What To Pack In A Newborn Hospital Bag

Things To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Baby Delivery

Packing my hospital bag for labor and delivery! OBGYN doctor prepares for second baby

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.

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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 To Pack In Hospital Bag For Your Partner Or Support Person

You have a lot to think about when it comes to labor and delivery, so let your partner or support person pack their own bag! All you need to do is copy and paste the link to this post and send it off to them. Theyll get the hint!

But just like its likely your first time having a baby, its likely your partners first time at this as well. Here are a few things they should consider bringing.

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Types Of Postpartum Underwear

Theres a whole marketplace of specially designed postpartum underwear to help answer all of these concerns. In general, postpartum underwear comes in three categories:

  • Disposable briefs
  • Period panties, which are thicker and designed to absorb menstrual blood
  • Light compression underwear

Of course, many new moms opt for standard undies that dont necessarily fall into one of the above categories, or continue to use some of their maternity panties.

Along with different types, there are also different postpartum underwear silhouettes. These include:

  • High-waisted briefs
  • Crossover undies

What Not To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

What
  • Jewelry, lots of cash or other valuables. You won’t need it, and you don’t want to worry about things getting lost.
  • Medications, including vitamins. Any medication or vitamin you bring from home must be approved by the hospital’s pharmacy and the process can take a long time. Ask your provider if the hospital will provide all the medications you’ll need, or if you should bring your own medications and get the hospital’s approval before you arrive.
  • Diapers and diaper wipes. The hospital will provide diapers and wipes for your baby while you’re there.
  • Baby clothes. Other than a coming-home outfit, you don’t need to bring baby clothes to the hospital. During your stay, the hospital will provide long-sleeved baby shirts and swaddling blankets.
  • Bottles and nipples. If you’re planning to bottle-feed, the hospital will have these on hand.
  • Candles. Hospitals and birth centers won’t allow you to burn them. You might be able to use a diffuser for essential oils, though.

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When To Pack The Hospital Bags

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.

Ner Hospital Bag Checklist

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
  • 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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What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Baby

After your hospital bag has everything for you, then move on to the essentials for baby.

  • A car seat. If youre driving home, this is non-negotiablethey wont let you take your baby home from the hospital without a car seat, and it should be already installed.
  • A going-home outfit. Pack two different outfits in different sizes because you dont know how big or small your baby will be! Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Dont forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate.
  • Your pediatricians contact information. The doctors and nurses will ask you for this information several times, so its good to have it handy. Include the email or fax number for the pediatricians office so they can easily forward your babys medical records.
  • Bottles, if youre using. If you plan to bottle-feed from the get go, pack at least two for the hospital. If you plan to formula feed, pack some of your preferred brand, as well, though the hospital will most likely have samples for you.
  • Do not bring diapers or wipes! The hospital has all the diapers and wipes youll need. In fact, one Babylist parent suggested bringing an extra bag for all the freebies youll bring home from hospital.

Ners Hospital Bag Checklist:

NewBorn Must Haves | Packing Hospital Bag | Coming home with my New Born Baby
  • Charging cables, including a long cell phone charger
  • Reusable water bottle or bottled drinks
  • Travel-sized toiletries
  • Layers of clothing
  • A change of clothes
  • Books, magazines, a tablet
  • Cash or a card to pay for parking and vending machines
  • A camera with batteries and a memory card, if you prefer this over your cell phone. However, check with the hospital if they allow filming of the actual birth moment, as some dont.

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Birth Plan Template And Examples

To make it a little easier, you might want to use this birth plan template. Whether or not you use a template when writing your birth plan, remember that your healthcare providerâs top priority is the health and safety of you and your baby. Focus on what you do want while keeping in mind that labor and delivery are unpredictable, and that you canât always control what happens. Here are some examples of how you can phrase your birth plan preferences:

âIf possible, Iâd like toâ¦ââUnless thereâs an emergency, Iâd preferâ¦ââIâd prefer X, only if itâs necessary.ââPlease offer me X when it becomes an option, so I can make a decision at the time.â

When To Pack Your Hospital Bag

You should have your hospital bag ready to go by 36 weeks or 37 weeks pregnant, just in case you go into labor before your due date.

Its fine to throw some items in at the last minute, like your toothbrush, but youll want your bag mostly packed and easily accessible by this point in your pregnancy.

Some items are essential others will make you feel comfy and remind you of home. We asked Babylist parents what their must-have items were and also drew on our own childbirth experiences.

Heres an extensive list of everything you may want or need with you in the hospital.

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Hospital Bag For C Section Twins

Honestly, I wouldnt pack much differently.

The only thing I added above was if you prefer to wear gowns/dresses to prevent anything touching your c section scar then pack dresses instead of pants.

The hospital will have everything you might need to care for your c section. They even have abdominal binders.

If you dont know what an abdominal binder is like a corset.

Its meant to provide support and allow you to move easier throughout your recovery.

What To Pack Beforehand

What

The good new is that most of your hospital delivery bag can be packed well in advance! Think of the things you wont necessarily need the weeks prior to delivery.

  • Most toiletries: consider getting duplicates just to prepare
  • Non-maternity clothes
  • Dont forget large underwear that you dont mind throwing away. You wont want to wear your favorite underwear right after delivery!
  • Postpartum wrap
  • Recommended Reading: How Many Newborn Clothes Do I Need

    Getting Your Hospital Bag Ready

    Think ahead some babies arrive early, so its wise to get your bag packed in plenty of time, adding snacks and perishable items just before you leave.

