Your labour bag: what to pack

It's important to pack the right items in your labor bag because you don't want to have to send your family and friends out buying pjs for you or clothes for your baby! Here we’ve compiled a list of essentials you might need during your hospital stay…

For your labor

- Your birth plan.

- Your health insurance card.

- Loose, comfortable clothing, such as a nightgown or big T-shirt (pack a few in case they get dirty), and a robe.

- Warm socks and slippers.

- Hairbrush and hair bands.

- Lip balm.

- A pillow if you wish to bring your own.

- Massage oils if you’re using them for pain relief.

- Snacks and drinks.

- Books and magazines to read when things are going slowly, MP3 player if you think you might want to listen to music during your labor.

For after the birth

- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, and cosmetics for that first photo-shoot!

- A change of clothes.

- Top-up snacks. After hours of labor you're likely to be pretty hungry and you might not like the hospital food!

- Old underwear you don’t mind getting stained (if your hospital or birthing center provides disposable panties, use them to avoid staining your own panties), sanitary napkins (your hospital or birthing center may also provide these).

- Nursing bra, breast pads (take these even if you don’t plan on breastfeeding – your breasts will still produce milk in the first days after the birth).

- Your cellphone, to spread the good news! Pack a prepaid phone card if your hospital doesn’t allow cellphone calls in the labor and delivery unit).

- Loose, comfortable clothes to wear home (don’t pack your size 3 jeans – it’ll be a while before you get back into those!).

For your baby

- His infant car seat.

- Clothes – simple stretchy cotton vests and onesies are best, along with a blanket to wrap him in. Pack baby socks/booties and a hat too. 

- Diapers (your hospital will probably provide these but you can never have too many and you might have to change him on the trip home!

- Cotton wool or baby wipes.

- One pack of muslins – essential for pretty much everything, but mainly for wiping away the inevitable spit-up when they bring up milk!

For your partner

- Change of clothes for the labor and after the birth – things can get messy! Bear in mind that labor and delivery units are set at a higher temperature to keep newborns warm enough, so you might feel more comfortable in shorts and T-shirts.

- Books and magazines.

- Camera/camcorder to record your baby’s entrance into the world! 

Hot tip You’ll be surprised at much you have to take home from the hospital with you! As well as your labor bag, factor in flowers, gifts for you and the baby… your baby himself! A good tip is to ask friends and relatives to take a few things with them when they come to visit (flowers for example) so you don’t have so much to carry when you leave.

Why not chat to other moms about what they found useful to take to the hospital?

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.