Healthy snacks: pack things like trail mix, fruits, veggies, and more.Eyewear: glasses, contact lenses, and contact solution, if needed.Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and more.Sleep accessories: your own pillow and blankets from home.Cozy footwear: comfortable shoes such as sneakers, Crocs, or other slip-ons.Change of clothes: comfy clothes recommended, such as sweatpants, t-shirts, and pajamas.Here is our full checklist of what to pack: Let’s break down what you should consider when packing for a hospital stay. Plus, the extras you’re in charge of and you’ll be all set for delivery day!īelow we’ve outlined our complete checklist of what dads or support partners should have in their bags. Dad or partner, make sure your bag is stocked up with baby’s stuff. The last thing you want is to pack last-minute. Provide some entertainment, especially after your partner’s delivery, by bringing card games, portable speakers for music, and books.įirst and foremost, it's essential to pack your go bag well before the due date - because babies run on their own schedules. Include the basics such as healthy snacks, comfy clothes, own toiletries, and spare money.ĭon’t forget important documents like insurance card and birth plan. (Note: All of the information in this post is based on my own opinions and experiences.When we think about packing hospital bags for delivery, we are often so wrapped up in packing for mom (and baby!) that it's easy to forget that dads and partners also need go bags! Aside from the basics, we have a simple checklist of who should bring what to the hospital and why.Īt least a couple of weeks before the due date, you must pack your hospital bag and place it somewhere easily accessible. Different things I’ve done include Starbucks gifts cards and two coffee cakes from a local bakery to the nurses’ break room - one cake for the day shift and one for the night shift. This is not at all expected, but I loved doing it and it meant so much to them! Check with your hospital about what’s allowed. Thank you notes/treats for the nurses.

Snore sleep strips (Don’t knock em’ til you try em’ people…they work!).

Laptop/Kindle/Book (some kind of entertainment).

Pacifier (Your hospital may provide pacifiers.).

A cute blanket for pictures and draping over them in the car seat when it’s time to leave.

Bring a 1-2 options because you don’t know how big they will be!

Laptop/Kindle/Book (You will want some kind of entertainment.).

Travel sound machine (Don’t get your hopes up about sleeping a lot, but this will help you snag a few hours here and there!).

But a little foundation and mascara will provide a nice little pick me up after delivery.

Electrolytes (To help with dehydration, swelling and getting things moving afterwards.).

A long phone charger (You can have your phone in the hospital bed.).

Pillow (Bring a distinct pillowcase so it doesn’t get confused with the hospital’s.).

(I just got this one and really like it.)

My favorite PJ separates are these, these, and these.

You can also get nightgowns with nursing bras built in.

My favorite nightgowns are this one and this one.

Because I had a C-section, I brought nightgowns to avoid having elastic around my waist.

Compression socks (To help with swelling from the epidural and IV fluids.).That said, you do want to be comfortable, so having some of your own stuff will make those few days more enjoyable.And really has everything that you and baby will truly need. Three things to remember when packing your hospital bag for labor and delivery: But the third time was the charm and I was able to simplify, while still having everything I needed. Much like my normal vacation packing, the amount of stuff I brought to the hospital for my first two deliveries was…well… excessive. After three babies, I’ve learned a lot that I hope will be helpful to you as you think about what to bring for your own labor and delivery! Like all of us, I put a lot of thought into packing for the hospital and what to bring (or not bring).

Moms hospital bag checklist