Claire Dawson
Packing the right things can make your hospital stay more comfortable and help you focus on your recovery. While modern hospitals are designed to be more people-friendly, function, hygiene, and durability are more important than comfort. It's important to be prepared and bring everything you need, especially if you are having a baby. This includes important medical documents, health care information, insurance cards, and personal care products. You should also consider what you'll want to wear, personal hygiene items you'll need, and things to keep you entertained.
What to Pack for the Hospital
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Personal Hygiene Items | Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sanitary pads, hair ties, washcloths, etc. |
| Clothes | Weather-appropriate clothes, loose and comfortable clothes, swimwear, nightgown, robe, etc. |
| Baby Items | Diapers, wipes, car seat, head support, receiving blankets, mittens, formula, etc. |
| Entertainment | Books, magazines, music, headphones, games, etc. |
| Food and Drinks | Snacks, drinks, mints, etc. |
| Other | Pillow, breast pump, address book, money, phone and charger, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- For the baby: car seat, clothes, diapers, blankets, and more
- For the mother: sanitary pads, hair ties, pillows, washcloths, and entertainment
- Food and drinks: snacks, drinks, mints, and personal toiletries
- Clothing: sweaters, hats, swimwear, and loose, comfortable attire
- Valuables: money, electronics, jewellery, and address books
For the baby: car seat, clothes, diapers, blankets, and more
When it comes to packing for the hospital for your baby, there are a few essentials you'll want to include. Firstly, an infant car seat is crucial, and you won't be allowed to leave the hospital without one. Make sure it's sized for a typical newborn's weight and correctly installed. Additionally, bring a hat for your baby, as they lose most of their body heat through their head. Receiving blankets are perfect for swaddling, which newborns love. Don't forget diapers, and if they don't have the umbilical cord area cut out, remember to fold them down. Bring wipes designed for newborns or sensitive skin, and mittens to prevent scratching.
While the hospital will provide clothes for your baby during their stay, you'll want to bring a going-home outfit. Pack something comfortable and easy to put on, like a soft onesie or leggings and a loose shirt. Depending on the weather, you might need a sweater and knit cap for colder temperatures or a brimmed hat for sunny days. You may also want to bring a bathing suit if you're planning a water birth or intend to use the birthing pool.
Some other useful items to consider are burp cloths, nursing pillows, and a baby book to record their footprints and birth details. You might also want to bring a camera or video camera to document the event, though some hospitals may not allow videotaping during the birth. Remember, you don't need to overpack, and your baby doesn't need much besides a car seat and going-home outfit.
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For the mother: sanitary pads, hair ties, pillows, washcloths, and entertainment
Packing a hospital bag in advance is an important step in preparing for labour and delivery. It is recommended to have your bag ready by 36 to 38 weeks, or earlier if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Here is a detailed list of items for the mother to pack:
Sanitary pads
The hospital will provide sanitary pads, but you may prefer a specific brand. Heavy-duty maternity pads are softer and more absorbent than standard pads, so consider bringing your own, especially if you have a preferred brand.
Hair ties
Don't forget to pack hair ties or hair bands, as well as other toiletries and cosmetics. A hairdryer, hairbrush, comb, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and hair clips are also useful.
Pillows
Bringing your own pillow from home can make you more comfortable. Just remember to use a different-coloured pillowcase to distinguish it from hospital pillows. A nursing pillow can also be helpful for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, reducing strain on your arms, neck, and back.
Washcloths
Pack extra washcloths, preferably coloured ones, to distinguish them from hospital washcloths.
Entertainment
Labour and delivery can involve some waiting, so bring some form of entertainment. Magazines, books, or your phone with a labour playlist are good options. You may also want to bring rechargeable earbuds to listen to music and avoid tangled wires.
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Food and drinks: snacks, drinks, mints, and personal toiletries
When it comes to food and drinks, it's a good idea to pack some snacks to keep your energy up during labour and after delivery. Some suggestions include granola bars, dried fruit, and other healthy snacks. You may not be able to snack during labour, but you'll definitely want some food to refuel afterward. It's also important to stay hydrated, so bring some drinks as well.
