It’s the last thing you’ll grab as you head out the door—your overnight hospital bag.
Patti Valentini, director of Beaufort Memorial’s Birthing Center, says smart packing is key to a happy delivery.
“Having practical and comfort items in your bag can make your stay in the hospital much more pleasant,” she says. “For example, your support person may not want to leave you during labor, so energy bars can really come in handy. Have your bag packed no later than 36 weeks—but let’s hope you go the full 40!”
Here’s a handy checklist of items for you and your future little one that will help keep you prepared and comfortable:
Your Packing List
- Insurance card, picture ID, hospital forms and copies of your birth plan (if you choose to have one)
- Eyeglasses (if you wear them). Even if you normally wear contacts, you may want the ease of wearing glasses.
- Clothes, including socks and slippers (for walking the halls), underwear, a front-buttoning nightgown or pajamas (for easy nursing), a light robe
- Nursing bras
- Cellphone and charger or prepaid phone card
- Basic toiletries
- Change of clothes for leaving the hospital
- Book or magazines
- Snacks (for your support person during labor and you after delivery)
- Camera
Packing for Your Baby
- Approved car seat (installed in your car)
- Going-home outfit
- Receiving blanket
- Outerwear, including socks and hat (babies are sensitive to cold)
What Not to Bring
- Jewelry
- Lots of cash or other valuables
- Medications, including vitamins
- Diapers
- Formula, bottles or nipples
Expecting? Enroll in Baby University! Get ready to meet and care for the new member of your family with our Baby U classes. Register for these free classes now as space is limited. We recommend taking these classes during your seventh month of pregnancy.
- Baby Basics - Ease your transition from hospital to home by learning about how to bond with your baby, infant cues and typical newborn behavior, feeding, diapering, bathing and skincare tips, circumcision information, sleep and car seat safety, and much more!
- Prepared Childbirth - Learn about different childbirth methods, stages of labor and what to expect in the hospital labor room, as well as pain management techniques and how your birth partner can help support you in labor.
- Breastfeeding - Take the guesswork and anxiety out of breastfeeding by learning about the skill of latching the baby onto the breast.