Before Baby: What’s In Your Hospital Bag?

The last trimester of pregnancy is a busy time to prepare for your new baby. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack a bag for your hospital stay.

“Go ahead and pack your bag a couple months ahead of your due date to ensure you have the items you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible,” said Sue McCarty, RN, nurse manager for Memorial Medical Center Family Maternity Suites. “Keep your hospital bag and car seat in a location known to both you and your partner so you can quickly grab it when it’s time to go.”

Packing List for Mom

  • Cell phone charger(s)
  • Headphones
  • Comfortable bra/nursing bra and breast pads
  • Sleepwear (if you do not wish to wear a hospital gown)
  • Socks or slippers
  • Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, shampoo, lotion, lip balm, etc.)
  • Hair ties or headband
  • Hairbrush
  • Insurance cards, verification forms from insurance
  • Birth plan
  • List of important contacts
  • Glasses, contacts, case and solution
  • Clothes to wear home

Packing List for Baby

  • Clothes for pictures
  • Clothes to wear home
  • Blankets
  • Baby socks and hat (weather-appropriate clothing)
  • Car seat

Reminders: Do not bring items of value or prescription medication. Also, make sure you set up the infant car seat so that it is ready to go when you bring baby home.

Baby on the way?

Register for Family Maternity Suites’ classes to learn about the miracle of birth, breastfeeding and many other baby preparation topics.

Don’t forget to preregister for your new arrival. To learn more about registration, visit your local affiliate hospital website:

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