What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Delivery Day

If your due date is drawing near, you’re probably thinking about getting your hospital bag ready to go. Packing your hospital bag well in advance will ensure you don’t forget any essential items at home on the big day — like your cellphone charger! That said, it’s also easy to go overboard and pack a lot of stuff you don’t need, adding unnecessary bulk to your bag. To help you keep it simple, Detroit Dreams Tonight shares some insights. Here’s everything you need to pack — and a few things that you don’t — for a comfortable stay in the hospital.

Find Out What Your Hospital Provides

Before you start shopping for supplies, call your hospital and find out what they will provide for you during the labor and delivery process. Keep in mind that different hospitals provide different things, but most provide newborn diapers, wipes, pads, mesh underwear, pacifiers, newborn onesies, and a variety of personal care items for you and your baby. With this list on hand, you can keep your packing to a minimum. Just remember to leave a little extra room in your bag to bring home all those freebies from the hospital. And don’t forget that the one thing you will absolutely have to bring for your baby is an infant car seat, so you can get your newborn home safely. 

Bring Comfortable Clothing

One of the most important things to bring to the hospital is comfortable clothing. While you don’t need to go out and buy a lot of new clothes for your hospital stay, a couple of soft and comfy items can help you feel fresh and beautiful after giving birth. Consider treating yourself to a flattering nursing gown, a stretchy pair of leggings, and a nice going-home outfit so you can feel and look your best on the way home from the hospital. You may also want to bring your own birthing gown, so you feel more like yourself during labor and delivery.

Important Documents

You will need to provide the hospital with a variety of important documents when you arrive. Make sure you have your insurance card, your birth plan, and your pediatrician’s contact information so the hospital can forward your baby’s medical records. If you can pre-register with the hospital prior to your labor, Verywell Family recommends bringing a copy of your registration paperwork so you can fast-track the admission process on the big day.

Toiletries

While some hospitals provide toiletries, you may want to have your own with you. That post-delivery shower will feel a lot more comforting if you bring all of your familiar shampoos and soaps along. Plus, toiletries won’t take much space in your bag. Remember to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, a hairbrush, hair ties, lip balm, and moisturizer. Remind your partner to pack their toiletries, as well!

Remember Items for Your Partner

Make sure your birth partner also packs a bag of essentials to keep them comfortable and entertained during your hospital stay. For example, they should pack an extra-long phone charger, a tablet loaded with favorite shows, coins for parking or hospital vending machines, and a selection of snacks so they won’t have to leave your side to hunt down a cafeteria. Your partner may also want to have a change of clothes, a pillow, and a blanket or two — you never know how long you’ll be in the hospital!

You’ll find it much easier to relax and enjoy the final weeks of your pregnancy when you know there’s a hospital bag packed and sitting ready by the front door. Packing your bag with comfortable clothes, healthy snacks, and soothing supplies is a great way to practice self-care and ease some stress as you approach your delivery date.

Getting your hospital bag ready to go isn’t the only way to prepare for the arrival of your newborn. If you’re worried about struggling through sleepless nights and long, lethargic days with your little one, consider hiring a sleep coach or a postpartum doula. Contact Detroit Dreams Tonight.