What to Take to the Hospital

Now that you’re in the final weeks of your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to start gathering what you need to bring with you to the hospital. Here are a few ideas for what to pack for you, your spouse or labor coach, and your baby.

Mom

• Bra and nursing bra
• Breast pads
• Several pairs of underwear and socks
• Robe and slippers
• Hair ties or headbands
• Lip balm
• Loose-fitting and comfortable clothes to wear home (something you were able to wear around the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy)
• Glasses/contacts (if needed)

Spouse/Labor Coach

• Watch or stopwatch to time contractions
• Contact list to announce your baby’s arrival to family and friends
• The “focal point” object for focusing attention during labor
• Massage oils or massage rollers to relieve mom’s back pain
• Prayer beads
• Photos
• Portable music players
• Snacks or change for vending machines
• Book or magazines
• Phone and charger
• Camera and/or camcorder
• Change of clothes
• Toiletries
• Glasses/contacts (if needed)

Baby

• Receiving blanket
• Two going-home outfits (in case of a diaper blowout) including a hat
• Baby socks
• Baby car seat, which is required by law (and isn’t provided by the hospital)

Check with the hospital about the items the staff will need from you. Those items include your health insurance card, your pregnancy medical file, admissions paperwork, birth preferences and the contact information for your pediatrician.

Want to learn more about child labor and delivery? Download our maternity guide.