Phone chargers, snacks, and things from home
Power, something to read, and a few personal items.
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Phone and charger
MedlinePlus includes a phone or tablet and its charger. Ready.gov lists a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery in its emergency supply kit. Some people choose to pack a longer cable in case the outlet is far from the bed.
Something to pass the time
MedlinePlus lists books, magazines, a camera, and music.
Things from home
MedlinePlus includes a few personal things from home, like photos or a keepsake.
Snacks
MedlinePlus includes food and drink for your support person. Ask your clinician and your hospital what you may eat and drink.
Ask about devices
Ask your hospital or birth center about its rules for chargers, speakers, and other devices.
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: partner's bag
A bag for the support person.
