Hospital bag for labor and delivery
A packing list for a birth stay, from MedlinePlus.
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Packing only
This page lists things to pack. It is not advice about pregnancy, labor, or birth. Ask your clinician and your hospital or birth center what to bring and what to expect.
Ask what your hospital provides
Ask your hospital or birth center what it provides and what it allows.
Clothes
For you, the MedlinePlus birth stay list includes a roomy outfit for the trip home, a few changes of underwear and socks, slippers, and something to sleep and lounge in.
Toiletries
MedlinePlus includes basic toiletries, such as deodorant, lotion, and lip balm, plus things for your teeth and hair, hair ties among them.
Papers
MedlinePlus includes your insurance card and any admission papers, and notes that you might need to register before you arrive. Ask your hospital or birth center how.
Other items
MedlinePlus also includes photos and other personal things from home, your phone or tablet and its charger, something to read, music, a camera, and parking money.
Ask about what you take
Ask your clinician and your hospital how to handle any medicines you take.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. We are not a hospital, birth center, or health care provider, and we cannot tell you what your hospital provides, allows, or requires. Ask your clinician and your hospital or birth center what to bring and what to expect. For car seats, follow the seat maker's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual, and see NHTSA's car seat guidance. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Next: newborn's bag
A short list for the baby.
