Share on Pinterest
Analogy by Brittany England

We include products nosotros retrieve are useful for our readers. If y'all buy through links on this page, nosotros may earn a small commission. Here's our process.

Giving nascency isn't exactly a picnic. It isn't a vacation, either — but commitment of your infant is a fourth dimension when yous'll likely exist staying away from domicile for at least 24 hours (uncomplicated vaginal delivery) to between two to 4 days (cesarean delivery) and sometimes longer.

Your infirmary will provide the nigh basic things you'll need to treat yourself during and subsequently birth. Simply where's the fun in blank bones essentials?

If y'all want your experience to exist a fiddling, well, extra, and so you lot'll desire to thoughtfully pack your numberless in advance. Here'south what you can expect your hospital or birthing eye to provide and what you may desire to bring for yourself, your baby, and your partner.

Only almost v per centum of babies are born on their actual due date.

In reality, your babe may come a couple weeks earlier or afterwards when you're expecting. Consider packing your bags at least 3 weeks before your due date. This gives you a bit of time for the unexpected.

If you take whatever indications yous may go into preterm labor or otherwise have your baby on the early side, you may want to pack up your stuff sooner.

Related: half dozen telltale signs of labor

You've probably read over a agglomeration of packing lists that seem beyond comprehensive. You don't need to bring everything and the kitchen sink. In fact, even if you don't pack a affair, your hospital likely has your basic needs covered. That should be a load off your shoulders — literally!

All facilities are different, though, so if yous accept any questions, exist sure to call to ask before you get in. You may even want to schedule a infirmary tour during your pregnancy to learn more than about what you can expect during your stay.

For mom, nascency centers by and large provide:

  • hospital gowns
  • grip socks
  • birthing ball and other labor tools, similar personal massagers
  • large cups for h2o and ice
  • basic toiletries — lather, shampoo, toothbrush/toothpaste
  • disposable mesh underwear (it's not the nigh attractive, only information technology does the task)
  • thick germ-free pads
  • subsequently-care items, similar witch hazel pads and peri bottles
  • standard pillows and blankets

For baby:

  • preemie, newborn, or size ane diapers
  • basic wipes
  • flannel swaddle blanket(s)
  • hospital-branded onesies
  • standard knit hat
  • shampoo/lather
  • pacifiers
  • formula (Some "baby-friendly" hospitals only offering formula if it's considered medically necessary. Call your hospital to discover out about its policy on formula.)
  • prescription and non-prescription medications, if needed

And earlier you remember of what to pack, you should know that hospitals suggest not packing expensive items, like:

  • hymeneals rings and other jewelry
  • laptops and tablets
  • loads of cash (considering we all have that lying around, right?!)

Basically, avoid bringing annihilation that you'd miss if you accidentally lost information technology. We promise, your items will be far from your heed when you concord your petty one for the very showtime fourth dimension!

While yous'll accept the basics provided by the hospital, having familiar items from home tin make you feel and then much more at ease. (Every bit exciting every bit mesh undies sound, y'all'll be more comfy in your own — we guarantee it.)

Before you pack, you may want to call your infirmary to brand sure they don't have whatever rules regarding what you wear. Some, for example, may prefer or crave you lot to wear the hospital-issued gown during the bodily birth itself.

While this list looks quite long, it should all generally fit into a single overnight bag.

