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:
Postpartum (while in hospital):
For Mom:
For Baby:
Accessories for later on:
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.
Not sure what to get before baby arrives? Check out What to Get Before Baby Arrives: Moms-To-Be Checklist, Part 1.
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