Ready for the Birth: Essentials for Your Hospital Bag

The birth is approaching quickly, and soon you’ll be able to take your baby into your arms for the first time. Proper preparation in the last weeks before childbirth will mean you’re ready to go when the big day arrives. This especially includes packing your hospital bag for the upcoming hospitalization. Since babies often come a little early, it’s best to already prepare your bag around the 30th week of pregnancy to avoid unnecessary stress.

What should you pack in your hospital bag?

• Slippers

During labor, many pregnant women like to pace back and forth to help relieve pain, so comfortable slippers are a must-have.

• Warm socks

These don’t just help with cold feet—thick socks can influence the duration of the birth because cold feet can slow down contractions and prolong labor.

• Hair tie

Long hair can feel bothersome during labor, plus putting your hair up will help you sweat less.

• Bathrobe or tracksuit

To make you feel more comfortable during your hospital stay.

• Toiletries

Such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant and moisturizer.

• Lip balm

Especially during the exhausting second phase of labor, lip balm can prevent your lips from drying out.

• Glasses instead of contact lenses

Contact lenses can slip out of place during labor and feel uncomfortable when it’s time to push, which is why glasses are recommended instead.

• Two or three large t-shirts or other shirts

For during and after labor. Loose-fitting shirts that can easily be unbuttoned work best for breastfeeding.

• One or two loose-fitting pairs of pants

• Several pairs of cotton underwear (these should be able to withstand the hot wash cycle)

While hospitals do provide underwear, many women prefer to bring their own.

• Two to three nursing bras and nursing pads

These should be 1-2 cup sizes larger than your regular size—after the birth, milk will begin to release and your breasts will swell.

• Pajamas or nightgown 

• Snacks that give you energy

These include dextrose tablets (good to prevent dry mouth), bananas and granola bars. Labor can often take a long time, and small snacks will help give you the energy you need. Also make sure to include your favorite drinks (tea, water and juice are best) as well as a few sweets.

• Massage oil

So your partner or other support person can massage you while you’re having contractions.

• Camera/camcorder

After all, you’ll want to record what’s likely the most important event in your life! Your child will also appreciate having the photos and video footage later in life.

• iPod, tablet, books and magazines

Listening to your favorite music will help you relax, and reading passes the time.

• Outfit for the drive home

• High-absorbency pads (not tampons!)
• Important documents

These include the hospital admission slip, your maternity log, insurance cards as well as your ID and birth certificate or marriage certificate if you’re married.

Things you’ll need for the baby

• Onesie (long sleeve or short sleeve, depending on the season)
• Two to three shirts and pairs of pants
• Blanket
• Baby socks or shoes
• A newborn hat is a must. During summer, a cotton hat is warm enough, but during winter a thicker wool hat is recommended.
• Jacket and perhaps a snowsuit during winter
• Diapers
• Car seat for the drive home
• Bottles and formula if you’re not breastfeeding
• Burp cloths

Things your partner or other support person will need

• Comfortable clothes and shoes

(This depends on how long your support person will stay at the hospital)

• Toiletries
• Snacks and drinks for energy
• Swimsuit if you’d like to be accompanied in the bath
• Possibly small bills for the vending machine and cafeteria

Optional items you may want with you

• Pillow for bed, birthing or nursing
• Stuffed animal for baby
• Wash cloths and towel to help you clean up more comfortably when you’re feeling up to it
• Baby wipes
• Massage oils or additional birthing aids such as birthing ball, acupressure comb, hot and cold packs, etc. 
• Book, iPad, iPod, toys, coloring books, etc (this is especially helpful if you have older kids who will be staying with you to meet their new sibling)
• Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor
• postpartum recovery essentials such as homemade padsicles, perineal spray, etc.