A lot will be going through your head when you go into labor. Having a pre-packed labor and delivery bag ready to go is a great way to ensure you don't forget any of the essentials when you're on the way to the hospital.
Dr. Geneva Wahl, OB-GYN at Moreland OB-GYN and mother, shares her necessary, comforting, and helpful delivery items. Watch our vlog below and read our printable hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery. Continue reading our blog for a complete list of all items you could bring to the hospital.
Video Transcription: Hi, I'm Dr. Geneva Wahl, and I'm a provider at Moreland OB-GYN. I'm here today to talk about what you should bring in your hospital bag for delivery. So first I'm going to start talking about what you should bring for yourself. So first thing would be a toiletry bag. This can include things like lotions, soaps, shampoo--comforts of home. All of this will be available at the hospital, but you'll likely want to use your own stuff. Next would be clothing. So that can include nursing bras as well as nursing tanks or nursing tops. Then I also would recommend bringing comfy clothes for you to wear during your stay, and clothes to wear home with. So loose-fitting clothes, pajamas. You could also bring a robe and comfy socks. Also really important to bring chapstick--the hospital is very dry. Next we'll be going over things for baby. So good idea to bring some outfits for baby -- one outfit if you plan on taking pictures, something cute for baby to wear. As well as an outfit to go home with. Good to bring a burping cloth and a blanket for baby. So one comfy blanket as well as another blanket or a different type of cloth especially if you have pets at home so you can bring it home and introduce the pets to baby's scent. Bring snacks or food you like to eat late at night. Also a great way to make sure you are staying well hydrated especially if you are breastfeeding. Another thing you can bring would be your breast pump. That's a good way for a lactation consultant to help you learn how to use the breast pump so you know how to use it at home. But the hospital does have pumps available, so if you don't bring it you don't need to worry. I hope you found this video useful. As always it's Moreland's goal to lead women to better health.
You're going to fill out a lot of paperwork for baby, so make sure you have the social security numbers for both you and your partner. Other important documents you’ll need include:
The hospital will supply basic toiletries, although bringing your personal shampoo and soap from home can be a source of familiarity and comfort for new moms. Consider putting the following into your bag:
You will be in a hospital gown during the actual delivery, but it's important not to forget a change of clothes for you after your baby is born. Packing appropriate sizes (your body won't immediately return to normal) of your most comfortable clothes is key. Consider putting the following in your bag:
Having a blanket for baby will provide them comfort and give them something to bond with from your home. This blanket will also be helpful later if you need to introduce a pet to your baby.
NOTE: If you have pets at home, bring a second blanket to use with baby. Then, take that blanket home first to familiarize your pets with baby's scent.
It’s important to consider the weather when packing clothes for baby. For example, if it's winter, be sure you have a baby hat, mittens, and a blanket to cover baby because coats cannot be worn in a carseat.
Many moms like to post pictures after delivery to let others know both mom and baby are doing well. Having an outfit picked out can make this moment that much more special and personal.
This is a personal option from mom to mom, as not all mothers choose to breastfeed. For those that do, packing a boppy or pillow you plan on using for breastfeeding allows you to get hands-on guidance and practice with the lactation consultants while at the hospital.
For mothers who have never used a pump before, lactation specialists can help you learn how to use it. It’s a great idea to bring your pump along to get a free tutorial! If you are unable to bring your pump and for whatever reason need to start pumping at the hospital, hospital pumps are available.
Many people have a nice camera they want to bring for after delivery photos, although the camera on a smartphone will also work just fine!
Your phone battery will drain quickly from taking photos and updating friends and family, so be sure you bring a phone charger with an extra-long cord.
Bringing an iPad or laptop is a great way to communicate with outside family and help pass the time while you’re waiting. Don’t forget the chargers!
Bringing a baby book to the hospital can be helpful if you want to take and document footprints and handprints.
A must! It's dry at the hospital and you'll be happy to have it.
You may be at the hospital a while; bring your favorite healthy snacks in case you get hungry between meals.
Many parents like to give something to the older sibling to help ease their anxiety over the new baby. Older siblings may also want to give something special to their new baby sister or brother.
Giving birth is hard work! You’ll be most comfortable with your hair pulled back and out of your face, so don't forget to pack hair ties and a headband.
Every mother is different, and you'll want to bring what makes you comfortable during this process. Such comforts could include:
While not likely to fit in your hospital bag, it’s a good idea to have a car seat nearby as a reminder before heading to the hospital. After delivery, have someone bring the car seat to the hospital room to ensure it’s correctly adjusted before you leave to take baby home.
A car seat that has been sitting in a car in the hospital parking lot may be too hot or cold for baby. Bringing the car seat to the hospital room will also ensure it’s a comfortable temperature.
With your pre-packed labor and delivery bag ready to go, that's one less thing to worry about as you welcome your new family member! To learn more about contractions and when to go to the hospital, visit this page.
Remember, childbirth is different from woman to woman. After birth, you should take it easy and listen to your body. For more information about postpartum health, visit our postpartum care page.
If you have any questions about your delivery or preparing for labor, please contact or request an appointment with our caring physicians.
Download our Birth Plan Checklist by clicking the image below to get started!