What to bring to the hospital
So your partner is in the third trimester and the baby is getting more and more real. Pack yourself a go bag for the hospital before week 36 so that when the time comes you just have to pick up your bag and throw it in the car before heading to the hospital. Also it’s smart to have a bag for you and a bag for your partner. In your bag here are some of the essentials that you should be packing.
Dad
Everything you’ll need to get you through your time in the hospital
- Phone, charger, headphones
- List of who to notify
- Folder with Important Information (Insurance Information, Photo ID, Birth Plan, Hospital Forms, etc)
- Snacks and Drinks (refillable water bottle, Gatorade, Powerade, sweet or salty snacks, healthy snacks)
- List of food delivery options
- Cash and credit cards (small bills and change for vending machines and parking)
- Extra Face Masks
- Toiletries
- Tablet with downloaded movies and shows
- Portable speaker with soothing playlist
- Changes of Clothes (button down shirts for skin to skin contact, nice shirt for first family photos)
- Sweatshirt (it could be freezing in the room)
- Travel pillow and blanket
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc)
- Medication
- Shower sandals
- Shoes since you’ll be on your feet a lot
- Massage Oil
- Microfiber Towels
- Watch to time contractions
- Pillows with color pillowcase
- Flexible straw to help partner drink during labor
- Tissue box
- Push present
- Journal
- Email drafted with all your contacts in bcc
Baby
Your baby is going to need things once they’re born
- Car Seat
- Pediatrician Contact Information
- 2 going home outfits (one newborn, one 0-3 months)
- Hat and Mittens
- Socks
- 2-3 Sleeper Outfits
- Announcement Outfit
- Announcement Board
- Blankets
- Burp Cloths
- Baby Nail Clippers
- Reusable Bottles
Mom
Mom probably has these already figured out but always good to check
- Birth Plan, Hospital Paperwork, Photo ID, Insurance Information
- Nursing Bras or Tanks
- Comfortable Robe
- Roomy Sweatshirt
- Stretchy Joggers or Leggings
- Slip On Shoes (Flip Flops, Slides)
- Cozy Socks
- Going Home Outfit
- Toiletries (Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Face Wash or Face Wipes, Deodorant, Dry Shampoo or Shampoo and Conditioner, Hair Ties, Lip Balm, Lotion, etc)
- Glasses or Contact Lenses
- 10 ft Charging Cable for Cell Phone
- Nipple Balm
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Bath Towel
- Loose, Lightweight clothing
- Portable Fan
- Numbing Spray
- Always/Depends underwear
- Cotton Underwear (at least 2 pairs)
- Nursing Pillow
- Stress Ball
- Headband or Ponytail Holder
- Stretch Mark Serum
- Maxi Pads
- Sleep Mask/ Ear Plugs