Hospital Bag(s) Checklist

Liz5663 · August 2012

Ok, so I just want to make sure I am as prepared and reasonable as possible. Anything I should forget, or that I should add?

My Pre-Delivery Bag:

1. Childbirth notes, guidelines, and/or tips

2. Birth plan

3. Insurance

4. ID

5. Massage tool

6. Rice sock

7. Socks

8. Chapstick

9. Brush

10. Hair bands

11. Toothbrush

12. Toothpaste

13. Deodorant

14. Camera (and charger and memory cards)

15. Ipod (and headphones)

16. Kindle

17. List of people to notify

18. Snacks

19. Mints

20. Change for machines

21. Notepad & pen

22. Flip Flops

My Post-Delivery Bag:

1. Comfortable go home clothes

2. Sweater or robe

3. Nursing tank

4. Underpants (black & not important)

5. Shampoo

6. Hair dryer

7. Make-up

8. Baby sign for door

9. Shoes

Husbands Bag:

1. Change of clothes

2. Toothbrush

3. Toothpaste

4. Energy Drinks

Baby Bag:

1. Clothes for hospital photo(s)

2. Clothes to wear home

3. Blanket

4. Car seat

rnbeth477 · August 2012

Hand sanitizer, baby book for footprints/handprints.

HKearl · August 2012

You actually gave me one I didn't think of #17. I was just assuming that DH would know who to contact on his own. I think I'll take chance out of that equation now, thanks for the idea!

JenLy2012 · August 2012

Disposable nursing bra pads and nipple cream. I am also packing overnight pads since the ones at the hospital are depend like sizes.

mopsie · August 2012

An eye mask and ear plugs. The room was really bright in L&D and it would've been really hard to relax and get some sleep with all the beeping, nurses coming in and out, etc.

CurlyQ284 · August 2012

Hats for LO, my SIL just gave birth this weekend and they didn't think of hats. The hospital ones were not cute and in all the pictures.

526SadieSadie · August 2012

Liz5663:

My Pre-Delivery Bag:

1. Childbirth notes, guidelines, and/or tips ?? You're going to be in a hospital, what notes/tips do you think you'll need? I'm confused

2. Birth plan - if you want

3. Insurance - you'll probably be pre-registered by your doctor, they most likely won't need your card

4. ID - more important for your DH to have his

5. Massage tool - probably won't need this

6. Rice sock ???

7. Socks not bad to have

8. Chapstick - vaseline might be better

9. Brush

10. Hair bands

11. Toothbrush

12. Toothpaste

13. Deodorant

14. Camera (and charger and memory cards)

15. Ipod (and headphones) I doubt you'll use this

16. Kindle I doubt you'll use this

17. List of people to notify

18. Snacks

19. Mints

20. Change for machines

21. Notepad & pen

22. Flip Flops slippers might be better

My Post-Delivery Bag:

1. Comfortable go home clothes

2. Sweater or robe

3. Nursing tank

4. Underpants (black & not important)

5. Shampoo

6. Hair dryer If you have the energy to blow dry your hair, good for you

7. Make-up see above

8. Baby sign for door ??

9. Shoes

Husbands Bag:

1. Change of clothes

2. Toothbrush

3. Toothpaste

4. Energy Drinks

Baby Bag:

1. Clothes for hospital photo(s)

2. Clothes to wear home including a hat

3. Blanket

4. Car seat

Unless you live far away from the hospital, I'd leave your hair dryer and cosmetics at home, let DH bring them to you if you decide you want them. If you wear contacts, make sure you have your case and saline solution. Don't forget your cell phone/charger, baby book.

You'll probably be admitted for a couple of days, don't forget at least three pairs of pajamas (the third in case you bleed through) and/or some comfy street clothes to wear during your hospital stay. I also recommend a nightgown for at least the first night in case they have to check stitches. Additionally, in my personal experience, I loved having the night gown when I had to pee. My legs were wobbly from the meds and from the pain, I was glad not to have to pull pants down and up again. My hospital gave me a TON of ice pack pads for my recovery but in case yours doesn't, I advise you buy some heavy duty pads and pour some water on them and stick them in your freezer so they're nice and cold for when you get home.

persephonerose · August 2012

They suggested we bring a couple of pillows with us as they never have enough in L&D. Names on the pillow and pillow case. I bought a couple of big fluffy ones just in case I need them.

WVUPetunia · August 2012

persephonerose:
They suggested we bring a couple of pillows with us as they never have enough in L&D. Names on the pillow and pillow case. I bought a couple of big fluffy ones just in case I need them.

