Hospital bag checklist with labor, delivery & postpartum must-haves for mom, dad & baby (printable)

July 8, 11:55 AMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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When you're about a month or so away from your baby's due date that's circled in thick red marker on your calendar and you've been waiting for FOREVER to come, it's time to finally pack your trusty hospital bag.

This is no mini-vaca at a hotel, so you're list is going to be a little different from other overnight stays you've gone on before. Like for example - no need to pack underwear if you're having a vaginal delivery. Weird, I know. But you'll be using special postnatal undies that the hospital will provide that have extra space for an ice pack and thick pads to catch blood. Not the coolest things in the world but boy are they great for after delivery!

On your hospital tour, ask what supplies they provide for baby. Most will provide everything you need for the first day or two including diapers, formula & bottles (if needed), wipes, baby shirts, baby blankets, and a baby hat.

You'll also probably want to bring a second bag with items just for the delivery room, in addition to your overnight bag that'll have stuff for once you're moved into your recovery/postpartum room.

Check list for your overnight bag:

• cell phone - To call everyone and share the big news!
• shampoo
  
• conditioner
  
• shower gel
  
• comb/brush
  
• razor - If you're a hairy legs gal, it's nice to have a shower at the end of your long day (once you're epidural has worn off) and get all the way clean and fresh feeling. Clean shaven legs can really help you feel fresh.
• toothbrush
  
• toothpaste
  
• nipple cream to ease discomfort (your hospital may provide this, just ask in advance)
• hair rubber bands/headband (whatever you use to keep your hair pulled back)
• pillow -It's SO nice to have your fav pillow - just make sure to use a non-white pillow case so it won't blend in with the hospital's stuff. If dad's going to stay the night in the room on the pull out chair - be sure to bring him a pillow (and blanket) too!
• bathrobe - For when you want to go with baby to see him/her get his first bath without it mattering what you're wearing in your hospital room.
• socks
  
• slippers - Those hospital floors are chilly!
• flip flops (to use in the shower if you want)
• 2-3 pairs of yoga or pajama pants
• breast feeding tank top
  
• t-shirt, tank top or other comfy shirt
  
• going home outfit for you
  
• going home outfit for baby
  
• camera (with charger and a cable to connect to your laptop if you bring it)
• laptop computer (if you want to keep a journal or want to share your big news via email - and the hospital has WIFI)
• inkpad and paper/baby journal - for getting those first day hand and foot prints recorded
• pacifier (if you plan to use one) -Your hospital might provide one, ask ahead of time
• prenatal vitamins - To keep up top nutrition for your newborn's breast milk
• big brother/ big sister shirts to give to your other little ones to wear the day you bring baby home
• "birthday shirt" for baby to wear the day he/she is born. I like to make a special one that I fill in all the birth stats on once baby's born. Then I take "birth day" photos in it to send out as birth announcements.
• If you're having a planned C-section you may want to buy some special underwear made just for moms who get a c-section. They have a padded top band for extra comfort.
• infant carseat - This is one item the hospital will mandate you have before allowing you to check out with baby! You can just have it in your car and not bring it up until it's time to check out.

Check list for the delivery room bag:

• journal - A prenatal class I took before my first baby suggested this and it was a fabulous idea! the idea is that your husband or partner keeps a log of everything that happens during your labor and delivery -from the time your water breaks... to when you arrive, pushing and everything else. This way you can remember everything and have that for when you share your birth story with friends and family. It's really fun to go back and read at baby's 1st birthday too!
• lotion - So your husband/partner can give you massages while you're in labor
• snacks - For dad to munch on during the labor portion. It can take a while and you don't want him going anywhere!
• iPod with portable speakers or portable CD player with fav cds - This is a great thing to help time pass and you to stay relaxed a focused. Plus you can pre-bet what song will be playing when baby finally is born! Your hospital may have rooms with a port to plug in your iPod or a cd player in the room - be sure to ask at your hospital tour or call up anytime before the big day.
• If you have other children and they'll be coming into the delivery room after baby's born but before you're moved to the recovery room, make sure to pack a little gift - like a baby doll of their own to hold and care for- while you're holding and caring for the new baby. We did this for my oldest and it was a great success!