To freshen your breath, you can bring mints or breath strips, especially if you experience nausea or vomiting during labour. Hard candies can also help with dry mouth.
As for personal toiletries, here are some essentials you may want to bring:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Makeup
- Hairbrush
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Shower gel
- Lotion
- Facial wipes
- Hairdryer
Don't forget to pack these items for your birthing partner as well, so you don't end up sharing yours! It's also recommended to bring sanitary pads, as you may prefer your favourite brand over the ones provided by the hospital.
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Clothing: sweaters, hats, swimwear, and loose, comfortable attire
When packing clothes for the hospital, it is important to consider the weather and the size of your bag. If it's cold outside, pack a sweater and a knit cap, and if it's sunny and warm, consider a hat with a brim. You should also pack loose, comfortable clothes that won't restrict your movement. For example, if you plan to labour in a pool, you may wish to wear swimwear or just a bra.
It is also recommended to bring a change of clothes for yourself, in addition to clothes for your baby. For mothers, this could include a nursing bra, a sports bra (especially if you plan to have a water birth), breast pads, a nightgown and robe (ideally with a front opening if you plan to breastfeed), and underwear. You may also want to bring a pillow from home, but be sure to use a different-coloured pillowcase to distinguish it from hospital pillows.
For your baby, pack a hat, receiving blankets, diapers, wipes, mittens, and clothes to wear home. If you are formula-feeding, bring a starter pack of ready-made infant formula (stage one or first milk). Don't forget to install an infant car seat and bring it to the hospital, as you won't be allowed to take your newborn home without one.
In addition to clothing, you may want to bring some entertainment, such as a camera, address book, music, or books. You should also pack any personal hygiene items you may need, such as deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and mints. If you wear contact lenses, don't forget to bring spare lenses and cleaning solution. Finally, some hospitals provide refreshments, but you may want to bring your own snacks and drinks to keep your energy up.
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Valuables: money, electronics, jewellery, and address books
When packing for a hospital stay, it is important to be selective about what you bring. Hospitals are designed to be more people-friendly, but function, hygiene, and durability are more important than comfort. It is recommended to pack the essentials and cut down on valuables, such as jewellery or electronics, as hospitals will not take responsibility for any lost or stolen items.
If you must bring electronics, such as a laptop or tablet, check with the hospital in advance if they offer lockable storage in the rooms. Some hospitals do not allow any electronics that require power outlets, so it is important to check their policy beforehand. If you are uncertain about bringing a valuable item, ask yourself if you are willing to lose it. If not, it is best to leave it at home.
Money and credit cards are also considered valuables and should be left at home if possible. Instead, ask a friend or family member to bring any necessary payment methods when you are ready to be discharged. This will ensure that your valuables are safe, and you will have access to the funds when needed.
It is also important to consider the amount of space you will have during your hospital stay. Try to fit everything you need into a standard carry-on bag or a lightweight duffel bag. Make sure your bag is well-labelled and lockable for added security.
While valuables such as electronics, jewellery, and money are not recommended, address books or important contacts can be organised in a binder or folder. This ensures that your family, friends, or doctors can easily access your information if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some essentials to bring for a hospital stay: loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, a bathrobe, a cardigan, non-slip socks or slippers, a comb, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and lip balm. You should also bring important medical documents and health care information, such as insurance and Medicare cards, a list of medications, allergies, and health conditions.
Hospitals recommend against bringing valuables such as jewellery, watches, credit cards, and large amounts of cash, as they can be easily stolen and the hospital is not responsible for lost items. You should also avoid bringing cell phones, tobacco products, and any electronic items that require power outlets or need to be plugged in.
You can bring entertainment items such as your favourite music playlist, a book or magazine, and pen and paper. If you use a CPAP mask or any other sleep aid, be sure to bring that as well. You may also want to bring some snacks or drinks, but check with your healthcare team first to ensure they won't interfere with your treatment.
