What You Should Bring To The Hospital

The arrival of your new son or daughter is a time of excitement and joy. It's often a hectic time as well, so it can be difficult to remember to pack everything that you need to bring to the hospital.

Four weeks before the baby's due date, you should make sure you have the following items. Pack as many beforehand as you can. Use the following checklist as a guide to getting organized for the big event.

Items For Mom

• Nightgown and bathrobe
• Slippers
• Bra and nursing bra
• Breast pads
• Socks (several pair)
• Underwear (several pair)
• Sanitary napkins (plenty)
• Hair ties, "scrunchies"
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, lip balm, lotion, deodorant
• Comfortable and loose fitting clothing to wear home

Items For Baby

• Going home outfit for baby
• Receiving blanket
• Diapers
• Warm clothing to wear home/heavy bunting or blanket (if cold weather)
• Baby socks
• Baby hat (especially for cold weather climates)
• Baby car seat. (Call the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT for more information on the safety rating of a particular model.) A car seat is required by law and should be properly installed in your car before you go to the hospital.

Items For Labor Coach

• Stopwatch, or watch with a second hand for timing contractions
• Phone list of contacts to announce birth to friends and family; phone card, calling card, or change for calls
• Massage rollers, massage oils to relieve back pain due to labor
• The object you've chosen to use to focus your attention during labor (the "focal point")

Items For Hospital Staff

• Health plan insurance card
• Hospital admissions papers (you may have to be pre-admitted)
• Pregnancy medical file; over-the-counter and prescription medication information
• Birth plan

Other Important Items

• Money for parking
• Camera, still or video or both, film, batteries, videotapes
• Books, magazines
• Music (portable music player; favorite tapes, or CDs)
• Inspirational items such as rocks, crystals, candles, lockets, photographs, etc.

Review Date: June 29, 2001
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.


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