What To Pack For Your Newborn At The Hospital

What Is A Birth Plan

What To Pack In Your Baby’s Hospital Bag

A birth plan is a document that lets your medical team know your labor and delivery preferences in regards to things like pain management, postpartum care and newborn procedures.

Think of your birth plan as a guideline or even a map. You have your preferred path for getting to your destination , but there can be detours along the route. A birth plan encourages you to consider all your birthing options and communicate your preferences to your healthcare team. But keep in mindsometimes things dont go as planned.

Things To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Baby Delivery

Its 2:56am and baby is on the way! You quickly grab your bag and are on your way. As you rush to the hospital, the last thing on your mind is the contents of your hospital bag. Though it might sound crazy, packing your bag at least a month in advance is a great way to make sure you have everything you need for the big day.

Chapstick Or Lip Balm

Youre going to get chapped lips during labor. Its not a sign of labor, but rather a result of labor. You will be breathing out of your mouth during labor so your lips get chapped. Make sure pack your favorite chapstick or lip balm to help remedy this. Your lips will thank you, especially when you start eating ice chips.

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I Hope This Hospital Packing List Is Helpful As You Near Your Due Date

Have you thought about getting a Fresh 48 session?

A fresh 48 session is when a photographer comes to visit you and your sweet little one in the first 48 hours to take photos of those first moments so you and your family can be fully present without worrying about taking photos. It is a session that captures the start of your journey as a new family in all of its newness. It also captures the small details of your new baby since they change SO much in those first few days, as well as the details such as the bassinet they slept in, you and your family holding your little one in that hospital room where you first met each other.

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When To Pack The Hospital Bags

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Birth

Whether its your babys bag, your labor bag, your recovery bag, or your partners bag, its always a good idea to have them packed well before your due date so you wont be running around in a panic when you go into labor.Trust us, youll already be anxious enough! And besides, you never know if your baby will decide to arrive early.We recommend going through your hospital bag checklist anywhere from 35 to 38 weeks into your pregnancy.In most cases, youll still have two weeks or so before the birth, and youll need everyday items like your toothbrush and phone charger while youre at home. Make a list of items you cant pack early and toss them in your bag right before you leave the house.

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Other Items To Bring To Hospital

There are a handful of other items youll need at the hospital that wont fit in your diaper bag. Since they wont fit in your diaper bag, many new mamas forget to plan these hospital essentials. Weve boiled it down to these 4 must-haves to pack in the car when having a baby:

  • Approved and installed car seat for the ride home Youll be driving your newborn home for the first time! Be sure to install your car seat ahead of time.
  • Stroller for transferring baby to car Very few parents remember their stroller, but it is convenient when transferring your precious baby to the car.
  • Gift basket for the labor and delivery staff A little gift basket for the staff will not go unnoticed.
  • Flowers for mama Your visitors will probably be bringing gifts for mama. You dont want to be the only with without a gift for mama!

Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist: What To Pack In Your Birth Bag

Your due date is getting closer. Your babys nursery is coming together. Youve oohed and aahed over all the cute little baby things showing up. Youre ready to meet your little one and bring baby home!

The final step is to make sure youre ready for your stay at the hospital where you will birth your baby. Pack a spare backpack or carry-on suitcase with your hospital essentials by Week 36. Keep it in an easy-to-access place at home.

Our guide to what you should pack in your hospital bag will get you ready for the big day. Whether youre a spontaneous traveler or one who is prepared for every last possibility, there are a few must haves to put in your hospital bag for you, your baby, and your support person. This list will be the same whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section.

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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 youre around 34 weeks pregnant, its 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 youll have everything you need for a smooth stay.

What Not To Pack In A Hospital Bag

BABY’S HOSPITAL BAG !! WHAT TO PACK

When it comes to packing a hospital bag, some items are better left at home. Here are some things that you shouldnt bring with you to the hospital.

  • A Nice Camera: Having a baby is stressful enough without worrying about keeping track of a DSLR camera. Besides, most phones these days have excellent cameras that will do the job just fine.
  • Fancy Baby Clothes: Though it may be tempting to dress your little one in fancy clothes, youll probably regret it later when your baby is wailing while you struggle with their outfit. Keep it simple with a Onesie bodysuit and a pair of pants or a blanket sleeper.
  • Jeans: Seriously, dont even attempt it. Opt for loose-fitting clothing when leaving the hospital. Youll be much happier.

