What to Pack for the Hospital for Labor and Delivery

It's a good idea to pack your bag a month or two before your due date, so you don't have to rush around when it's time to get to the hospital.

Here are some ideas for what to pack for labor:

• Back massage aids (tennis ball, hand-held massager, etc.)
• Music (Walkman, tapes or CDs)
• Hair accessories to pull your hair back (if applicable)
• Lip balm
• Personal toiletries (glasses, contact lenses, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, etc.)
• Robe
• 1-2 night gowns (optional, as hospital gowns are provided)
• 3-4 pairs of cotton underwear
• Slippers
• Socks
• List of names and phone numbers of family and friends to notify about your news
• A book or magazine

Here's what your labor coach should pack:

Money for snacks and meals
Change of clothes
Slippers, socks
Comfortable clothes for sleeping
Camera and film
Camcorder

Here's what you should pack for baby:

• Car seat - It's a good idea to install the car seat in the car you will be traveling home in about one month before your due date. Installing the car seat early will help you make sure it's installed properly. Some car dealers and police or fire stations offer free safety inspections on car seat installations. Check what's available in your community.
• T-shirt (not a "onesie," since you don't want to cover up the umbilical cord)
• Sleeper
• Receiving blanket
• Hat
• Clothes to go home in
• Snowsuit (depending on the weather conditions)

Note: everything your baby needs for his or her stay in the hospital will be provided, including diapers and formula

Other items you should pack for after delivery:

• Nursing bras (2 or 3) or supportive bras if you aren't going to be breastfeeding

• Comfortable homegoing clothes (early pregnancy size)

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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional written health information, please contact the Health Information Center at the Cleveland Clinic (216) 444-3771 or toll-free (800) 223-2273 extension 43771 or visit www.clevelandclinic.org/health This document was last reviewed on: 9/9/2002

The Cleveland Clinic 2004
The Cleveland Clinic
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Cleveland, OH