My hospital said to make sure there's a colored pillowcase on any home pillows, not a white one that might get thrown in with hospital laundry.

pinitbaby · August 2012

I might suggest lil mittens for baby, you don't want LO to scratch his/her lil face for first pics. I'm bringing baby nail clippers, those suckers can get long in the womb lol and I 2nd the nursing bra and pads and boob cream.

526SadieSadie · August 2012

OH! I also brought a super soft bath towel and face cloth and I was SO glad I did - the hospital ones were kind of scratchy and my poor hooha had been through enough! lol

SoEnamored · August 2012

Maybe bring the baby book or the page where you can put footprints.

Put snacks in DH's bag too.

Bring some lotion, hospitals can be dry.

DVD of a light hearted movie.

alli84 · August 2012

A tennis ball makes a great back massager!! Doesn't take up much room either.

Liz5663 · August 2012

526SadieSadie:
Liz5663:

1. Childbirth notes, guidelines, and/or tips ?? You're going to be in a hospital, what notes/tips do you think you'll need? I'm confused *** I have a notebook with all my pregnancy notes, info, pre-registration, pediatrician info, etc.

2. Birth plan - if you want *** It was suggested in my birth class.

3. Insurance - you'll probably be pre-registered by your doctor, they most likely won't need your card ***True, plus my insurance isn't helping with ANYTHING anyway. Gotta love having a plan for 7 years and now the legislation not requiring any individual insurance coverage to cover maternity.

4. ID - more important for your DH to have his

5. Massage tool - probably won't need this *** Also suggested by birth class.

6. Rice sock ??? *** Also suggested by birth class...lol. Its used to heat muscles and such.

7. Socks not bad to have

8. Chapstick - vaseline might be better

9. Brush

10. Hair bands

11. Toothbrush

12. Toothpaste

13. Deodorant

14. Camera (and charger and memory cards)

15. Ipod (and headphones) I doubt you'll use this *** I was actually thinking while using the birth ball it would be nice to have some grooving music, and I have social anxiety, so thought relaxing music might help too. Better to have and not need, than wish I did and didn't.

16. Kindle I doubt you'll use this *** I was actually thinking it would be better than a laptop for me and my hubby. The room has internet access. smaller too.

17. List of people to notify

18. Snacks

19. Mints *** Was told if I can't eat, at least I could suck on these & it will help my breath (bonus!).

20. Change for machines

21. Notepad & pen

22. Flip Flops slippers might be better *** I will use the socks for walking around, flip flops are for the shower/bathroom.

My Post-Delivery Bag:

1. Comfortable go home clothes

2. Sweater or robe

3. Nursing tank

4. Underpants (black & not important)

5. Shampoo

6. Hair dryer If you have the energy to blow dry your hair, good for you. *** Again, better to have it... than not? Right?

7. Make-up see above *** Some of the most important pictures of my life with myself with my new baby - If I have the energy, I would like to at least look half way decent. LOL

8. Baby sign for door ?? *** A friend made us a sign for the door which says, "Welcome Baby John" - it will make friends and family finding the room easier? And will be a warm touch.

9. Shoes

Husbands Bag:

1. Change of clothes

2. Toothbrush

3. Toothpaste

4. Energy Drinks

Baby Bag:

1. Clothes for hospital photo(s)

2. Clothes to wear home including a hat ***Have a hat, socks, and mittens.

3. Blanket

4. Car seat

Unless you live far away from the hospital, I'd leave your hair dryer and cosmetics at home, let DH bring them to you if you decide you want them. *** We don't live too far, but the only bag we will go into the delivery room with is the "pre-delivery" bag. Others will come up later, as needed.

You'll probably be admitted for a couple of days, don't forget at least three pairs of pajamas (the third in case you bleed through) *** Everyone has told me NOT to bring PJs??? That they will get messed up.

In response to PPs, my mid-wife said not to worry about nursing pads because I wont be leaking until a few days after delivery? I will add nipple butter to the bag though

Also heard that they provide pads and special mesh panties, so I didn't pack any additional pads, should I?

Eye mask and earplugs sound like good ideas too! Thanks!

Liz5663 · August 2012

526SadieSadie:
OH! I also brought a super soft bath towel and face cloth and I was SO glad I did - the hospital ones were kind of scratchy and my poor hooha had been through enough! lol

Ooooooh, towels would be nice. Thanks!

JenLy2012 · August 2012

Liz5663:
526SadieSadie:
Liz5663:

1. Childbirth notes, guidelines, and/or tips ?? You're going to be in a hospital, what notes/tips do you think you'll need? I'm confused *** I have a notebook with all my pregnancy notes, info, pre-registration, pediatrician info, etc.

