Pregnancy and Childbirth: What to Bring to the Hospital

You’re likely feeling anxious as your child’s birth approaches. This is normal. To give yourself some peace of mind, pack a bag ahead of time. Do this about 1 month ahead of your estimated delivery date. Here is a list of things to bring:

• Personal care items (toothbrush, hair brush, lip balm, lotion, mints or breath strips, and shampoo)

• Eyeglasses (if you wear them)

• Nightgown (if you plan to breastfeed, pack one that allows for nursing)

• Nursing bra if you plan to breastfeed

• Nursing pillow and sleeping pillow

• Bathrobe and slippers

• Many hospitals provide maternity underwear, but you may want to bring underwear that can be soiled because you will have bleeding after delivery

• Comfortable clothes for you to wear home (sweatpants, yoga pants, or other stretchable clothes). Your prepregnancy clothes may not fit after delivery.

• Clothes for your baby to wear home

• Personal music player and headphones

• Camera or video camera with new batteries or charger

• Coins for vending machines

• Phone numbers of people to call after the birth

• Cell phone and charger

• Insurance information and any other paperwork needed for your hospital stay

• A list of baby names you are thinking of

• An infant, rear-facing car seat for bringing home your baby (this is required by law)

Add anything else that you don’t want to forget:

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