Claire Dawson
Packing a hospital bag for a newborn can be a daunting task, but being prepared will help you feel more secure and ready for the big day. It's a good idea to have your hospital bag ready by week 36 of your pregnancy, and it's recommended to pack items for yourself, your partner, and your newborn. For the baby, pack clothes in different sizes, including onesies, a coming-home outfit, and a hat and blanket depending on the season. For yourself, pack comfortable clothes, toiletries, nursing essentials, and entertainment. Don't forget your phone and charger to capture those first precious moments and stay connected with loved ones. With a well-packed hospital bag, you can approach your due date with peace of mind and focus on the excitement of welcoming your newborn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| For the mother | ID, insurance information, birth plan, comfortable clothes, toiletries, phone and charger, snacks, nursing essentials, nursing bras, nursing pads, postpartum underwear, entertainment, pillow |
| For the newborn | Onesies, swaddles, a going-home outfit, diapers, wipes, hat, mittens, socks, blanket, car seat cover |
| For the birthing partner | Change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, phone and charger |
| Additional items | Prenatal class notes, reference books, drinks, spare glasses or contact lenses, cash, medication, vitamins, meals, basic items like toilet paper |
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What You'll Learn
- For the baby: onesies, swaddles, a hat and a going-home outfit
- For the mother: comfortable clothes, toiletries, nursing bra and pads, and snacks
- For the birthing partner: change of clothes, toiletries, and snacks
- Important documents: ID, insurance information, birth plan, and medication prescriptions
- Entertainment: phone, camera, books, tablet, and music
For the baby: onesies, swaddles, a hat and a going-home outfit
When preparing for your baby's arrival, it's a good idea to have a well-packed hospital bag ready to go by week 36. This will ensure that you have everything your newborn needs during labour, delivery, and their hospital stay.
For the baby, you'll want to pack onesies, swaddles, a hat, and a going-home outfit. It's a good idea to bring onesies in multiple sizes, as you won't know how big or small your baby will be until they're born. You can also consider a matching hat and swaddle set for your baby's first photo, making the moment extra special. If it's summer, pack a lightweight cotton swaddle or muslin blanket, and a sun hat for the trip home. In winter, bring warmer layers like a soft hat, mittens, socks, and a cosy blanket. Don't forget to bring a warm car seat cover or bunting bag for the ride home, along with newborn diapers and wipes.
Some hospitals provide long-sleeved baby shirts, infant hats, and swaddling blankets for newborns, so you may not need to pack too many clothes for your baby's hospital stay. However, it's always good to be prepared, and you'll want to have a special outfit ready for when your baby goes home. Make sure it's something with legs so that the car seat strap can fit between them easily, and consider bringing a warm car seat cover or bunting bag if it's cold outside.
In addition to the baby's clothes, don't forget to pack your own clothes and essentials, such as comfortable outfits, nursing bras, toiletries, snacks, and important documents. It's also a good idea to have your car seat installed and ready to go in the car, as you won't be able to drive your baby home without one.
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For the mother: comfortable clothes, toiletries, nursing bra and pads, and snacks
Packing a hospital bag for the arrival of a newborn can be overwhelming, but having a well-packed bag can bring peace of mind. It is recommended to have your hospital bag ready by the time you are around 36 weeks pregnant, or earlier if there is a chance of preterm labour. Here is a breakdown of what to pack for the mother:
Comfortable clothes
Labour is an unpredictable process, so packing a change of comfortable clothes is recommended. Choose something loose-fitting with a drawstring or elastic waist. A sleeveless or short-sleeved set of pyjamas or a top that opens in front will allow for skin-to-skin contact with the newborn and make breastfeeding easier. Some mothers prefer changing out of their pyjamas during their hospital stay, especially when expecting visitors.
Toiletries
Most hospitals are fine with mothers freshening up in the shower after a long labour, but it is good to confirm this beforehand. Hospitals may provide basic toiletries, but it is a good idea to pack your own as well to ensure added comfort.
Nursing bra and pads
A good nursing bra is a must-have, as it provides easy access for breastfeeding the newborn. Nursing pads help absorb leaks.
Snacks
Labour can be long, so packing snacks and drinks is a good idea.
In addition to the above, other items to consider packing include a phone and charger, ID, insurance information, birth plan, spare glasses or contact lenses, a small pillow, entertainment (books, tablet, music), and important documents.
