Preparing a hospital bag for delivery

Preparing a hospital bag for delivery

For Mom: Labor & Delivery

  1. Important Documents:

    • ID (driver’s license, passport)
    • Insurance information
    • Birth plan (if you have one)
    • Hospital registration forms (if applicable)

  2. Comfort Items:

    • Robe or gown (if you prefer your own over the hospital’s)
    • Comfortable slippers or flip-flops
    • Socks (preferably with grips)
    • Hair ties, clips, or headbands
    • Lip balm (hospitals can be dry)
    • Pillow from home (with a non-white pillowcase)
    • Eye mask and earplugs for rest

  3. Clothing:

    • Nursing bra or comfortable bra
    • Loose, comfortable pajamas or nightgown
    • Maternity underwear or disposable postpartum underwear
    • Going-home outfit (loose and comfortable)

  4. Toiletries:

    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Face wash and moisturizer
    • Deodorant
    • Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
    • Hairbrush/comb
    • Shower gel and sponge/loofah
    • Makeup (if desired)
    • Glasses/contact lenses with solution (if applicable)

  5. Electronics:

    • Phone and charger (extra-long cord recommended)
    • Camera (if you want to capture moments)
    • Headphones for music, podcasts, or meditation apps

For Baby:

  1. Clothing:

    • 2–3 onesies or sleepers (different sizes: newborn & 0-3 months)
    • A going-home outfit (weather-appropriate)
    • Hat and socks
    • Swaddle blanket-Swaddling a baby gives them the feeling of warmth which resembles life inside the womb. Muslin Swaddle
    • You can buy quality baby dress from htts://www.melmio.com

  2. Essentials:

    • Newborn diapers (though the hospital usually provides them)
    • Baby wipes -Muslin wipes should be kept higher in number or the hospital stay which act as cleaning wipes and as burp clothes after feeds.
    • Pacifier (if you plan to use one)
    • Burp cloths

  3. Car Seat:

    • Installed and ready for the trip home (mandatory)

For Partner/Support Person:

  1. Comfort Items:

    • Change of clothes
    • Comfortable shoes
    • Snacks and drinks
    • Pillow and blanket
    • Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)

  2. Entertainment:

    • Books, magazines, or tablet
    • Headphones
    • Portable charger or power bank

Optional Items:

  • Nursing pillow (for breastfeeding)
  • Belly support band or postpartum wrap
  • Perineal spray or cooling pads
  • TENS machine (if you plan to use one for labor pain)
  • Essential oils or aromatherapy diffuser
  • Extra bag for hospital freebies or gifts

Pro Tip:

Pack the bag around 35–37 weeks of pregnancy and leave it in a convenient spot so it's ready to grab when labor starts. Buy muslin baby dresses from htts://www.melmio.com

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