    Include everything youâll need for your baby, plus a few little luxuries for yourself. And dont forget the car seat! You wont be allowed to leave the hospital without it.

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    Hospital Bag Checklist For Mom

    On average, moms who deliver vaginally stay in the hospital for one to two days, Randazzo-Ahern says. If you deliver via c-section, youd be looking at closer to three or four days. Keep your length of stay in mind as you select what to pack in your hospital bag. A tip for the thrifty: Ask your hospital what they provide for mothers, and take those things off your hospital bag checklist. Otherwise, find deals and offers on the items youll need, and use the following hospital bag checklist for mom.

    The Bumps How to Pack Your Hospital Bag Video:

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    Read More Baby Stories

    The video skips to footage of her newborn baby wrapped in a soft cream blanket with a dummy in her mouth.

    Beth types: My chunk going straight to size 2 and 0-3 month clothes

    Viewers can see that her baby girl has the sweetest chubby cheeks popping out of the top of the blanket.

    What we cant see is what – if anything – shes wearing underneath.

    FABULOUS BINGO: Get a £20 bonus & 30 free spins when you spend £10 today

    But Beth isnt the only parent who has fallen victim to this experience, and hundreds commented with their reassuring stories.

    Same here, laughed Melissa Jane. Had all newborn clothes and she was 9lb 3oz and straight into 0-3 months.

    A second mum replied: My daughter was almost 2lb heavier than her older brother was.

    “I had bought a bunch of newborn clothes for her but they never fit.

    And a third shared their pain: I took newborn 0-3 clothes. He ended up being 13lb, straight into 3-6.

    But some mums had to deal with the opposite issue.

    When To Pack A Hospital Bag

    What to Pack in Your Maternity 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.

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    When To Pack Your Hospital Bag For Delivery

    There really isnt a right or wrong time to pack your hospital bag. But, most new mamas will want to have their bag packed before running out the door in labor.

    It will likely be a very stressful time and you want to make sure you are prepared ahead of time. There also might not be much time to get out the door if your water has already broken and labor is progressing quickly.

    For this reason its a good idea to have your bag packed by the time you are about 37 weeks. But, you can definitely start packing much sooner.

    With my first pregnancy, I started packing my hospital bag at about 25 weeks. I was very excited and wanted to cross another item off the list. When my water broke overnight at 39 weeks we just had to grab the packed bag and a few extra items as we were heading out the door.

    With my second pregnancy, I packed my bag at 35 weeks. Life is much more hectic with a toddler running around and I knew that I already had a pretty narrowed down list from my first delivery experience. I had my second son at 38 weeks so it was a good thing our bag was packed.

    With my third pregnancy, I didnt start packing until 37 weeks, but was able to pack pretty quickly since I had a list to refer to from my other pregnancies and deliveries.

    Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist

    Here is everything I recommend packing in your hospital bag for mom and baby.

  • Labor & Delivery Gown I like to deliver in the hospitals gown, but then change into this amazingly soft gown afterwards for the duration of my stay. I recommend wearing a gown for at least the first 24 hours after delivery because they nurses and doctors will come and check that you are healing appropriately down there.
  • Nursing Bra if you plan on nursing, I like to bring a nursing bra to wear after delivery. Your nipples will likely be very sensitive and it can help to have them held up instead of rubbing against your gown or shirt. A nursing bra can also be helpful if you want to wear nursing pads or other products.
  • Nursing Cups these can be a lifesaver for healing sore nipples! I highly recommend bringing some or other breast care supplies like nipple balm and nursing pads.
  • Toiletries you will want to pack a small bag of toiletries like you do when you are going on vacation . This includes face wash and wash cloth, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, and cosmetics. Makeup is definitely optional, but it felt so good to get cleaned up and back to my old self after giving birth.
  • Contacts or Glasses This is likely something you will need to pack last minute. Dont forget a contact case and solution if you wear contacts.
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    What Your Partner Or Support Person Should Pack

    If you have a partner or support person attending the birth and staying in the hospital or birthing center with you, remind them to pack some things as well. In addition to clothes and toiletries , here are some things to bring.

    • Book/iPad/laptop/headphones & general entertainment. Download a few new podcasts to listen to in case there is some down time.
    • A lightweight sleeping bag and pillow. Hospital sheets and pillows can be scratchy and thin.

    How We Made Our Picks For The Best Postpartum Underwear

    How To Pack Your Hospital Bag

    To help you choose the best postpartum underwear, the What to Expect editorial team conducted research to analyze the popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use of different pairs of underwear. Because every postpartum experience is different, we sought out reviews from tons of parents in the What to Expect community to provide insights on which postpartum underwear a majority of moms have used and loved. We also kept the variables listed above in mind when evaluating each pair , as well as Dr. Hechtman and Dr. Levy-Gantts advice .

    Below, the best postpartum underwear to wear after baby arrives.

    See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist

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    What Essentials Shall I Pack In My Hospital Bag For After The Birth

    Once labours done and dusted and youre chilling out with your new arrival, youll need a whole host of other things.

    Bring these in your bag:

    • large sanitary or maternity pads
    • large comfy knickers
    • slippers or flip-flops
    • comfy, maternity-sized outfit to wear home
    • cash you might need it for parking or to grab a magazine or emergency chocolate bar
    • iPad or tablet.
    • a camping mattress if there is room for them to stay over
    • a book or something to distract the mum to be if youre relaxing in the early stages.

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