Hospital Bag Checklist for Delivery: A Complete Guide to Prepare for Labour Day

In short: Start preparing for the birth from the eighth month: pack the hospital bag and tell your family where it is, keep the numbers of your husband, doctor and hospital, arrange transport and help for after the birth, and take your doctor’s card and pregnancy records. The mother’s bag includes comfortable nightwear for breastfeeding, toiletries and clothes for going home; the baby’s bag includes clothes, a hat, socks and nappies, plus the car seat.

• Soon you will have the wonderful chance to meet your baby — here is how you can prepare for this special day:
• Put a plan in place for emergencies:
• Your husband’s mobile number.
• The hospital phone number.
• Your relative’s phone number.
• The phone number of the person who will help you during your stay in the hospital and afterwards.
• Police emergency phone number.
• Arrange for someone to help you after discharge and take care of your house and mail while you are in the hospital.
• Be sure that you have the correct hospital address.
• Arrange how you will get to the hospital in case your family is away.
• Make a list for your husband to follow while you are in the hospital, covering admission, paying bills, etc.
• Take with you shower gel and hair shampoo.

Before you go to the hospital:

• Take a warm bath.
• Remove any jewelry.
• Don’t forget your obstetric card.
• Empty your bladder. An enema is not needed before delivery.
• Prepare your hospital bag once you reach your 8th month, and let your family know where it is kept.

Suggestions for the delivery bag:

• Identification card, insurance card, family document.
• Your delivery plan.
• Your glasses, if you wear them.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Lipstick.
• Deodorant.
• Hair brush.
• Your makeup essentials.
• Hair clip.
• Hair shampoo, body shampoo, body lotion (some hospitals provide these, but you may prefer to bring your own).
• Hair dryer and your own towel.
• Bathrobe, nightgown (try to bring a nightgown or pajama that makes it easy to breastfeed your baby), slippers, socks, underwear, breastfeeding bra, and sanitary napkins.
• Nipple balm.
• Wet wipes.
• Anything that helps you relax, such as your own pillow, music, or books.
• Going-home clothes and shoes.
• Camera and batteries (make sure it is fully charged so you can capture the first moments of your baby’s life).
• A phone number list of friends and family you want to inform once your baby arrives.
• A bottle of water so you can stay hydrated with small sips during labour.
• High-calorie snacks such as bananas, chocolate, and biscuits to enjoy after delivery.

Baby’s bag:

• Three pajama sets, a hat, and socks.
• Going-home clothes.
• Car seat.
• Diapers.
• Nail scissors, so the baby doesn’t scratch himself.

You should also pack a few things for your husband, if he will be staying with you at the hospital:

• Shaving tools, shampoo, soap, and a bathrobe.
• Snacks.
• Books.
• Money.

We wish you and your baby a happy, wonderful experience. Getting organized ahead of time can help you feel calmer and more confident as your due date approaches. If you have any questions about your delivery preparations or would like personalized guidance, the team at Dr. Najeeb Layyous’s clinic is glad to support you every step of the way, from your first prenatal visit through delivery and beyond.

Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist