clothes for baby to wear home
- Baby cap or hat
- Booties or socks
- Mittens to keep baby from scratching face
- Few diapers
- Gentle baby wipes
- Blanket(s) and outer wear for going home (as much as the season dictates)
- Car safety seat
The Hospital will provide:
- Pairs of disposable panties and sanitary pads for during the hospital stay
- Disposable newborn diapers, enough for the hospital stay
- T-shirt and a SleepSack for baby during their stay