Don't Panic! Your Detailed Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist
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Having everything you need when leaving for the hospital will avoid unnecessary stress when you’re in labour and during recovery. It's best to have your hospital bag ready at least 30 weeks into your pregnancy – but the sooner the better! Here is a list of items that you should consider for your hospital bag.
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From my own personal experience, the #1 thing I couldn't live without in my hospital bag was earplugs! There are many noisy babies and women in the hospital, and you'll definitely need them to get some much needed sleep.
Pre-packed items:
- Cheap PJ’s or large t-shirt for early stages of labour x2
- Nursing nightie (with breast flaps) if breastfeeding x2
- Nursing bra or sports bra
- Sweatshirt or sweater
- Old or disposable underwear x5 pairs
- Slippers
- Housecoat
- Flip flops (for showers)
- Comfy clothes for going home (preferably maternity)
- Warm socks x3 pairs
- Lip balm
- Hairbrush
- Moisturiser
- Mini shampoo & conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Mini toothpaste
- Mini shower gel
- Make-up bag
- Hairbands/hair clips
- Earplugs
- Maternity pads x1 pack
- Breast pads x1 pack
- Nice dark towels for shower x2
- Pad & pen (for taking important notes)
- Change of clothes for your birthing partner
Last minute items to pack:
- Hospital notes & birth plan x4 copies
- Identification, insurance information, and registration forms (if required)
- Money/change for parking meters
- Two bottles of frozen water/juice & snacks
- Cameras & chargers
- Cell phones & chargers
- Ipod/MP3 player
- Laptop (great for watching movies!)
Baby’s hospital bag:
- Baby towel x2
- Swaddle Blankets x 2
- Bibs x2
- Onesies x5
- Sleepsuits x5
- Sweater x 1
- Warm hat
- Scratch mitts
- Going home outfit (including jacket if during cold months)
- Booties/Socks x2 pairs
- Newborn size diapers x1 pack
- Car seat (make sure base is installed in advance!)
- Baby wipes
Some hospitals will provide baby with the essentials – be sure to check with your doctor or midwife.
Questions to ask your hospital beforehand:
- Should we call ahead before coming in during labour? What is the number?
- If we come in during the night, is there a particular entrance that will be open?
- Can we see the birthing suite beforehand?
- Will the doctors or midwives be looking at my birth plan?
- Is there anything in particular you think I should bring?
- How long will I be kept in the hospital?
- Can family friends wait in the waiting room during my labour?
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Brittani Munroe 8 weeks ago
I'm five months today and feel like i nine months what all i surpose to carry with me when i'm having the baby