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Packing List for a Hospital Stay

For most new moms, having a baby usually means a two- to four-day hospital stay. Most physicians recommend packing the hospital bag no later than 36 weeks into pregnancy, so that everything is ready in case baby comes earlier than expected. Taking items from home can increase mom's comfort during her stay and gives her something to take her mind off the impending delivery.

  1. Mom

    • You need items to get you through labor and delivery as well as the hospital stay. Pack documents including your driver's license or state identification, insurance card and any hospital paperwork. During labor, you might want to have labor aids such as a focal object, pillows, music or reading material and massage oil. Pack plenty of changes of clothing, including nightgowns, and maternity clothing. The feet often swell as a result of medications administered during labor, so pack slippers or sandals for the hospital stay. BabyCenter suggests you pack toiletries, including hair products, cosmetics and cleansers. Women bleed after giving birth, so pack disposable underwear and maxipads. If you plan to breastfeed, babyzone suggests packing nursing bras, nursing pads and shirts with nursing openings.

    The Father

    • If the new mom wants photos or a video during or after the baby's birth, bring a camera or video camera with extra batteries, a charger and digital memory. Many hospitals have free wireless Internet access; bring the laptop to send out the baby's first photo and details to friends and family. Pack a cell phone and charger and a list of phone numbers to call after the delivery. Pack your own change of clothes, toiletries, reading material and a pillow. If the mom plans to use the shower, bathtub or a birthing pool to labor in, pack a swimsuit so you can get into the water with her.

    Baby

    • If you plan to keep a baby book, bring this along so baby's footprints and birth details can be added to the pages right away. Baby will need a going home outfit; in cold weather, this might include a heavy blanket. Pack these items in baby's diaper bag, along with some diapers and wipes.

    Siblings

    • Bring a gift for the new baby brother or sister, such as a big sister t-shirt. Pack items to keep siblings busy while they visit, such as books, coloring books and crayons. Add some special snacks and juice boxes.

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