  • Your ID. This seems obvious, but you'll need some identification at cheque-in. You'll also maybe need your insurance card and any other documents your doctor gave y'all for access.
  • Medications list. Y'all'll probably be asked this data at check-in. And perhaps once again once you're settled. If yous're in labor, information technology may be difficult to remember everything you're taking — it'south a lot easier to just hand over a piece of newspaper.
  • Medications. Yep, if you're on whatsoever common prescription medications, the infirmary pharmacy tin can typically provide them — simply possibly at a higher price than what yous ordinarily pay. And if y'all're on any less common drugs, the hospital might not have any stock on hand. Program to pack your own to avert these potential headaches.
  • Credit card or small amount of cash. You may want to use the vending machine or go something from the gift shop or cafeteria during your stay.
  • Nascency programme. If y'all have a specific birth programme that you've drafted, bring a re-create or two of information technology with you.
  • Personal hospital gown or pajamas. Aye, yous tin purchase your ain infirmary gown or change into one subsequently you deliver. On Gownies, pretty gowns cost around $30. If you get a custom one made to your tastes, the toll may be significantly college. Yous might instead consider wearing a nightgown — one that is dark and easy access for monitors during labor/delivery and breastfeeding after birth.
  • Non-sideslip socks or slippers. If you lot don't like the infirmary socks, y'all tin bring your own. It's key that any you cull has grips for rubber. Certain, the delivery room floor might not exactly double as a dance floor — but you will be walking effectually when yous can.
  • Birth playlist. This can be music, meditations, or whatever other sound you want to play during labor and commitment.
  • Volume. Or a magazine or other reading material. This is helpful in case you're waiting a while for the master outcome.
  • Cell phone and charger. Depending on how fast or boring everything goes, you lot may want some amusement or even the option to call a friend while you lot're laboring. And y'all know your social media friends would dearest updates! You lot tin also store your music or audio on your phone.
  • Toiletries. You can go as simple every bit some travel shampoos, toothbrush/toothpaste, a brush, deodorant, and a bar of soap. Or you can bring your whole makeup kit and fancy hair products (particularly if you're having professional person nascence photos taken). Don't forget stuff like hair bands, lip balm, and lotion, if you tend to have dry peel.
  • Hair dryer. You may or may not be able to bring a hair dryer or other plug-in devices. Phone call alee to find out the rules.
  • Glasses and/or contacts. They may exist the final affair on your mind, merely you'll also want to bring glasses and contact lens supplies, similar a instance and saline solution.
  • Underwear. The hospital's mesh underwear can be a godsend in the outset mean solar day or so of heavy postpartum haemorrhage. But slipping into your own may be more comfy after that. You lot'll be wearing pads, so consider sizing upward and choosing full coverage styles. And selection night colors that hide stains well. You tin can besides purchase your ain disposable underwear if you prefer it.
  • Pads. The hospital provides thick pads. If you want thinner ones, bring them from home. You shouldn't use tampons subsequently delivery.
  • Nursing bra or supportive bra. Whether or non yous're planning to breastfeed, your milk will probably come in during the hours and days after nascence. A supportive bra can help with discomfort. A nursing bra will requite you easy admission to feed infant.
  • Breastfeeding comprehend and pads or pillow. Expecting guests? You may feel more comfortable using a nursing cover in those early marathon breastfeeding sessions. Or not — it'due south really up to yous. You might also want some nursing pads for leaks. You lot may fifty-fifty want to bring a breastfeeding pillow for support.
  • Chest pump and other nursing supplies. You certainly don't take to bring your pump if you lot don't programme to pump exclusively. And the hospital can provide one if y'all end upwards needing information technology unexpectedly. Still, if you'd like assist learning how to use your pump, you can ask a lactation consultant to show you the ropes.
  • Comfortable dress. Some women stay in the hospital gown their unabridged time at the infirmary. That's totally fine. If you would rather slip into some loose clothing of your own — that'south cool, too. Think night-colored yoga pants, nursing or button-down shirts, and other loungey article of clothing, like a robe, with piece of cake access for breastfeeding.
  • Going home outfit. Don't forget to recall about what you'll want to wear home. If you're packing in accelerate, be sure to consider the weather condition in your wardrobe decisions. Y'all might fifty-fifty find an adorable matching number for you and baby.
  • Pillow. Are you particular about the pillow you apply? Bring your favorite. And skid it into a colorful pillowcase and so it won't blend in with the hospital pillows.
  • Flip flops. Yes, hospital floors and showers are cleaned regularly. Only, you know, you may just experience more comfortable showering with added protection.

If y'all know you're having a cesarean delivery, also consider these items:

  • Support underwear. Bringing some C-section recovery underwear can be nice because it'south loftier-waisted and offers light compression. Alternatively, you may want some fold-over underwear that sits under your incision.
  • Compression wrap. You may also bring something like the Belly Brigand for added postpartum abdomen back up. Ask your doctor for guidelines, including when you can start wearing a wrap similar this.
  • Loose clothing. You may be more comfortable wearing clothing items, similar nightgowns versus pants, that don't rub against your incision.
  • Special snacks. Shell post-surgery constipation with snacks that incorporate plenty of cobweb, like an apple or instant oatmeal with stale fruit.

