Labour the App Hospital Bag Checklist

You can make a copy of this checklist via Google Docs for your use, including the option to leverage the assign task function.

What to pack as Birthing Person

  • Photo ID

  • Health insurance card

  • Hospital pre-registration forms

  • 2 copies of your birth plan

  • Contact information for Baby’s pediatrician

  • Medicines 

    • Note: the hospital will dose out (administer) to you any medicine - even your daily prenatal and allergy meds

  • A birthing gown if you would prefer to use your own versus the hospital gown

  • Slippers or house shoes such as rubber Birkenstocks (which can also be used in the shower)

  • Socks (we recommend warm, comfortable socks as well as compression socks)

  • 2 pairs of PJs that snap/button down the front, especially if breastfeeding

  • 2 changes of comfortable clothes

  • Comfortable going home clothes (think Nap Dress or lounge wear set vs. any tight pants, even yoga pants; a loose fitting outfit you wore at 6 months is a recommended reference)

  • Nursing bra (if breastfeeding)

  • Disposable underwear such as these

  • Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, hair dryer, a headband or ponytail holder, sanitary pads for a heavy flow such as these

    • Note: The hospital will not have a hair dryer. If you want to shower and blow dry your hair, bring your own hair dryer

  • Glasses, contact lens solution & case (if applicable)

  • Your own roll of Ultra Soft Toilet Paper

  • Eye mask to help minimize light during sleep

  • Towel (dark color)

  • Your own pillow (dark color pillow case)

  • Healthy snacks, drinks, and a water bottle

  • Electronics & chargers - extra long chargers can be helpful 

  • Headphones

  • Fan such as a portable fan

  • Tennis ball or lacrosse ball to massage backaches

  • Book/Kindle/Podcasts/Magazines

What to pack as Partner

  • Photo ID

  • Health insurance card

  • Know your and your partner’s Social Security number as you’ll need to provide both parents’ numbers to file Baby’s Birth Certificate and Social Security card 

  • Contact information for Baby’s pediatrician

  • Large folder to organize paperwork 

  • The list of people to call/text to let know the news of the birth

  • Medicines 

  • Your own pillow (dark color pillow case)

  • Hospital shoes / slippers

  • A pair of pajamas

  • 3 - 4 changes of comfortable clothes

  • Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm

  • Electronics & chargers - extra long chargers can be helpful 

  • Headphones

  • Speaker

  • Healthy snacks, drinks, and a water bottle

  • Glasses & contact lens solution, case (if applicable)

  • Eye mask to help minimize light during sleep

  • Book/Kindle/Magazines/Podcasts 

  • A large bag to bring home everything from the hospital room (pads, bottles, bins - literally anything that’s not tied down)

What to pack for Baby

  • An installed, approved, rear facing infant car seat for the car ride home

  • Clothes to depart the hospital, including onesie, socks, a hat and mittens (helps with sharp nails); layers if weather is cold

  • Newborn diapers (hospital will often provide these)

  • Newborn wipes (hospital will often provide these)

  • Nail clippers such as Frida Baby Electric Nail Buffer

  • A blanket for the ride home (can leave in the car)

What to pack for Siblings

  • Age related activities such as coloring books & crayons, toys

  • Healthy snacks and a water bottle

  • A gift to the baby “from” the older sibling 

Compiled using information from the following sources:

American Pregnancy Association

United Kingdom National Health Service

The content presented on Labour the App (whether text, graphics, images, or other material) is provided “as is” and is offered for informational purposes only. The content provided on the App is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider. For more information, please refer to our Medical Disclaimer and to our Terms of Use. 

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