We were in the hospital almost 2 days with my first due to c section for breech (2023) and exactly 24 hours for my second after successful VBAC (2025).
They all have photographers that come around and do new born photos. These cost about $300, so have any props you want and get in the photo too! Moms don’t get as many pictures as dads usually because we are the ones taking them. (Pro tip: If you don’t buy them on the spot at the hospital you can sometimes get a discount if you wait and request them later)
Here’s the list of what you will want to pack!
- wallet/ insurance card
- 10 foot phone charger
- pillowcase from home
- nightgown / robe
- maternity pants/ dresses
- knee pad- for laboring
- slippers
- socks
- big water cup
- flip flops shower
- towel and wash cloth- they have but not soft
- velcro swaddle
- nursing bra/ breast pads
- dry shampoo
- mascara/foundation- basic makeup
- hairbrush
- headband
- bobby pins
- toothbrush and toothpaste -they have
- going home outfit
- NB and 0-3 onesie for ride home
- extension cord
- heat pad- electric- my life saver during labor
- comb- to squeeze in your hand to distract from labor pain
- muscle gun
- speaker
- white noise machine
- birth plan with multiple copies
- glasses/ contacts
- lip balm
- deodorant
- headphones
- ear plugs
- swimsuit for laboring in the shower if desired
- cooler for placenta if taking home- use to plant a tree, donate for rescue dog training, etc. It’s your organ!
Dad bag
- snacks, gum, mints
- cash
- clothing PJs and underwear socks
- slippers
- body wash
- toothbrush toothpaste
- deoderant
- pillow/blanket
- water jug
- headphones
Hospitals vary. ask the one you are going to for more details on what they provide.
Things provided by most hospitals: exercise ball, peanut ball, breast pump and all the parts needed, hospital gown, mesh underwear, abdominal binder, pads, tucks pads, periwash bottle, pain reliever spray, non slip socks, blankets, pillows, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deoderant, comb, ear plugs etc.
some have TENS, birthing tubs or showers.
They have for baby – long sleeve onesies, diapers, wipes, pacifiers, formula, donor breast milk, hat, sheets, bassinet, swaddle blanket (not velcro style- which is much easier)
Have your car seat installed prior to going into labor if possible. You have to show you know how to use it at the hospital.
Birth/ After
Set up life insurance prior to birth that way if they have any medical issue found at birth or first few days of life they are already covered with private insurance.
Set up a Will, estate plan. Who would become guardian. Power of attorney for financial and medical for you and your spouse.
Get birth certificate, go to county office to obtain. For us it was the county she was BORN in. Get social security card.
call your medical insurance to add them on to plan. Some require this within 30 days of birth! You will need the birth certificate and social security card. They DO NOT do it for you at the hospital they send the paper work you need but it’s not automatic.
OPEN a 529!! People love to buy toys but you can set up a 529 and let them contribute to their education. It’s a win win.
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