Related: The newest class of pain relief during labor? Virtual reality

Your little one will be covered with almost supplies for their time in the hospital. In fact, some delivery units may even require — for safety measures — that babies wear hospital-branded onesies until yous're discharged.

Endeavor packing baby's items in the diaper pocketbook you programme on using once they're born.

  • Going abode outfit. While information technology'southward not the first thing yous'll use, information technology may be the nearly heady. Take some fun picking out what your baby will article of clothing domicile. Exist sure to consider the weather condition in your planning. You may want to pack a spare in instance i outfit gets dirty.
  • Diapers and wipes. If you have specific diapering in mind, bring a pack of what you intend to apply with you to the hospital. This includes newborn fabric and a wet bag if you programme to do material from the start.
  • Swaddle or receiving blankets. You may want a few of your own swaddles to wrap baby and do (inquire the nurses for pointers!) for those days when you're on your own. Also check out our swaddling tutorial!
  • Blanket. If it's wintertime or otherwise dank, you tin can employ a thicker blanket to snuggle baby in their machine seat on the style home. Alternatively, you may desire to outfit your car seat with a bunting of some type.
  • Mittens, booties, and hat. If your little i is built-in with long fingernails, a pair of mittens can assist avoid scratches on their confront. And depending on the conditions, a pair of booties and a lid tin can go on baby overnice and toasty.
  • Formula and bottles. If you're planning to formula feed from the start, you may or may not be able to bring your ain formula and bottles. Phone call ahead to detect out your facility's policy.
  • Car seat. You'll need to take your car seat installed earlier you tin exit the infirmary. Try putting it in several weeks before you programme to deliver — some seats tin can be tricky to install.
  • Photo props. If you lot accept those beautiful fiddling milestone cards or a special family coating/hat/sentimental item, don't forget to pack them for your outset photos announcing baby to the world.
  • Baby book. Use this to capture your infant's footprints and jot down a few notes to remember the get-go few days. You can skip this 1 if y'all plan to utilize a digital baby volume, like Qeepsake.

Related: Your vagina later on childbirth isn't as scary every bit yous think

Don't forget your partner! The hospital likely doesn't provide much for them — besides an awkward sleeper couch to crash on.

  • Comfortable article of clothing. Over again, you lot'll likely be staying at least one night in the hospital. Your partner should bring some pajamas and other lounge clothing that will be cozy and applied for hanging with a newborn.
  • Comfy shoes. They should also consider bringing slippers that grip or other comfortable shoes and socks.
  • Toiletries. While the basics volition be provided to yous, they may not exist extended to anyone else. Remind your partner to think essentials, similar shampoo, confront wash, balm, deodorant, and toothbrush/toothpaste.
  • Medications. Your medications are typically provided if you don't bring them, but your partner will need to bring anything they're currently taking.
  • Glasses or contacts. Your partner volition need glasses and contacts supplies, similar saline, every bit well.
  • Phone and charger. Yous may not ever be able to notice a free moment, but your partner tin can go on your family unit and friends updated on your little one's inflow.
  • Camera. If your telephone doesn't have a dandy camera on it, have your partner bring ane to snap some photos of the big twenty-four hours.
  • Pillow and blanket. Hospital provisions aren't exactly the warmest. Once again, if your partner packs a pillow, put it in a colorful pillowcase so it won't alloy in with hospital ones.
  • Snacks. Labor and commitment tin be a long process, and you don't exactly want your partner slipping away to the cafeteria every 5 minutes. Pack some of your partner'south favorite snacks. Meal replacement bars may be helpful. (And pack some extras for yourself while y'all're at information technology.)
  • Water canteen. You'll probably take over the water cup provided to y'all. And then, have your partner bring an extra one to stay hydrated and happy.
  • Book or magazine. You'll be busy, but your partner may want some reading material during the long await or while y'all're sleeping/resting.
  • COVID-nineteen essentials. Wearing a facial covering may be required past the hospital you're in, so ask the hospital what they require in terms of face coverings. They may supply or inquire you to bring your ain. Consider too bringing disposable gloves and hand sanitizer.

In the end, what yous pack for your hospital or nativity center stay is up to yous and your individual needs. Try making a list of the things that you retrieve are essential to your own comfort and health.

And don't sweat information technology if y'all forget something or — gasp! — don't pack your bag in time for labor. (Hey — it happens!) Chances are you'll have most of what you'll need — or yous can send someone out to get the rest afterward your infant is born.