Labor Bag Checklist
Week 5
About the size of a whole note from a piece of Kansas City jazz sheet music.
About the size of a sunflower seed, like those chewed by your favorite Royal baseball player.
Week 6
About the size of a single light bulb from the Country Club Plaza holiday display.
Week 10
Your labor bag will contain essentials and things that will help you feel comfortable during labor.
Postpartum Bag Checklist
Pack separate bags for mom and baby to help you stay organized. If your labor room is small, you can leave the bag in your car until after your baby is born to prevent it from cluttering your labor room. The hospital may be able to provide some essentials, but bring the following items to be safe.
What NOT to Bring:
A list to get you started on what not to pack in your hospital bag.
Labor Bag Checklist | For Expectant Moms
Insurance card and hospital paperwork
Eyeglasses (if you need them)
Loose, comfortable clothes
Book, magazine, tablet or cards for early labor
Socks and slippers
Bathrobe
Hairbands, ties or barrettes
Lip moisturizer
Rolling pin or tennis ball for backache
Massage lotion and tools
Aromatherapy scents (for the safety of patients and staff, can’t diffuse scents at hospital, but may put essential oils on skin)
Sentimental item from home, such as a favorite pillow or blanket
Focal point, such as an ultrasound or vacation photo
Music
Birth ball (if not provided by hospital). If you bring your own, make sure to write name with permanent marker.
LED candle
Labor Bag Checklist | For Partner/Family
It helps to have your own bag of things to make you comfortable during labor and an overnight stay. Bring practical things, and don’t be surprised if you’re also put in charge of documenting the whole experience.
Pillow
Directions/map to hospital
Camera, camcorder and/or memory card and batteries
Snacks for yourself such as crackers and granola bars
A few dollars and loose change for parking and vending machines (do not bring more cash than you’ll need, credit cards or other valuables)
Mints or chewing gum for fresh breath (your partner may be extra sensitive to odors during labor)
Basic toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant
Change of clothes
Cell phone and charger
Bathing suit in case you help your partner in the tub or shower during labor
Phone numbers of friends and family
For Expectant Moms
Postpartum Bag Checklist | For Mom
Nightgown or PJs
Robe
More snacks
Nursing bra
Breast pads
Maternity underwear (disposable kind provided by hospital)
Toiletries
Hairbrush
Comfortable, loose going home outfit and shoes
Address book
For Baby
Postpartum Bag Checklist | For Baby
Infant car seat and under car seat piece – Make sure you preview/get to know your car seat before your hospital stay!
Going-home outfit in multiple sizes since you won’t know ahead of time how big baby will be
Receiving blanket for going home in car seat
Pair of socks or booties
Baby emery board
Baby book for footprints
For Mom
What NOT to Bring
Large sums of money
Personal electronics – such as gaming consoles
Medications
Weapons
Diapers/wipes-hospital provides
Pads- Hospital provides
Jewelry
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