A healthy living blog from Marshfield Clinic Health System

Packing for the hospital: Baby delivery

Hospital packing list for baby delivery - graphic

Pack your hospital bag a month before the delivery date to ease some stress during your experience.

During childbirth, your focus is on having a healthy and happy baby. To ease some stress during the experience, Dr. Melissa Emmerich, Marshfield Clinic Health System OB/GYN, recommends packing your hospital bag a month before the delivery date.

Here is a list of a few must-have items, along with some items parents often wish they had during hospital delivery.

For baby:

  • Rear-facing, infant size car seat properly installed.
  • A coming home outfit appropriate for the season; winter should include a hat and mittens.
  • A blanket appropriate for the season; a light blanket during the summer.
  • A baby book or memento for a keepsake. Footprints and handprints can be added to those during your hospital stay.

For mom:

  • Relaxing music, a vocal point, card games or book to occupy your mind.
  • Snacks like hard candy or gum.
  • Lip moisturizer.
  • Hair band or hair tie.
  • Slippers.
  • A robe to cover up and be comfortable instead of your hospital gown.
  • Comfortable clothes for going home.
  • Large sanitary pads after using hospital pads.
  • Breastfeeding moms need essentials such as nursing pillow, bra and clothing, and breast pump form, or bring your own pump.

For parents:

  • Insurance card and pharmacy card.
  • Your Social Security information for baby’s birth certificate and Social Security card paperwork for baby.
  • Maternity/paternity paperwork.
  • Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner and deodorant. Most hospitals supply some, but parents prefer their own.
  • Ear plugs or headphones for sleeping during the hospital stay.
  • Glasses and contacts supplies.
  • Camera or phone with important numbers to contact.
  • Journal/notebook and pen.

Download this list to check off before your hospital stay. If you have additional questions on what to pack for your delivery, talk to your provider.

Print packing list

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