Pregnancy is a time chock-full of questions and unknowns: Will the baby be healthy? Will it be a boy or a girl? Will I have an easy pregnancy (and what about delivery?!)? Will the baby come early—or will they be late? So, in a period filled with such uncertainties, it’s no wonder that when the time comes to packa hospital bag, many parents jump at the chance to plan for something they can actually control.
But what do you really need with you when you go into labor, and what items are better left at home? To get some answers, we turned to new mom and Northwell Health OB/GYNDana Almeida, DO, for her top packing tips and a glimpse at the things she couldn’t live without during her own hospital stay.
Essentials for the laboring parent
An extra-long phone charger. When you are in a small hospital bed (and room) for a few days straight, you start to appreciate the extra reach of a longer phone charging cord. People who have had a baby during the pandemic can attest to just how important a working phone is as you share pictures and videos, and FaceTime with family and friends who might not be able to visit in person just yet. You can also use your charging phone to access music and meditation during labor, or catch up on social media as a way to distract yourself during the early stages of labor (or during a 4am feeding session).
Cozy pajamas and a robe. While the hospital gown serves its purpose during a potentially messy labor and delivery, few things feel as indulgent and comforting after all that hard work as your own pajamas. Choose something cozy and loose fitting in the belly, as you won’t want anything pressing on this tender area. In addition, Almeida suggests opting for darker colors in case you have an accidental leak. She says she chose a matching sweatpants and sweatshirt set, but recommends avoiding pajamas that might be too hot. A robe also allows for easy access for nursing, or as an essential if you are showering at the hospital with nurses and doctors popping in and out of the room.
Slippers and flip-flops. Hospital floors can be ... grimy. If you are delivering and recovering in the same room, you might want to wear shoes to avoid any fluids the clean-up crew missed. Flip-flops also double as a great shower shoe, and can be comfortable for walking the halls during labor. Slippers are a cozy addition to your pajamas and robe for postpartum recovery, especially for middle of the night diaper changes.
All the snacks … In some birthing centers, food is now being allowed as studies start to show the nearly universal “no food” rule is unnecessary for most uncomplicated births. So, talk to your doctor about whether you will be able to have food during labor. While some hospitals, like Almeida’s, have a snack cart that hospital workers bring around, many don’t. She recommends having gum on hand as well, as it promotes gas movement after a C-section. After the birth she says you can choose literally anything you want to eat, and that packing food can be especially important if COVID-19 restrictions mean visitors can’t come to and from the hospital with extra food. Also consider your partner’s food needs when packing snacks, as it can be a long labor without eating, and they need energy to be fully supportive and there for you.
Other items Almeida says she was glad she had include extra pillows for herself and her partner (including a Boppy nursing pillow), hair ties, toiletries, a hair dryer, and an extra bag to carry all of the items the hospital gives you.
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The basics for baby
Although your Instagram feed of insanely cute baby items might suggest otherwise, your baby actually needs very little in the first days of their life. Almeida says most people overpack for their little ones, who spend their time wrapped in sleep sacks and onesies for the duration of the hospital stay. Here’s what she says they actually need for those first 48 hours.
A variety pack of pacifiers. Pacis are a controversial item—some hospitals don’t provide one to nursing mothers at all, as they say it can cause “nipple confusion” and disrupt the establishment of breastfeeding. Others, however, don’t agree with this—especially if the baby is feeding well already. If you have made the decision to give your baby a pacifier, you might want to bring a variety for your baby to try, in case you aren’t provided one or the baby doesn’t like the ones available. “It’s a mom—and baby—preference,” Almeida says. “Pacis reduce SIDS and promote good endorphins in the baby, but ultimately parents should feel confident choosing what’s right for their baby and family.”
A take home/photo friendly outfit. You only really need a single outfit for the baby to take pictures in and for the ride home. Consider clothing that will be easy to get on your new baby and that is car seat-friendly for the big ride home.
The car seat. You don’t necessarily need to lug the whole car seat into the hospital between contractions, but you should have it ready and waiting in the car. Travel system seats can be brought right up to the room when it’s time to go home, and if you are opting for a convertible car seat, ensure it’s set up at home and your partner can pull up to the front of the hospital to load the baby without removing the seat.
And one for the nurses …
Some birthing parents opt to bring small gifts for the medical staff, as they are often moved by their level of dedication during and after the birth. If you want to do this, you can put together a simple thank you card and care gift including gum and candy, fun socks or headbands, and other trinkets to show a small token of appreciation. After all, your nurse just taught you how to keep your bleeding vagin* in check by building a Tucks-pad covered maxi pad in your mesh panties. They deserve it.
What not to bring
There are a few items Almeida says expectant parents often make the mistake of bringing. To avoid needlessly overpacking, she suggests leaving the following at home:
- Diapers and wipes (the hospital will provide these)
- Home products such as toilet paper and towels
- Onesies for baby
- A swimsuit for a water birth (most women are naked or wear a sports bra, depending on preference)
- A mom’s going home outfit in your old pre-pregnancy size (don’t even try it ... just bring some leggings)
- Baby equipment, including carriers, mats, blankets, swings, and other accessories (just don’t forget the car seat)
Next Steps and Useful Resources
- You're having a baby! How to prepare ahead of the big day.
- Here’swhat to expect when you get home from the hospital.
- A few postpartum essentials can make a new mom’s first few days at home oh-so-much better.
