What to Bring
As you pack, don’t forget that you’re packing for two! Here is a list of items you may want to bring along to make your stay more comfortable.
For Yourself
- A nightgown or big shirt to wear during labor, although a hospital gown will be provided
- Socks
- Slippers
- A few nightgowns, pajamas or T-shirts, and sweat pants (breastfeeding mothers might find loose-fitting T-shirts or nursing gowns most comfortable)
- A robe
- Several pairs of underpants
- Large, self-adhesive sanitary pads (the hospital will provide them, but you may prefer your own)
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Any other toiletries, cosmetics, or hairstyling equipment you want
- Phone numbers for people you want to call
- Clothes to wear home (be sure they are loose fitting)
- Aromatherapy items (nothing requiring fire)
- Music and music player
- Camera
- Pillow
For Your Baby
Memorial Family Care Birthing Center provides the basics for newborns during their hospital stay: a knit cap, an undershirt, diapers, and blankets.
When it comes time to take the baby home, the baby will need his/her own things.
- Baby Book (to have delivery footprints, have staff sign)
- A receiving blanket
- Clothes to wear home, including an undershirt, cap, and socks
- Burp cloth
- Bunting or a warm blanket if it’s cold outside
- A car seat
We also encourage that you bring a car seat that has a valid expiration date. Many people are not aware that car seats expire. Car seats also go by weight range of infants, so make sure that your car seat is sustainable for the weight of a normal newborn. There are circumstances where patients deliver very early, and they have babies who are under five pounds, which most car seats are not equipped for. If that happens, we encourage you to go find a car seat that fits the weight of your baby, because it’s important to get the newborn home safely.