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What to Pack for Labor & Delivery

Packing your hospital labor bag is one of the essential steps for moms-to-be. You want to be sure to include all the essentials, but you also don’t want to over-pack and end up lugging a heavy bag filled with unnecessary extras.

Use this helpful checklist to prepare your bags for your baby’s arrival. We suggest that you have your bags packed by Week 36 of your pregnancy, just in case!

For Labor:

  • Your health insurance card, ID, and hospital registration form
  • Lotion or oil for labor massage
  • A picture or a treasured object to use as a focal point during contractions
  • An old nightgown or nightshirt (if you don’t want to wear a hospital gown)
  • A pillow from home
  • A bathrobe
  • Slippers
  • Socks
  • A barrette or hairband to tie back your hair
  • Glasses, if you wear them (you may not be allowed to wear contact lenses during labor)
  • Lollipop or hard candies to keep your mouth moist
  • A cassette or CD player and some soothing music
  • A camera with fully charged batteries, if you plan to take pictures

For Your Hospital Stay:

  • Two or three nightgowns (be sure the gowns open at the front if you plan to nurse)
  • Two or three nursing bras and a dozen or so nursing pads
  • A few pairs of socks
  • Sanitary pads
  • Shampoo
  • Lotion, deodorant, lip balm, and other toiletry items
  • A toothbrush and toothpaste
  • A hairbrush or comb
  • Barrettes or hairbands
  • Contact lenses, if you wear them
  • A notepad and pencil
  • A camera, film, and batteries (check the hospital policy in advance if you plan to use a video camera during delivery)
  • Change for the vending machine and pay phone
  • A long-distance calling card
  • Phone numbers of people you want to call after the birth
  • Magazine or other reading material
  • A baby book
  • A receiving blanket and clothes for your newborn to wear home
  • Loose-fitting clothes for you to wear home
  • A car seat (See “Choosing an Infant Care Safety Seat” in Chapter 11 of Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth, third edition, which was given to you at your first prenatal visit)

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