This is something that I studied for the 9 months I was pregnant. I read every article, every book and listened to every single mom tell me what to bring and somehow I still didn’t have everything I needed. Through my experience hopefully I can help give expectant moms an idea of what to bring. Remember it’s best to pack your bags at least a month ahead of time. You want to be ready at anytime so your significant other isn’t driving home hours before or after the birth.
Mom
3-4 pairs of underwear- A.k.a. grannie panties- maternity pads are huge and need support
3-4 outfits- Comfortable clothes, loose fitting, keep in mind incase you must have a c-section don’t bring clothes that might get snagged in your staples
Nursing Bras
Nursing Pads- Even if you’re not breast-feeding you will still need these since you might leak
Hair Ties
A few pairs of socks
House slippers/Flip-Flops
Maternity Pads- They provide you with plenty but just incase you prefer the ones you bring
Deodorant
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Shampoo/Conditioner
Soap/Body & Face Wash
Razor/Shaving Cream- The only reason I say bring this is if you end up having a c-section they will shave you and they aren’t gentle so it’s better to do it yourself
Books/Magazines
Anything else you plan to use while in labor- i.e. Labor Ball, Cd’s
Boppy/Some sort of nursing pillow
Spouse
3-4 outfits
Deodorant
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Shampoo/Conditioner
Soap/Body & Face Wash
Snacks
Baby
2-4 outfits- Remember that your baby might be bigger or smaller than what you expect, so bring different sizes. I only brought 0-3 months and it turned out my son needed preemie clothes, even though he wasn’t a preemie, just a smaller baby
Socks
Scatch Mittens/Nail clippers- Lots of babies come out with long nails and they will scratch their face badly if not covered. I put nail clippers but some doctors say you shouldn’t cut your babies nails until a couple of days after birth.
Diapers- The hospital provides diapers but you might choose something other than what they provide, also keep in mind about the sizing
Blankets- Also Provided, but you might choose to use your own
Caps for the babies head
Pacifier- Also provided, but you might choose to use your own
Bottles/formula– The hospital provides formula but it might not be what you want your baby to have, also even if you plan on breast-feeding, be prepared incase something comes up and you can’t
Carseat
Head support for Carseat- Some people say they are safe others say you shouldn’t use them but they help hold the babies head in place
MISC
Pillows- Provided but pillows from home are much more comfy and you will need them for your spouse
Blankets- The room gets very very cold
Cash- Around $20- For drinks/food/vending machines
Digital Camera/Extra batteries
Insurance Card
Mom and Spouses ID- Not sure about all states, but some require a copy to send off for the babies SS card
Cell Phones & Chargers
That is pretty much the majority of what you really need. Remember for toiletries, its best to buy the travel size and have them packed instead of trying to remember to pack your own. I really hope this helps out 🙂