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For the birthing partner: change of clothes, toiletries, and snacks
Packing a hospital bag for the birthing partner is an important step in preparing for the arrival of a newborn. While the birthing partner's needs may seem secondary, ensuring they have the necessary items can help provide support and comfort during labour, delivery, and the hospital stay. Here are some detailed suggestions for what to include in the birthing partner's hospital bag:
Change of Clothes
Labour can be unpredictable, and there may be unexpected spills or messes. It is a good idea to pack at least one change of clothes, including comfortable and loose-fitting outfits. Consider clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying hospital temperatures. Don't forget to include comfortable shoes as well.
Toiletries
Toiletries are essential for maintaining personal hygiene and feeling refreshed, especially after a long labour. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any other personal care items the birthing partner typically uses. If the birthing partner wears glasses or contact lenses, don't forget to include a spare pair, along with lens solution if needed.
Snacks
Labour can be a lengthy and energy-draining process, so having some snacks on hand is crucial. Choose non-perishable, energy-boosting snacks that are easy to eat and will stay fresh in the hospital bag. Some ideas include granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and maybe some of the birthing partner's favourite treats for added comfort.
In addition to the above, the birthing partner may also want to pack their own phone and charger to stay connected with loved ones and capture those precious first moments with the newborn. It is also recommended to have the hospital bag packed and ready to go by week 36 or earlier, in case of preterm labour.
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Important documents: ID, insurance information, birth plan, and medication prescriptions
Packing a hospital bag for the arrival of a newborn can be overwhelming, but having a well-packed bag can bring peace of mind when the big day comes. It is recommended to have your hospital bag ready by week 36 of your pregnancy, or earlier if there is a chance of preterm labour.
Important documents
- ID: Don't forget to bring a form of identification with you to the hospital.
- Insurance information: If you have health insurance, bring the necessary information and documents with you.
- Birth plan: If you have prepared a birth plan, remember to pack it in your hospital bag.
- Medication prescriptions: Any medication or vitamin you bring from home will likely need to be approved by the hospital's pharmacy, so be sure to bring any relevant prescriptions and check with the hospital beforehand.
It's a good idea to keep these documents together in a folder or envelope, so they are easy to find when you need them.
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Entertainment: phone, camera, books, tablet, and music
It is important to pack entertainment items in your hospital bag to help pass the time during early labour and any downtime. Here are some suggestions for entertainment items to bring to the hospital:
Phone
Bring your phone to stay connected with your loved ones and keep them updated on your progress. It is also a good source of entertainment during downtimes. Don't forget to pack your phone charger as well!
Camera
Pack a camera to capture those precious first moments with your newborn. Ensure that your camera's memory card has ample free space.
Books
You might want to bring a book or two for entertainment during early labour. Alternatively, you could bring a baby care book, such as 'What to Expect the First Year', or a baby keepsake book to pen down your initial thoughts and memories.
Tablet
A tablet can be a great source of entertainment and a good alternative to books. It can also be useful for accessing reference materials or online resources about newborns.
Music
Bring your favourite playlists, headphones or earbuds, and perhaps a portable speaker to listen to music during your labour and hospital stay. Music can be a great source of comfort and entertainment.
It is a good idea to pack a variety of entertainment options to cater to your preferences and needs during labour and your hospital stay.
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Frequently asked questions
The hospital will provide long-sleeved baby shirts, infant hats, and swaddling blankets for newborns, but you should bring an outfit for your baby to go home in. Make sure it's not a gown so that the car seat straps can fit the baby easily. You should also bring a car seat cover to keep the baby shaded. In the summer, bring a lightweight cotton outfit, a sun hat, and a blanket. In winter, bring warm layers like a soft hat, mittens, socks, and a cozy blanket.
You should pack loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access for skin-to-skin contact with your newborn and for breastfeeding. You might also want to bring a couple of comfy outfits if you're expecting visitors. Don't forget your ID, insurance information, birth plan, toiletries, phone and charger, snacks, and nursing essentials. You should also pack a going-home outfit and a pair of flat, slip-on shoes.
You should have your hospital bag ready by the time you're about 36 weeks pregnant. If there's a chance you could have preterm labour, you may want to pack even earlier.
