Pregnancy Packing List: Essentials for Your Hospital Bag

Preparing for the arrival of your little one is an exciting journey filled with anticipation and joy. As your due date approaches, one essential task on your to-do list is packing your hospital bag. Your hospital bag is your lifeline during labor and delivery, containing all the essentials you'll need to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for both you and your baby. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to pack in your hospital bag, from practical essentials to comforting luxuries. 

Essentials for Mom

Comfortable Clothing for Labor and Postpartum Recovery: During labor, you'll want to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement and access for monitoring and medical interventions. Consider packing a comfortable labor gown or a loose-fitting nightgown that you don't mind getting dirty. For postpartum recovery, opt for comfortable, high-waisted underwear and loose-fitting, breathable clothing that won't irritate sensitive areas. Don't forget to pack a cozy robe or sweater for added warmth and comfort during your hospital stay.

Toiletries and Personal Care Items: Maintaining personal hygiene and comfort during your hospital stay is essential for feeling your best. Pack travel-sized toiletries, including toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial cleanser, moisturizer, and lip balm. Don't forget items like a hairbrush, hair ties, and any other personal care products you regularly use. Additionally, consider including items that will help you feel refreshed, such as facial wipes, dry shampoo, and a cooling facial mist.

Nursing Bras and Pads: If you plan to breastfeed, nursing bras and pads are essential for comfort and support. Pack several nursing bras that provide easy access for breastfeeding and offer ample support for your changing breast size. Nursing pads are also essential for absorbing leaks and keeping you comfortable between feedings. Disposable or washable nursing pads are both suitable options, so choose whichever works best for you.

Snacks and Drinks for Energy During Labor: Labor can be a long and physically demanding process, so it's essential to stay nourished and hydrated. Pack a variety of healthy, energy-boosting snacks that are easy to eat and digest during labor. Opt for snacks high in protein and complex carbohydrates, such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and trail mix. Additionally, pack plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated and replenish lost fluids during labor.

Important Documents and Paperwork: Before heading to the hospital, gather all necessary documents and paperwork you'll need for admission and registration. This may include your driver's license or ID, insurance information, hospital registration forms, and any relevant medical records or birth plan documents. Keep these documents organized and easily accessible in your hospital bag so you can quickly provide them upon arrival.

Essentials for Baby

Clothing for Newborns: Pack a selection of newborn clothing essentials to keep your little one comfortable and cozy during their hospital stay and journey home. This includes soft and breathable onesies or bodysuits, comfortable pants or leggings, socks to keep their tiny feet warm, and hats to help regulate their body temperature. 

Diapers and Wipes: Stock up on newborn diapers and wipes to keep your baby clean and dry during their hospital stay. Newborns typically go through several diapers a day, so be sure to pack an ample supply to last throughout your hospital stay and for the journey home. Consider packing both disposable and cloth diapers, depending on your preference. Don't forget to include a diaper bag or portable diaper changing pad for convenient diaper changes on the go.

 

The Ollie Swaddle: A revolutionary swaddling solution designed to promote better sleep for newborns. Made from soft, stretchy fabric and featuring custom closures, the Ollie Swaddle provides a snug and secure fit that mimics the womb, helping to soothe and comfort your baby during sleep.

Car Seat for the Journey Home: One of the most important items to pack in your baby's hospital bag is a properly installed car seat for the journey home. Ensure that your car seat meets current safety standards and is appropriate for your baby's age, weight, and height. Practice installing the car seat in your vehicle before your due date to ensure a secure and safe fit. Additionally, familiarize yourself with how to properly secure your baby in the car seat and adjust the harness straps for a snug and secure fit.

Ollie World Burp Cloths: Made from ultra-soft and absorbent fabric, Ollie World burp cloths are perfect for keeping you and your baby clean and comfortable during feedings. Their generous size and durable construction make them a must-have addition to your hospital bag.

