LABOUR BAG ESSENTIALS
It can be hard to decide what's essential or not, right? Especially if you are having your first child.
That’s why we did our research by talking to moms and our expert staff to figure out the exactly what you'll need for the trip to the hospital.
Some items might not be important to you, so cross them off of your list, and spend some time writing down other things that are important for you to bring!
- 2 Pieces of ID (one with photo)
- Insurance number, if you have one
- Hospital Paperwork, if they gave you any
- Birth Plan, if you have one (bring a few copies)
- Folder for paperwork they will give you
- Postpartum (mesh) underwear (the hospital will give but some moms find them uncomfortable)
- Maxi-Pads (ice)
- Perineal Healing Foam or Spray
- Phone & Charger
- Snacks
- Clear Drinks (choose ones that will help you keep hydrated)
- Candy (helps with dry mouth during labour)
- Daily prescription medication, if you take any (check with the hospital
before use) - Glasses or extra pair of contact lenses and cleaning solution, if needed
- Robe
- Nightgowns / Pajamas (front opening for breastfeeding)
- 2 Nursing bras or tanks
- Several pairs of underwear
- Comfortable and loose clothes
- 2 or 3 Pairs of comfortable anti-slip socks
- Flip-flops (for shower)
- Slip-on shoes
- Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair brush, hair tie, face wash, lotion, hair dryer)
- Lip Balm
- Nipple cream
- Towel (also provided by the hospital, but bring one from home if will make you more comfortable)
- Season-appropriate clothes (0-3 months)
- Swaddle
- Newborn diapers (just a few - hospitals provide some)
- Wet Wipes
- Properly installed car seat
- Pillow & Blanket
- Toiletries
- Change of Clothes
- Bathing suit & Flip-flops (for shower)
- Snacks and/or change for vending machine
- Phone & Charger
- Entertainment & Earphones
- Pillow (non-white or patterned to differentiate from hospital's)
- Eye mask & earplugs
- Massage Cream or Oil
- Entertainment (playlist, earphones, book, tablet, puzzles, card games, etc.)
- Ice/heated pack
- Additional tote for things the hospital will provide & gifts
- Bag for dirty clothes
- Anything you think will help you during/after labour
- Have your labour bag ready before your 36th week of pregnancy and leave it in an easy-access place like near your front door or in your car.
- Try to pack light as you might not have much room to store belongings
- Check with the hospital if they have any restrictions on what is or is not allowed.
- If you are not sure about a few items you can make a main bag with the things that you know are essential and also pack a second smaller bag with things that you might need. If you decide that you want those items, it will be easy for a support person to pick up that bag later.
