What to bring to the Hospital
For Mom:
For Husband/Partner
For Baby
For Mom:
- Nightgown or shirt to wear during labor you don't feel comfortable in a gown provided from the hospital (it should be loose·fltting or something that can be completely opened in the front)
- Robe or bed jacket
- Socks
- Slippers
- Nightgown or pajamas (if breast-feeding, bring those made for nursing)
- 2-4 bras (nursing bras if you plan to breast-feed)
- 3-6 pairs of underpants
- Toiletries: toothbrush/toothpaste; soap; shampoo/conditioner; deodorant; lotion; comb; brush; lip balm/chap stick
- Hair scrunchie, rubber band or hair clip to pull hair back during labor
- A photo or object to be used as a focal point during labor
- Going-home outfit - something comfortable and loose-fitting
- Lollipops or hard candy to keep your mouth moist during labor
- An activity (such as pre-addressing birth announcements, crossword puzzles) or book to keep busy during early labor
- Makeup, lipstick, and scented shower gel or body powder to make you feel better after labor
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses (keep in mind that you can wear your eyeglasses during labor, but you must take out your contacts)
- Watch
- Address book
- A small gift from the baby for the other children at home
For Husband/Partner
- Insurance information
- Hospital pre-registration information
- Change of clothes and toiletries, if he or she is allowed to stay in room
- Things to be used during labor: soothing music, something to be used as a focal point, tennis ball or lotion for massage, watch, paper, pen, snacks
- Book or magazine for reading
- List of people and phone numbers to call and the order in which they are to be called
- Change, long-distance calling card, or phone to make calls
- Camera and film (make sure it is charged, pre-loaded with memory/film and in good working condition)
- Camcorder or cassette recorder with sufficient memory/tapes/discs (*hospital policy restricts filming until after your baby is born)
For Baby
- Cord blood collection kit (it prearranged)
- Onesy, socks, hat
- Going-home outfit
- Bunting/jacket (depending on season)
- Receiving blanket (and a heavier blanket if it is cold)
- Car seat (Remember - you can't leave the hospital without it. Please make sure it is properly installed (many baby stores and police and fire departments offer instruction). Click here for a complete guide to car seats for infants.