Comfort Items

Comfortable Labor Gown: A comfortable labor gown is essential for providing freedom of movement and easy access for medical interventions during labor. Unlike standard hospital gowns, which can be scratchy and ill-fitting, a specially designed labor gown made from soft, breathable fabric ensures your comfort and dignity throughout the birthing process. Look for a gown with adjustable straps, convenient snaps or buttons for nursing access, and a loose, flowy fit that allows you to move around and change positions comfortably.

Cozy Blanket or Shawl: Packing a cozy blanket or shawl in your labor hospital bag can provide warmth, comfort, and a sense of familiarity during labor and delivery. Hospitals can be chilly, and having your own blanket or shawl allows you to control your comfort level and stay cozy throughout the birthing process. Choose a soft, lightweight blanket or shawl made from breathable fabric like cotton or fleece, and opt for a soothing color or pattern that brings you comfort and relaxation.

Essential Oil Diffuser: Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and managing pain during labor and delivery. Packing a portable essential oil diffuser in your labor hospital bag allows you to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere in your birthing room. Choose essential oils known for their relaxing properties, such as lavender, chamomile, or frankincense, and add a few drops to the diffuser to fill the room with soothing scents. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before using essential oils during labor to ensure they are safe for you and your baby.

Massage Tools: Labor can be physically demanding, and having massage tools on hand can provide much-needed relief from discomfort and tension. Consider packing a handheld massager, massage roller, or massage balls in your labor hospital bag to help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation during contractions. Your birth partner or doula can use these tools to provide gentle massage and pressure on your back, shoulders, and hips, helping you cope with labor pains and stay more comfortable throughout the birthing process.

Personalized Playlist or Audio: Music can be a powerful tool for relaxation and distraction during labor and delivery. Create a personalized playlist of your favorite songs or soothing sounds to listen to during labor, and pack a portable speaker or headphones in your labor hospital bag to play your music during contractions. Alternatively, consider bringing an audio recording of guided meditations, affirmations, or relaxation exercises to help you stay calm and focused during labor. Choose music or audio that brings you comfort and joy, and use it as a tool to help you relax and cope with the intensity of childbirth.

Special Considerations

Medications or Supplements Recommended by Your Healthcare Provider: If you have been prescribed any medications or supplements by your healthcare provider during pregnancy, be sure to pack them in your labor hospital bag. These may include medications for managing preexisting health conditions, prenatal vitamins, or any supplements recommended for pregnancy support. Having these medications or supplements on hand ensures that you can continue to manage your health needs effectively during labor and delivery, with guidance from your healthcare provider.

Birth Plan and Specific Preferences for Labor and Delivery: A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences and wishes for labor and delivery. It typically includes information about pain management options, labor positions, interventions, and postpartum care preferences. Packing your birth plan in your labor hospital bag ensures that your healthcare team is aware of your preferences and can support you in achieving your desired birth experience. Be sure to discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider beforehand and make any necessary adjustments based on your individual circumstances.

Contact Information for Your Healthcare Team and Support Network: It's essential to have contact information readily available for your healthcare team and support network during labor and delivery. This includes phone numbers for your obstetrician or midwife, doula, and any other healthcare providers involved in your care. Additionally, be sure to include contact information for your partner, family members, and friends who will be supporting you during labor and delivery. Having this information easily accessible in your labor hospital bag ensures that you can quickly reach out for support or assistance as needed during this pivotal time.

Lets here from a Labor nurse about her hospital bag favorites! 

 

Another one of our community members shared the 6 items missing from most hospital bag checklists...

Conclusion:

As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, packing your hospital bag with care and consideration is essential. By including all the essentials for both you and your baby, as well as special comfort items and luxuries, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable experience during labor and delivery. Plus, with must-have items like the Ollie Swaddle and Ollie World burp cloths, you can add an extra touch of comfort and convenience to your hospital stay. So, pack your bag with confidence, knowing that you're ready for whatever the journey ahead may bring.