Hospital Bag Essentials For Your Birth Partner
As a birth partner, you might also want to pack some things for your time supporting mum in the hospital:
-
Snacks and water. Labour can be thirsty work for supportive partners. Pack some snacks and water, as well as change for the hospital vending machines.
-
Phone, camera and/or video camera, plus chargers and batteries. Your partner will also want a phone to stay in contact with loved ones, and for some entertainment during downtimes. The camera is needed to take some snaps.
-
Clothes. Labour is an unpredictable process, a change of clothes is always a good idea, as you never know how long the stay will be.
-
Toiletries and towel. After a long labour, even your partner may need to freshen up in the shower. Most hospitals are fine with this, but you could confirm this beforehand.
-
Spare glasses or spare contact lenses. It might be a long day, so having spares of these essentials could come in handy.
-
Small pillow. Believe it or not, your partner might also need a rest while assisting during a long labour.
-
Entertainment. Have something to do for when the going gets a little boring: books, a tablet, and a music player are all good options.
What The Birth Center Provides
Youve probably read over a bunch of packing lists that seem beyond comprehensive. You dont need to bring everything and the kitchen sink. In fact, even if you dont pack a thing, your hospital likely has your basic needs covered. That should be a load off your shoulders literally!
All facilities are different, though, so if you have any questions, be sure to call to ask before you arrive. You may even want to schedule a hospital tour during your pregnancy to learn more about what you can expect during your stay.
For mom, birth centers generally provide:
- hospital gowns
- shampoo/soap
- pacifiers
- formula
- prescription and non-prescription medications, if needed
And before you think of what to pack, you should know that hospitals suggest not packing expensive items, like:
- wedding rings and other jewelry
- laptops and tablets
- loads of cash
Basically, avoid bringing anything that youd miss if you accidentally lost it. We promise, your items will be far from your mind when you hold your little one for the very first time!
Hospital Bag Checklist For Partner
Youve meticulously gone through the hospital bag checklist for mom and babybut dont forget about packing a bag for your partner! Since youll both likely be spending a night or two in the maternity ward, gather up some overnight essentialsplus a few things to keep your partner occupied . Heres what to put in a partners hospital bag:
Cell phone and charger
Toiletries: toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, contact lens case and solution
Snacks
Entertainment, whether its something to read, listen to or watch
Camera with batteries, charger and an extra memory card
Any daily prescription medicationfor both parents!
When youve gone through the hospital bag checklist and are satisfied youve packed what youll need, stash your hospital bag in your car or by the front door if you plan on taking a taxi to the hospitaland get ready for babys arrival!
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Read Also: How To Interact With Newborn
When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag
It is a good idea to have your maternity hospital bag packed about three weeks before you are due to go into labour. Make sure you have everything you need, then leave it packed and ready to go in an accessible place so you can grab it on your way out the door. Your hospital bag should be the size of a large gym bag, or you could split your supplies for mum, baby and birth partner into separate bags to make things easier to find.
When To Pack A Hospital Bag
They say timing is everythingbut when it comes to choosing when to pack your hospital bag, you have a little flexibility.
If a woman has a high risk pregnancy and her OB feels she may go into labor earlyfor example, an expectant mom of twinsId recommend packing at around 35 weeks, says Nicole Randazzo-Ahern, medical director of the newborn nursery at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. In other cases, Id recommend somewhere between 37 and 38 weeks. This way your basics are there should labor begin early and modifications can always be made if needed. Of course, if you want to get a jumpstart on things, by all means start earlierwhen to pack a hospital bag is up to you! But its a good idea not to leave it for later than 38 weeks: You want to have that hospital bag ready to go whenever baby is.
You May Like: How To Put Newborn To Sleep At Night
Choose Your Items Wisely
When packing your bags, keep in mind that, barring a long labor, you may only be in the hospital for one or two nights. Though that may seem like a long time, youre going to be busy recovering from delivery and feeding and changing your baby.
Neither you nor your baby has any use for the five designer outfits or the box of stuffed animals that your family already bought. Stick to the essentials and you and your baby will have a happy delivery and a smooth trip home.
Packing A Hospital Bag For Your Partner
Keep in mind that the person who will be standing by your side during the birthing process will also need to bring a few essentials. While bringing an extra change of clothing and a toothbrush is expected, you may also want to pack some entertainment and a few snacks for those hours of waiting. Below are our top suggestions:
Recommended Reading: How To Take Care Of A Newborn Belly Button
What To Pack In A Hospital Bag For Baby
- Coming home outfit Bring 1 newborn size and 1 one to three-month size because theres truly no knowing what size your little one will be.
- 2 white onesies I like long sleeve kimono onesies with the built-in hand mits for my newborns.
- 1 Hat
- Scratch Mittens
- Blankets One warm blanket and some for swaddling
- Boppy
- Approved Infant Car Seat So, this might not quite fit in the bag but you will want to have it ready to go either in the car or near your things.
What To Pack In A Diaper Bag For The Hospital
First things first, before you can pack your bag, you have to make sure you have the right bag. Everyone is different when it comes to picking out a diaper bag, which is why you should do thorough research to find what you like best before making your purchase. Once you and your partner have decided on the right baby diaper bag for you and your needs, its time to start stuffing!
Now comes the hard part: Knowing what to pack in a diaper bag before the baby has even arrived. While you may want to bring a few personal items, its important to note that the hospital will provide you with most of the essentials. Things you can expect from the hospital may include:
- Receiving blankets
- A bottle if youre bottle feeding
- Sample formula
Read Also: How Many Hours Does A Newborn Baby Sleep
How To Choose The Best Postpartum Underwear For You
- Size. You may want to order a size larger than you normally would to accommodate your postpartum body and have room for pads .
