When our parents were having children, when a woman went to the hospital to deliver, she brought her clothes and her partner. Often, they stayed in hospital for a few days, and everything was provided for post partum care and baby’s care. Diapers, wipes, soothers, diaper cream, formula, and pads for mom were all readily available. My mom says they had a toiletry bag packed with hygiene products ready for her in her birthing suite, provided by the hospital.
Not so anymore. Many birthing centers now require you to bring many of these supplies on your own. Even food and drinks may be difficult to find if you deliver overnight or between meal times. When I delivered my second son, they told me they would not even provide me with the post partum donut, as I received one last time I gave birth. Like I knew I would need to keep that thing!
Armed with that information, here is my list of suggested items to bring to the hospital when you deliver
General Items:
- Extra clothes, PJs
- Bras, underwear
- Slippers/shower shoes
- Socks
- Massage items
- Hair band
- Lip balm
- Snacks
- Watch with second hand
- Camera, camcorder
- Relaxation materials (i.e. music, games, etc.)
- Blanket for husband (if he sleeps over)
- Toiletries (brush, deodorant, glasses, makeup, toothbrush, face wash, etc.)
- Change of clothes
- Laptop/iPad for movies, emails
- Phone and charger
Postpartum (while in hospital):
For Mom:
- Maternity or large underwear to wear home from hospital (comfy)
- Nursing bras (2)
- Breast pads
- Nipple cream to prevent cracking nipples (start using this a month before delivery—it helps!)
- Sanitary pads (super absorbent)
- PJs
- Soft toilet paper
- Squirt bottle and sitz tub
- Postpartum donut
For Baby:
- Infant car seat
- Rear view mirror for car seat
- Sleepers (3)
- Going home outfit
- Receiving blanket (take the one from the hospital as a keepsake)
- Diapers, wipes (many hospitals do not provide these!)
- Socks
- Hat
- Sterilized pacifier
Accessories for later on:
- Stroller with rain protector
- Baby swing
- High chair
- Exersaucer
- Baby record book/laptop
- Pack n play
- Bouncing chair
Once you have many of these items you will be able to spend the first few days and weeks learning how to be the best parents possible, and not running around from store to store in search of the best products. Trust me, preparing beforehand will be well worth it when you are sleep deprived and cranky.
Click here for a downloadable and printable PDF of this list. [1]
Not sure what to get before baby arrives? Check out What to Get Before Baby Arrives: Moms-To-Be Checklist, Part 1 [2].