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Pack a Birthing Bag for the Hospital

Edited by Yuliya, Dougie-1, Eng

5 Parts: Who needs a birthing bag? What to pack into a hospital birthing bag Additional tips for packing a birthing bag Resources Comments

Your due date is fast approaching and you've already set up your upcoming baby's nursery. One more thing you'll need to prepare before you're ready to give birth is your birthing bag.

Contents

1 Who needs a birthing bag?
2 What to pack into a hospital birthing bag
3 Additional tips for packing a birthing bag
4 Resources
5 Comments

Who needs a birthing bag?

If you're giving birth at home or at a special birthing location, you may not need to pack anything. But if you're giving birth in a hospital, you'll want to put some supplies away into a prepared bag at least a week or two before your anticipated delivery date.

The last thing you want to worry about when your contractions start or your water breaks is whether you have all the things you'll need for your trip to the hospital - especially if this is your first time giving birth.

What to pack into a hospital birthing bag

Here are the supplies you should put into a birthing bag so you can be prepared when you're ready to head to the hospital:

Before delivery

1
Your ID card, insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you will need.

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2
Something to help you relax
.
You may want to bring special music to listen to, or a photo to look at. If you feel something will help you get through the delivery easier, prepare it beforehand.

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After delivery

1
Comfortable clothes for the hospital
.
Pack loose clothes. You might be shedding some baby weight right away, but you may be surprised at how much excess stomach you're left with! A robe or loose fitting pajama pants or sweatpants work well. Any kind of loose shirt will do, but make sure it's either short-sleeved or has sleeves that are easy to roll up for periodic blood pressure checks.
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2
Snacks
.
Hospitals provide you with meals, but you may find that the strain of birth and breastfeeding makes you more peckish than usual. Make sure everything is sealed and non-perishable (and make sure beforehand than the hospital is fine with this).
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3
Cell phone charger
.
Just in case!
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4
Pen and paper
.
For filling out forms and recording information about baby's feeding sessions.

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5
Some change
.
In case you get hungry and run out of snacks. Although it's preferable to send your significant other out to a nearby store for more snacks - they'll be cheaper and have more variety.
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Heading home

1
Street clothes to head home in
.
Again, pack something light and loose for the road home.
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2
Clothes for your baby
.
Most hospitals provide some onesies and swaddling blankets, but you can bring your own as well. If it's cold outside, make sure to bring something warm to protect your newborn from the temperature.
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3
A ride home with a car seat
.
If your partner isn't the one driving you home, make sure you have a contact who will. Arrange for someone to drive you home beforehand, or have the numbers of several taxi services nearby (and the money to pay for them). Bring your own car seat or make sure the taxi service has one. The hospital will not let you leave without one!
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Optional supplies

1
Slippers and socks
.
Most hospitals provide both or either, but you can bring your own if you'd me more comfortable with it.
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2
Something to read, or any other relaxing entertainment
.
You might be swamped by visitors, getting used to your new baby, and being exhausted, but having something to do to relax is a good idea. Some light reading can help slow your mind down a bit - it's sure to be racing!
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3
A camera
.
To record the happy occasion. Make sure the batteries are charged!
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4
Toiletries
.
The hospital will provide these, but you may want to bring your own if you prefer: a towel, hair and body wash, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. You can also bring a hair dryer if you feel you'll need it (and don't mind the extra weight.

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5
Some maternity underwear and heavy flow pads
.
The hospital will provide you with these, but you may prefer to bring your own.
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6
Baby book
.
You can record the birth details and even get the nurses to put your baby's footprint into the book right away.

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7
A box of chocolates or treats for the nurses
.
They'll go through your birth with you, staying by your side and encouraging you. A nice treat for them will be a nice gesture they're sure to appreciate!
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Additional tips for packing a birthing bag

All the things you want to bring can get heavy or cumbersome. Pack a separate bag for the things you consider necessities, and another for the optional items. If you have the chance, leave the optional bag in the car, or ask your partner to bring it later if you find that you need it. You'll be thankful you packed light!
You do not need to bring diapers, formula, a breast pump, or any other baby care supplies. The hospital will provide those for you.