What to Pack for Labor and Delivery

Knowing what to pack for labor and delivery will ensure you have all the supplies you need for a comfortable hospital stay.

You do not need to pack multiple suitcases to prepare for labor and delivery.

Expecting parents should have their hospital bags packed by 36 weeks or sooner if there are pregnancy complications that may cause a preterm birth. Pack two bags, one for use during labor and a second for items needed in recovery and for the remainder of your hospital stay.

Pack for mom first as it generally takes the greatest amount of time.

• Pack your insurance information and at least one photo ID. Bring any papers given to you by your doctor or requested by the hospital.
• Bring a favorite pillow and/or a comfort object to use as a focal point during labor.
• Pack a comfortable pair of slippers, a warm bathrobe, and several pairs of socks to keep your feet warm and protected.
• Throw some lollipops or hard candy in your bag to keep your mouth moist during labor. Also, pack some lip balm to soothe dry, chapped lips.
• Make certain to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair ties, deodorant, and any other essential toiletries.
• Bring a small CD player and some CDs with you if the hospital allows.
• If a back massage sounds nice during labor, pack some oil or lotion in your labor bag.
• Pack your glasses in case the hospital does not allow you to wear your contacts while giving birth. If you normally wear contacts, also pack any supplies necessary for their care.
• Do not forget to pack your camera! This item is possibly even more important than your toothbrush. Pack some extra film and batteries and an extra memory card if your camera is digital.
• Bring a phone list and the charger for your cell phone. You will be making many calls during your hospital stay and using the hospital phone is expensive. If you do not have a cell phone, bring a long-distance calling card to use when calling loved ones.
• Pack at least two outfits in your bag that are comfortable and easy to put on and take off. Because you will not return to your pre-pregnancy size and weight immediately, bring clothes that fit you when you were about six months pregnant.
• Bring a couple of nursing bras if you intend to breastfeed.
• Stash a few healthy snacks in your bag in case you are unable to stomach the hospital's food. Fruit, cereal, and protein shakes are all portable, nutritious, and tasty.
• If a wireless Internet connection is available inside the hospital, bring your laptop for emailing friends and family or updating your Facebook page with newborn photos.
• If you have older children, pack a gift for them inside your bag. They may feel left out by all the attention the new baby is receiving. You may also want to bring a framed photo of your older children and place it next to your hospital bed.

In addition to packing supplies necessary for mom during labor and delivery, newborns need a few things of their own:

• Pack several changes of clothes for the new arrival in at least two different sizes. Babies tend to come out larger or smaller than anticipated, and you want to make sure you have something in your bag that fits properly. Bring backup outfits since your newborn is likely to have a leaky diaper or spit up on at least one outfit while in the hospital.
• Bring a couple of hats, some socks, and a pair of booties to keep your baby warm.
• For winter births, you may want to pack an extra receiving blanket for use in the hospital and a warmer blanket for the car ride home.
• Bring along any special medical instructions for your baby's new pediatrician. Your baby may require treatment while you are sleeping or otherwise unable to communicate with the doctors.
• Do not forget the car seat. Most hospitals require a confirmation of a properly installed car seat before allowing baby to leave for home.

Do not forget dad when making your list of what to pack for labor and delivery.

• If the new dad intends to spend the night in the hospital, he will need a small pillow, blanket, and a change of clothes.
• Pack a bag of toiletries for dad that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
• Throw a bathing suit in your labor bag in case you want to take a shower or bath during labor. Dad will need something to change into if he desires to join you.
• Bring a few healthy snacks for dad so he need not leave during labor.
• Do not forget to bring some cash and coins to the hospital for vending machines and parking.

You should leave a few items at home for safety and security reasons.

• Do not bring jewelry or large amounts of cash to the hospital.
• Speak with your doctor in advance about what medications you should bring with you and what medications should be left at home.
• There is no need to bring a breast pump, diapers, or wipes, as the hospital will supply these items for use during your stay.

Packing several weeks in advance will help guarantee you do not forget any important items, but even if you discover your camera or toothbrush missing once you arrive at the hospital, a family member can always visit your home to collect forgotten items. Over packing means more to pack on your day of discharge and more to put away when you get home.

Print out this list of what to pack for labor and delivery in case you end up at the hospital unexpectedly and need a family member to take care of your bags for you.

• Winter Maternity Clothing
• Maternity Polo Shirts
• Summer Maternity Fashion
• Gender Selection and Conception
• Conception Myths

• How Soon Can I Take a Pregnancy Test
• Natural Ways to Induce Labor
• How to Conceive a Boy
• How to Conceive a Girl
• Early Pregnancy Symptoms