Hospital Bag Checklist

So much is out of your control when delivering a baby, but there are two things you can control—what hospital you deliver at and what you bring to the hospital.

Choosing a hospital can be a daunting task, but comparing the features at different hospitals in your area is a good place to start.

For example, you may want to ensure you deliver at a hospital that has an infant protection system in place, such as Accutech’s Cuddles infant protection solution. Selecting a hospital that is watching out for your baby’s safety while you are both there can give you some much needed peace of mind. Some hospitals are also equipped with extra security measures you can take advantage of, such as digital footprint scanning. Digital footprints add an extra layer of safety, helping with identification of newborns in the event of an emergency.

After you’ve designated your hospital or birthing center, it’s time to pack your hospital bag. Preparing ahead of time can relieve some stress and tension you may be experiencing before the big day. It’s important to pack the right items, though, because not just any items will do. We’ve put together this checklist so you will have everything you and baby will need during your stay.

What to Bring to the Hospital for Baby

It’s easy to get carried away when packing your bag for the hospital, but you can actually add stress to your plate instead of taking it away if you try to bring too much. Bring the essentials, and leave the rest. Here are some of the top items to bring to the hospital for your baby.

1. 1. Car Seat - A car seat is the most important thing you will need to bring. The hospital will likely provide essential items for your baby, such as swaddling blankets, pacifiers, wipes, and diapers. If you bring one item to the hospital, make sure it is this one.
   2. Socks and Caps - The hospital will likely provide hats and socks to keep your baby warm, but you could bring a few of these items as they won’t take up much room in your hospital bag.
   3. Pacifiers - You can bring a few pacifiers if you want to test out the different styles. Hospitals will usually have a few on hand, but they may not have a wide selection.
   4. Bottles - If you will be bottle feeding your baby, you can bring your preferred brand of baby bottles. There are so many different types of bottles, and the hospital may not have a wide variety to choose from.
   5. Swaddle Blankets and Burp Clothes - The hospital will likely have blankets to swaddle your baby, but if you have a specific style in mind, you could bring a few. Some parents prefer certain materials and feel more comfortable bringing their own.
   6. Nursing Pillow - If you will be nursing, a nursing pillow could help a great deal. They are designed to make nursing more comfortable for baby and mom.

You really don’t need to pack much for your baby because the hospital will have everything they need while they are there. If only the rest of your infant’s were so easy.

What to Bring to the Hospital for Mom

Mom’s comfort should also be a top priority because if mama ain’t happy… Pregnancy and childbirth are notoriously uncomfortable, so comfort items can make a big difference to the experience you will have at the hospital. The following items should help you when it’s time to bring baby into the world.

1. Robe and Slippers - Comfortable items to help you relax can make labor and delivery less stressful. A cozy robe, soft slippers, and warm socks can go a long way in helping you get through labor and the discomfort that comes after.
2. Cell Phone & Charger - In the digital age, a cell phone and phone charger are essential. You can play games to pass the time, chat with family and friends, and take photos of your baby once your bundle has arrived.
3. Lotion and Massage Oil - During and after labor, lotion and massage oil can help you relax and help relieve stretched skin.
4. Toiletries and Cosmetics - Be sure to bring essential toiletries, such as toothpaste, toothbrush, and deodorant plus any makeup you would like to apply at the hospital.
5. Clothes to Wear Home - You will want to have comfortable loose-fitting clothes to wear home.
6. Identification and Insurance Information - You will need to bring identification and insurance information. Make sure you tell friends and family they may also need to bring identification to the hospital, as there are likely access control measures at the hospital to protect mothers and babies. In order to pass security checkpoints, visitors may need I.D. and need to know what name you checked into the hospital under.
7. Pads and Underwear - Although the hospital will provide you with pads and mesh underwear, you can bring some of your own if you would prefer.
8. Snacks and Water - You can bring favorite snacks if those will bring you comfort during your stay.
9. Extra Money for Hospital Services - Hospitals sometimes offer little extras to make labor and delivery special. For instance, you can pay for hospital photos taken by a professional. You can get a digital infant footprint scan to ensure your baby’s identity is documented, plus you can keep baby footprint scans as a keepsake. Feel free to bring money for these little extras you may want to take advantage of.
10. Items to Pass the Time - You can bring a few games, stress balls, fidget spinners, or whatever else will help you pass the time during and after labor.
11. Special Pillow - A special pillow or pillowcase may help you feel more at home.

Make a List Before You Pack

Everyone is different, and so what they bring to the hospital will likely be different as well. We hope the above checklist can help you get organized before you head to the hospital for the big day. Think carefully about what you bring because you don’t want to be overburdened with a lot of stuff you don’t need.

Remember that the hospital will have the essentials. Bring things that will help you and bring comfort and peace during a wondrous—yet unpredictable—life event.