Your Prebirth Items Checklist

Use this helpful list to guide you as you pack your hospital bag:

For mom

• Nightgown or shirt to wear during labor if you don't feel comfortable in a gown provided by the hospital (they should be loose fitting or something that can be completely opened in the front)
• Robe or bed jacket
• Socks
• Slippers
• Nightgown and/or pajamas (if breastfeeding, then bring ones made for nursing)
• 2 - 4 bras (nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed)
• 3 - 6 pairs of underpants
• Toiletries (toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lotion, comb/brush, lip balm/chap stick)
• Elastic/Scrunchie or hair clip to pull hair back during labor
• A photo or object to be used as a focal point during labor
• Going home outfit (something comfortable/loose fitting)

Optional

• Lollipops or hard candy to keep your mouth moist during labor
• An activity (such as pre-addressing birth announcements or crossword puzzles) or a book to keep busy during early labor
• Your baby book - you can record your delivery details and first moments with your baby and the nurses can put your baby's hand and foot prints on the appropriate page while they are inked for the hospital records
• Cord Blood Collection kit (if you decided to collect your baby's cord blood)
• Makeup, lipstick, scented shower gel or body powder to make you feel better after labor
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses (keep in mind that you can wear your eyeglasses during labor, but you must take out your contacts)
• Watch
• Address book
• A few small gifts or one for all of the nurses that helped care for you
• A small gift for the other children at home from the baby

For partner

• Insurance information
• Hospital preregistration information
• Change of clothes and toiletries, if they're allowed to stay in the room

Optional

• Things to be used during labor: soothing music, something to be used as a focal point, tennis ball, rolling pin or lotion for massage, watch, paper/pen, snacks
• Book or magazine for reading
• List of people and phone numbers to call
• Camera/film (make sure it's preloaded and in good working condition before you go)
• Camcorder and/or cassette recorder with tapes

For baby

• T-shirt, socks, hat
• Going home outfit
• Bunting/jacket (depending on season)
• Receiving blanket (and a heavier blanket if it's cold)
• Car seat (Keep in mind that you can't leave the hospital without it)