2. Birth plan - if you want *** It was suggested in my birth class.

3. Insurance - you'll probably be pre-registered by your doctor, they most likely won't need your card ***True, plus my insurance isn't helping with ANYTHING anyway. Gotta love having a plan for 7 years and now the legislation not requiring any individual insurance coverage to cover maternity.

4. ID - more important for your DH to have his

5. Massage tool - probably won't need this *** Also suggested by birth class.

6. Rice sock ??? *** Also suggested by birth class...lol. Its used to heat muscles and such.

7. Socks not bad to have

8. Chapstick - vaseline might be better

9. Brush

10. Hair bands

11. Toothbrush

12. Toothpaste

13. Deodorant

14. Camera (and charger and memory cards)

15. Ipod (and headphones) I doubt you'll use this *** I was actually thinking while using the birth ball it would be nice to have some grooving music, and I have social anxiety, so thought relaxing music might help too. Better to have and not need, than wish I did and didn't.

16. Kindle I doubt you'll use this *** I was actually thinking it would be better than a laptop for me and my hubby. The room has internet access. smaller too.

17. List of people to notify

18. Snacks

19. Mints *** Was told if I can't eat, at least I could suck on these & it will help my breath (bonus!).

20. Change for machines

21. Notepad & pen

22. Flip Flops slippers might be better *** I will use the socks for walking around, flip flops are for the shower/bathroom.

My Post-Delivery Bag:

1. Comfortable go home clothes

2. Sweater or robe

3. Nursing tank

4. Underpants (black & not important)

5. Shampoo

6. Hair dryer If you have the energy to blow dry your hair, good for you. *** Again, better to have it... than not? Right?

7. Make-up see above *** Some of the most important pictures of my life with myself with my new baby - If I have the energy, I would like to at least look half way decent. LOL

8. Baby sign for door ?? *** A friend made us a sign for the door which says, "Welcome Baby John" - it will make friends and family finding the room easier? And will be a warm touch.

9. Shoes

Husbands Bag:

1. Change of clothes

2. Toothbrush

3. Toothpaste

4. Energy Drinks

Baby Bag:

1. Clothes for hospital photo(s)

2. Clothes to wear home including a hat ***Have a hat, socks, and mittens.

3. Blanket

4. Car seat

Unless you live far away from the hospital, I'd leave your hair dryer and cosmetics at home, let DH bring them to you if you decide you want them. *** We don't live too far, but the only bag we will go into the delivery room with is the "pre-delivery" bag. Others will come up later, as needed.

You'll probably be admitted for a couple of days, don't forget at least three pairs of pajamas (the third in case you bleed through) *** Everyone has told me NOT to bring PJs??? That they will get messed up.

In response to PPs, my mid-wife said not to worry about nursing pads because I wont be leaking until a few days after delivery? I will add nipple butter to the bag though

Also heard that they provide pads and special mesh panties, so I didn't pack any additional pads, should I?

Eye mask and earplugs sound like good ideas too! Thanks!

They do have pads and mesh undies that they give you but I heard they are bulky so I am packing some overnight pads with wings just in case. I figure I would bring them but might not need them. Doesn't hurt!

JenLy2012 · August 2012

Also I have been told to bring the bobby nursing pillow so it's on my list as well.

CraftyKayla · August 2012

Good ideas ladies!

alikat07 · August 2012

Good list. I agree its nice to have your iPod and kindle to use even if its just in case. I had a very long labor and I would've gone crazy without any distraction even if it was for 10 minutes. Plus your DH might want one of these to use.

I'd also suggest bringing a nursing pillow. I had a hard time getting started nursing with DD - the awkward pile of pillows didn't help - I'm definitely bringing my Brest Friend this time.

ETA: You might want to bring some face wash & face lotion. I'm bringing some quick wipes for labor/after labor as well as my regular for when I can finally shower.

shannond354 · August 2012

pinitbaby:
I might suggest lil mittens for baby, you don't want LO to scratch his/her lil face for first pics. I'm bringing baby nail clippers, those suckers can get long in the womb lol and I 2nd the nursing bra and pads and boob cream.

Apologies if someone already mentioned this, but please don't cut your newborns nails with nail clippers. Their nails are super thin and can be peeled off, but you'll find the nails are still connected to their skin and it will bleed and be really painful. Pack a cute pair of baby mittens instead.

bubble515 · August 2012

notebook ( to write anything down)

folder ( to put any paperwork in)

water bottle to fill up with ice since the cups are small

pediatrician's phone number

jacksmom119 · August 2012

I totally used my blow dryer, make up and hair straightener hey I'm from north jersey ;!!!!!!!!

HKearl · August 2012

bubble515:
notebook ( to write anything down)

folder ( to put any paperwork in)

water bottle to fill up with ice since the cups are small

pediatrician's phone number

Didn't think of that either, thanks a bunch!

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