You must be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel if you are preparing your bags, what an exciting time! We as a whole team have put together a list based on our labor experiences. A list of absolute essentials as well as a list of items that aren’t necessary but are very nice & helpful to have. You’ve got a lot on your mind, so we prepared a list for baby & dad as well!

Essentials for Moms bag:

  • Birth Plan (if you have one)
  • 2 pairs of pajamas, button-down if you plan to nurse.
  • Slippers
  • Toiletry bag
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Go home outfit
  • extra long phone charger
  • Some makeup for photos

Nonessential but definitely nice:

  • Pillows from home
  • Bath towels
  • Tripod to take family pictures with a timer
  • Snacks, hospital food isn’t the best
  • Breastpump (if you are planning to breastfeed)
    • Most hospitals will supply one, but if you are new to breastfeeding you should take advantage of having a lactation consultant available while using the pump you will have at home.
  • Portable Bluetooth speaker
    • If you love to listen to music often, you might enjoy a labor playlist! Add plenty of songs, you don’t know how long your labor will be.
  • The sound machine in case you have trouble sleeping.

Dads bag:

  • 1-2 lounge outfits
  • Slippers
  • Toiletries
  • Extra-long charger
  • 2 Pajamas
  • Bedding (Blankets, Sheets, Pillows)
  • More snacks
  • Camera, if you have one

Babies bag:

  • Extra soft baby outfits
  • Take home outfit
  • Hats
  • Swaddle blankets
  • Bassinet Crib Sheet
  • For photo purposes: Wooden sign, letter board, hello my name is sign

Is there something that we missed? Let us know below!

March 03, 2021 — Alissa Wapinsky