- Fabric. The hormonal changes that occur after birth will cause some serious perspiration all over your body . Look for breathable materials like cotton or microfiber. Some panties are also made with a light compression material that will give you a more sucked-in feeling , which women tend to either love or hate.
- Bells and whistles. Some postpartum underwear styles boast extras like a silicone panel to help soothe C-section scars or a pocket to hold an ice pack.
Hospital Bag Checklist: What To Pack In Hospital Bag
Chances are, youve spent the past several months dreaming of the day you finally get to meet baby. Youve stocked up on baby gear, decorated the nursery and maybe even figured out how to correctly install that infant car seat. But dont forget one of the most important third trimester to-dos: Deciding what to pack in your hospital bagfor baby, you and your partner. So where to start? You dont want to leave out any essentials, but theres also no reason to overdo thingswhich is where The Bump baby hospital bag checklist comes in handy. Read on for when to pack that hospital bag and what to put in it.
Also Check: How To Release Gas From Stomach In Newborn Baby
Where To Keep Your Hospital Bag
Assuming you follow Dr. Friedmanâs advice and pack up between 32 and 34 weeks pregnant, you could have eight or more weeks to go before you actually need to grab it, so you should keep it somewhere out of the way where you wonât constantly run into it or trip over it. That being said, it should still be easily accessible should labor start unexpectedly, so avoid putting it on high shelves or another place where it would be difficult to quickly grab it.
Expert:
Michael L. Friedman, MD, FACOG, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital, Torrance, California.
Your Bag For After The Birth
- A couple of front-opening nightdresses or loose shirts so you can breastfeed and snuggle your baby skin-to-skin
- Sterile bottles, teats and formula if youre bottle-feeding
- Light dressing gown and slippers
- A couple of packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
- 5 or 6 pairs of knickers you may also want to bring some disposable ones
- Extra-absorbent sanitary towels for the bleeding you’ll have after the birth, called lochia
- 2 or 3 nursing or ordinary bras bear in mind that your breasts will be much larger than usual
- Breast pads to soak up leaking breast milk you may need these even if you don’t plan to breastfeed
- If you are going to breastfeed, you may want to take a nipple cream these can help to heal any sore or cracked nipples that may occur in the early days of breastfeeding
- Clothes to come home in you’ll still have a bit of a bump so pack loose comfortable clothes
- Up to 5 sleepsuits and vests or baby grows
- A pack of newborn nappies
- Cotton wool
- A baby blanket or shawl
- Clothes for your baby to come home in, including a hat, scratch mittens and socks
The hospital will probably have basic items for the baby, such as towels and blankets. The lists above should cover everything, but ask your midwife if they also provide a specific list for your hospital or birth centre.
Don’t Miss: How Much Oz Of Formula Should A Newborn Drink
Necessities For Your Partner
On top of bringing all the normal overnight stuff , your partner should be in charge of important paperwork / insurance cards / identification / etc. Depending on how nice the sleeping situation is, they might want to consider bringing a pillow from home as hospital pillows arent the most comfortable. Check out our full checklist here.
The last step after zipping up your hospital bag is to throw it in the car or leave it by the front door — and wait patiently for babys arrival! Good luck to you, mama. Youve got this!
Leave These Things At Home:
- Breast pump & accessories: youll have access to one at the hospital if you need it
- Nursing pillow: most moms who bring this dont use it
- Diapers/wipes: the hospital will give you plenty!
- Sheets
- Candles: Candles arent allowed in the birthing center. Instead, bring flameless LED candles or an essential oil diffuser.
Read Also: How To Know If Newborn Is Constipated
What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag
If youre around 35-36 weeks pregnant, youre most likely starting to think about packing that hospital bag. Maybe you have a duffle on your bedroom floor and youre tossing a few items in it when you think about it. Or maybe youre procrastinating hard, and plan to pack in early labor. If you happen to feel a tad overwhelmed by this chore- weve created a list for you to make it easier. Having things organized and ready to go will help you feel more at ease when the big day arrives.
Disclosure: I sometimes share links to some of my favorite products. When I do, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and make a purchase.
Hospital Bag Essentials For The Birth Partner
As a birth partner you might also want to pack some things for your time supporting mom in the hospital:
-
Snacks and water. Labour can be thirsty work even for supportive partners. Consider packing some snacks and water, as well as change for the hospital vending machines.
-
Phone, camera and/or video camera, plus chargers and batteries. Donât forget to pack a phone to stay in contact with loved ones, and for some entertainment during downtimes. The camera will come in handy to take some happy snaps.
-
Clothes. Labour is an unpredictable process, so a change of clothes is always a good idea, as you never know how long the stay will be.
-
Toiletries. After a long labour, you might need to freshen up in the shower. Most hospitals are fine with this, but you can confirm this beforehand.
-
Spare glasses or spare contact lenses. It might be a long day, so having spares of these essentials could come in handy.
-
Small pillow. You might appreciate getting a bit of rest during downtimes, as well.
-
Entertainment. Something to do: books, a tablet, and a music player are all good options.
Also Check: How Frequently To Bathe Newborn
The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist For Delivering A Baby
Wondering what to pack in your hospital bag? Stay sane on delivery day by preparing ahead of time, using this handy checklist as a guide.
Once you’re around 34 weeks pregnant, it’s time to start preparing for your delivery date. One of the most stressfuland most importantitems on your to-do list is packing the hospital bag. After all, you never know when Baby will make an appearance! Refer to this hospital bag checklist to ensure you’ll have everything you need for a smooth stay.