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Is There Anything You Shouldnt Bring With You To The Hospital

Yup, you can certainly overdo it when it comes to packing your hospital bag. Heres what not to bring to the hospital when youre ready to deliver:

  • Too much clothing for you or the baby. Choose one outfit each and leave the rest home.
  • Valuables! Dont bring diamond earrings, the priceless watch your dad gave you or anything youd be sad to lose. Hospitals arent hot beds of crime, but better safe than sorry.
  • A bunch of cash .
  • Lots of diapers, since the hospital will provide enough for the time youre there.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

What Should You Not Pack In Your Hospital Bag

As a general rule, do not bring anything that youd miss if you accidentally lost it. The list below includes some recommendations of things to leave at home.

  • Valuables like wedding rings and other expensive jewelry
  • Checkbooks or large amounts of cash
  • Electronics, such as TVs, radios, laptops and tablets

Be sure to contact your medical healthcare provider before you arrive with any questions about what is and what isnt provided. If packing for your delivery weeks ahead is causing you undue stress, remember that the hospital will likely provide most of your basic needs.

Additionally, The Nest at Baptist Health Systems birth centers in San Antonio provides mommy-to-be tours so patients and their families can learn more about what to expect during their big day. We want to work with you to ensure youre confident and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

At The Nest at Baptist Health System in San Antonio, we know that anticipating for your little one can be both exciting and overwhelming. We know that you want your first days with your newborn to be comfortable and well prepared as much as possible.

When it comes to your pregnancy, we have the expertise, technical skill and clinical judgment that are vital for a positive experience for you and your baby. In addition to our experienced and compassionate staff and physicians available 24/7 in each of our birth centers, The Nest at Baptist Health System offers the following maternity services:

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What To Pack In A Hospital Bag For Labor

There are just a few bare essentials that you absolutely should include in your bag when it comes time to head to the hospital and then there are some others that are nice to have on hand so you feel more comfortable. To help, weve broken down these lists accordingly.

Keep in mind that the hospital will likely provide you with some freebies like disposable mesh underwear, socks with a grip bottom, a gown to wear during and after labor, extra thick sanitary pads and a few basic toiletries . Still, you might prefer your own versions of these items or some extras, just in case.

  • Drivers license or other identification card
  • Insurance card and any hospital paperwork you’ve filled out
  • Your birth plan, if you have one
  • Your phone and a charger
  • An outfit for your baby to wear home
  • Clothing for you to wear home
  • Small tote for extra hospital supplies and any gifts you might receive
  • Infant car seat

Ner Hospital Bag Checklist

What

Encourage your partner to pack their own bag of essentials for the birth.While they wont need quite as much as you and the baby, having their own gear on hand can make the time at the hospital much easier.At a minimum, we suggest they pack:

  • Change of clothes
  • Cell phone charger
  • Entertainment
  • Snacks and water

If your partner plans on staying with you after the birth, theyll need to include a pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, and toiletries in their kit.Sometimes, though, if you live close to the hospital, the nurses will encourage your partner to go home and get a good nights sleep so they can come back fresh in the morning. This is especially common if you plan on breastfeeding your little one.The nurses will be there to help you, so your partner may have nothing to do. Theyre better off recuperating at home so they can support you the next day when you need it the most.Talk to your doctor and the hospital about what they recommend and then your partner can pack their bag accordingly.

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The Best Postpartum Recovery Products

Theres a lot to love about the postpartum period: tiny baby snuggles, that unmistakable new baby smell and the chance to drown out the world around you and bond with your newest little family member.

Buuuut were also here to keep it real. For many new parents, theres a less-than-delightful side to those first few weeks right after giving birth, whether you delivered vaginally or via C-section. Discomfort down under, sore boobs, a sensitive incision and, everyones favorite, hemorrhoids are all pretty commonand pretty uncomfortablethings new parents need to deal with during postpartum recovery.

The good news? There are lots of smart, well-designed and even beautiful products that can help. These parent-tested picks are here to make postpartum recovery a little bit easier and help get you back on your feet.

Not Your Grannys Panties

Packed with vitamins and nutrients like strawberry leaf, red raspberry and ginger root, this organic, caffeine-free tea blend was developed especially for postpartum recovery. Its not medically backed, so check with your healthcare provider for the green light, but customers rave about the flavor and truly, well take any excuse to relax with a cup of tea.

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.

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Going Home Outfit For Baby

While you dont really need anything for baby while you are at the hospital they will provide everything from blankets to diapers and everything in between most new parents want to pack a special outfit to bring their new baby home in.

My advice pack a few choices. You really dont know just how big or small your new baby will be, and that cute little outfit you planned on might be much too big or small. Dont forget a cute blanket to cover them in their car seat, especially if they are born in the cooler months.

How To Choose The Best Postpartum Underwear For You

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG FOR LABOR! | Baby#3 is ALMOST Here!
  • 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.

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