Pack Your Bags and Meet Your Bundle of Joy
Having a baby makes for an exciting – and hectic – time. Four weeks before your due date, pack a suitcase. This simple task will help you feel more prepared when it’s time to head to the hospital.
Some items you might want to include are below.
What to Pack for Mom
- Photo ID and insurance card
- List of medications and preferred pharmacy
- Birth plan (if you have one)
- Nursing or sports bra
- Comfortable clothing to wear home
- Phone and charger
- Camera and charger or batteries
- Chapstick
- Hair ties
- Toiletry items – hairbrush, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
- Tools for relaxation – aromatherapy, focal point, music, books, magazines, massage tools
- Favorite blanket or pillow
What to Pack for Baby
In the hospital, your bassinet for baby will include: diapers, wipes, blankets and t-shirts to use during your stay. Prior to leaving the hospital, you will need to install a rear-facing car seat and have it inspected for safety.
Some suggestions for baby items to bring with you include:
- Name, address and phone number of the physician who will be caring for your baby after discharge
- A going home blanket and outfits to wear home. Be sure to bring a warm blanket, if it is cold outside.
- Socks and hand mittens
- Baby book for foot prints
- Rear-facing car seat
- A gift from baby for an older brother or sister
- Nursing pillow
What to Pack for Your Support Person
- Photo ID
- Cash, credit or debit cards
- Change of clothes
- Toiletry items – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, comb, shaving supplies
- Phone and charger
- Camera and batteries or charger
- Snacks
- Medicines or medical devices
- Tools to support laboring mom
- A jacket or warm sweatshirt – sometimes our laboring moms like to keep the rooms cold
- Your favorite blanket or pillow