Hospital Bag Checklist

Looking for a comprehensive hospital bag checklist? No need to look any further as here’s one for you to use and share with your expectant friends. One of my friends recently gave birth and was busy packing her hospital bag the night before she gave birth!

For labour

• Your birth plan and maternity notes
• Your cell/mobile phone
• Your picture ID
• Important phone numbers written on paper – just in case your mobile battery is flat
• An old nightie or t-shirt – giving birth is messy, so be prepared to throw it away afterwards
• Lightweight dressing gown – choose a dark colour to hide any stains, and keep it thin – hospitals can be hot
• Comfortable socks – your feet can get cold during labour
• Slippers
• Hairbands or grips – if you’ve got long hair you may be glad to have your hair tied back off your face during labour
• Snacks and drinks – don’t be at the mercy of the vending machines. Pack some for your birth partner too.
• Lip balm – hospitals are warm and the salt in your sweat during birth can dry your lips out
• Tens machine – if you have decided to use one
• Water spray – for a cooling spray on your face during labour
• Eyeglasses (if you normally wear contacts, you may want to stick to eyeglasses)
• An object to help you relax – your favourite pillow, music, photo(s)

For your partner

• A camera or video camera with working batteries, charger, and memory card
• Power charger / spare batteries
• Toiletries
• Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes
• Snacks
• Something to read or watch
• Money for parking and change for vending machines
• A bathing suit (you may wish to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want your partner to get in with you to support you or rub your back)

For after the birth

• Nursing bras, nipple cream – if you have chosen to breastfeed
• Breast pads – whether or not you plan to breastfeed, you will need pads to stop leakage
• Nightie or t-shirt – front opening if you will be breastfeeding
• Old comfy knickers – forget the pretty panties and take lots of cotton briefs. You’ll be glad – especially if you have a caesarean, as the elastic will be right up by your waist and not near your scar.
• Toiletries – decant anything you need into travel-sized bottles. Keep to the basics – such as deodorant, toothbrush and paste, face wipes (or cleanser) and moisturiser
• Maternity pads – maternity pads are bigger, more absorbent and softer than sanitary towels. You will probably need to change your pad every couple of hours
• Unperfumed shower gel
• Towel
• Going home clothes – keep them comfy and loose and try and find waistbands that don’t sit low on your tummy, just in case you have had a caesarean.
• Cotton wool balls – for changing baby’s nappy
• Tissues and wet wipes
• Nappies – count on changing baby’s nappy about 10 times a day. Make sure you buy nappies for newborns
• Scratch mittens – baby skin is delicate, so prevent your little one from scratching themselves
• Cardigans for baby – pack two for extra warmth, even in spring or summer
• Socks or booties – socks tend to stay on baby’s feet far better than old-fashioned booties
• Sleepsuits – pack at least 3 or 4 in a range of sizes, but have more available which your birthing partner can bring in for you
• Baby vests – take at least 3 or 4
• Baby hat – for the ride home
• Baby blanket – keep the baby snug on the way home
• Baby car seat – if you’re travelling home by car make sure that you and your birth partner have already practised how to use a car seat