Hospital bag checklist: What to pack for labor and delivery
Getting closer to the big day? Here's what to pack in your hospital bag for more comfortable labor, delivery, and recovery. Our handy list includes all the essentials for your baby and you.
We would recommend to pack a separate bag for the mother and baby.
Having your hospital bag ready in advance can help you feel more secure and ready for whatever happens in your last weeks of pregnancy. Pack your hospital bag by the time you're about 34 weeks pregnant since you could go into labor at any time in the weeks before your due date.
Hospital bag checklist for moms
Essential items and documents:
- Aadhar Card and Insurance card.
- Keep all your medical records (reports and prescriptions).
- Delivery booking slip
- Cell phone and charger.
- Laptop and charger
- A cord blood kit, if you're planning to bank your baby's cord blood(Make sure you inform the concerned technician ).
- Cash and change along with Plastic money
Personal items:
- Toiletries. Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, makeup (if you're planning to use it), an eye mask to sleep on, and hair ties. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.
- Maternity pads. Extra large-size sanitary pads absorb all the blood after delivery (though the hospital provides them ).
- Eyeglasses, if you wear them. Many expectant moms who wear contact lenses opt not to deal with them while in the hospital or birth center. But if you'll be wearing contacts, remember to bring a lens solution and a lens case.
- Your regular medicines if you take any (Thyroid, Hypertension, Diabetes, inhalers, etc.)
- Sanitizer
- A set of nice dresses in case you want a photo shoot in the hospital
Clothing:
- During your stay, you will be provided with clothes from the hospital. You may keep a pair of comfortable slippers and socks. Bring loose, comfortable clothing to come back home after delivery.
- Several pairs of postpartum underwear. May keep disposal panties for your stay in the hospital.
- Comfortable nursing bras.
Essentials for labor:
- Comfort items. A picture of someone or something you love, essential oils (get permission from the hospital or birth center ahead of time), or anything else you find comforting.
- Music. Bring your favorite playlists, headphones, or earpods.
- Books, magazines, and a tablet. Entertainment can make you comfortable, especially in early labor
Supplies for after labor:
- Food will be provided by the hospital after delivery, whether normal or cesarean.
- Sipper or bottle with straw – may be useful to maintain hydration especially when you are not able to sit properly
- Eye mask and earplugs. These can help you sleep if your room is bright or noisy.
- A notepad and pen. You can track your baby's feeding sessions, write down questions for your doctor, etc.
- "Bring the baby book. The hospital will take footprints of the baby for their records, and while they are doing it, you can use the rest of the ink and make prints for your book!"
- Book or app on newborn care. Postpartum nurses will be there to answer questions and show you how to change, hold, nurse, and bathe your newborn if you need guidance. But you may also want to have additional resources.
- Nursing pillow. A specially designed pillow can provide better support than hospital pillows.
- Nursing shawl. Helps to cover the baby when feeding especially if your relatives will be visiting you
- Socks to keep your leg warm
- Bathroom slippers
- Hand towel
- Breast pads and breast pump
The day you've been waiting for is almost here! Have everything ready for your labor and delivery with our handy hospital bag checklist.
Hospital bag checklist for your baby
- Baby nail filer and nail clippers. Newborns often have sharp, pointy nails and can manage to scratch themselves on the face. You may want to bring baby nail filers or clippers to trim tiny nails or pack newborn mittens from home.
- Baby clothes 4-5 sets. Preferably cotton clothes are washed in advance.
- Baby blanket (2-3 ). The hospital will provide blankets for swaddling your baby while you're there, but you may want to bring your own to tuck around your baby.
- Baby socks, caps, mittens
- Diapers and diaper wipes. The hospital will provide diapers and wipes for your baby while you're there but better to keep a set
- Cloth diapers – may be required especially with sensitive skin(should be pre-washed)
- Diaper rash cream
- Waterproof dry sheets (2-3)
If you feel like you need all the extras, you can leave it in the car, just in case.
Keep an extra bag or two.
What not to pack in your hospital bag
- Jewelry, lots of cash, or other valuables. You won't need it, and you don't want to worry about things getting lost.
- Bottles and nipples – Paediatriciansdiscourage their use
At home care
Arrange a gift for the older sibling to help her/him adjust to the new member.
Home help for at least 2-3 weeks either after normal delivery or cesarean.
Follow the instructions of your doctor and report to the hospital emergency in case of any unusual symptoms.
Recovering from birth while taking care of a newborn can be quite taxing. Stock up on these items to make things a little bit easier.
Wishing you all the best !!!
Dr Ankita Singh
Senior Consultant
Department Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology
Max Superspeciality Hospital,
Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi