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Detailed Labor Packing List for Mom, Dad, Baby, and Siblings

Detailed Labor Packing List for Mom, Dad, Baby, and Siblings

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I wrote a highly viewed post about what to take to the hospital and have for the recovery period that no one ever talks about here. It is called 11 Secrets to Have in Your Labor Bag (That you probably haven’t heard of) – For Women ONLY. So I’ll just mention those 11 things as one bullet point on the following list… just make sure to check out the 11-item list because there are lots of important things to take with you -or make sure the hospital will provided you with. You can download the Labor Bag Checklist for free below.

For Mom:

  • 11 Secrets to Have in Your labor bag items-
    please see the link for important recovery and comfort items not mentioned on this list.
  • chapstick
  • hair ties
  • facial wipes
  • makeup
  • nursing bra
  • nursing pads
  • lotion
  • essential oils & diffuser or humidifier- This is if  you are going into labor in a very dry place… i.e. winter in Utah. I was really wishing I had taken something like a humidifier or diffuser when I had my son in December because hospitals are extremely dry and the dry cold weather made it even worse… scratchy throat, chapped lips, sinus issues etc. Thus, I’ll be packing this diffuser for our next baby (due in December as well). I’ll also be taking a combo of essential oils which really help with my nausea (peppermint, lemon, and lavender) because I get really nauseous before I have my baby. UPDATE on second labor- I loved having my diffuser there! It made the room smell really nice (especially nice for company), helped combat nausea, and put moisture in the air.
  • Tums (if you battle acid reflux)
  • Preggie pops or suckers to suck on if you are planning on getting an epidural and would like something to suck on (if they allow you to).
  • Honey sticks (great for energy but not filling-marathon runners eat honey during races)
  • Pregnancy pillow (if you think you’ll be there for awhile). I wished I had had mine because I was in the hospital for 6 days. Plus, you can sit on it on the ride home. Some readers have suggested a hemorrhoid pillow like this for the ride home from the hospital and the days afterwards. One reader said you can ask the hospital for a donut pillow or call ahead to see if they provide them.
  • Cell phone
  • Phone charger
  • baby book- if you want to get the baby’s feet stamped in the book.
  • comfortable clothes and shoes. I love having non-slip slippers for walking around the hospital because my feet swell from the IV fluids and my other shoes won’t fit.
  • stay-over hygiene stuff: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, brush etc.
  • Insurance cards
  • Paperwork needed

For Baby:

  • onsies
  • swaddle blanket, You aren’t supposed to take the hospital blankets home (I love these Aden and Anais swaddle blankets)
  • car seat (make sure it is not expired)
  • If you are giving labor in winter or fall this car seat cover is a must have (in my opinion). We LOVED it for our son and now we love it for our daughter.
  • Hat for baby
  • baby gloves to prevent them from scratching themselves all over and/or nail clippers.
  • Two baby ‘going home’ outfits in case of a blowout or leak right before you leave.
  • Nose Frieda snot sucker… my son was always congested and this was a total life saver even when he was a little newborn.
  • A few diapers for the ride home if needed (usually the hospital provides these).
  • Wipes (usually the hospital provides these)
  • Binkies- try a variety of kinds. My son would only take to these. But I have friends whose babies took to other brands like NUK and Avent.
  • Another item I discovered recently is the Owlet Baby Monitor. It is a smart sock that monitors the baby’s oxygen just like a hospital monitors oxygen through our skin. It alerts you if the baby’s oxygen levels drop and has very plausibly saved two of my friend’s babies! It’s simply amazing! You can read an honest and unbiased review on it here. Or hereClick here to buy or to learn more about Owlet.

For Dad: 

  • Phone
  • phone charger
  • DVDs
  • laptop
  • phone
  • camera
  • camera charger or batteries
  • a couple of outfits
  • hygiene items
  • sleepover hygiene stuff: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, brush etc.

For Siblings:
If you have other children that will be going to grandma and grandpas or the sitters it is good to have them packed before-hand as well. Of course this list will vary based on your child here are a few things I’ll be packing for our 2 year old.

  • shirts
  • pants
  • socks
  • shoes
  • diapers
  • wipes
  • snacks
  • toys
  • favorite stuffed animal
  • car seat
  • coat
  • sippy cups
  • favorite DVDs

Need a list of items to have at home? Here is a baby checklist which also contains substitutions for less needed items.

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE Labor Bag Checklist LIST HERE (It is a Word Doc that can also be used in Open office)

Make sure to check out that post of 11 Secrets to Have in Your Labor Bag before getting packed and see if you hospital will provide the items mentioned.

A few people in the comments have said I way over packed. But I had everything on this list (besides the birthing ball) PLUS all of my kids’ dad’s overnight and my overnight stuff, and the babies outfits and things in one large suitcase. It really didn’t look ridiculous to come in with one suitcase and a birthing ball at all. We also had the car seat that he brought in later. UPDATE– during my daughters birth almost all of these items came in super handy. I was glad to have packed them.

Did I miss anything? If so, leave a comment below!

Are you more of a minimalist? If yes, this post is for you.

minimum labor packing list

If you haven’t yet, you’ll want to check out this post about 11 secrets to have in your labor bag here.

11 Secrets to have in your labor bag

 

Having a C Section? If so, this post is for you.

csection packing list

 

Labor Packing List

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Detailed Labor Packing List for Mom, Dad, Baby, and Siblings

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Jun

Monday 9th of March 2020

Whew! I didn't know there is a lot to put in that labor bag. I'll be sure to share this list with my wife. Birth, for men, is a total mystery already. The biggest question for me is "how not to pass out" during that day. Thinking about it gives me jitters.

Kristine

Friday 15th of June 2018

I'm having my 3rd and my kid(s) come to the labor (2 years and 4 years old). I would bring for them clothes, special snacks, a portable dvd player, and a bag of toys they have never played with. I don't have family in the area and I know there are many other in my situation, fortunately the hospital doesn't care about siblings in the room

Kristine

Friday 15th of June 2018

I was only in for 45 minutes with my last birth before I had my daughter, I waited super last minute so my son who was 2 didn't have to get out of hand. But not everyone can do that; it's a painful car ride

Amanda

Tuesday 11th of July 2017

Thank you so much for posting this list! I'm a first time mama with a little one due in the next few weeks. Your list was super helpful.

I was wondering if your owlet code is still viable or has that expired?

Thank you! :)

Anita Fowler

Thursday 11th of January 2018

If you click the link it does work and I do get some credit (at no cost to you) but the discount is over and I have removed that portion from the blog.

Hilary

Sunday 9th of October 2016

Great list...thank you so much! I'm also going to take baby nail scissors, as I found clippers terrifying to attempt with my first child. These Piyo Piyo scissors are great (but cheaper elsewhere): https://www.amazon.com/Piyo-Yellow-Baby-Nail-Scissors/dp/B004DFO57M

Anita Fowler

Monday 10th of October 2016

You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by.

The Ultimate List of What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag - Life With My Littles

Wednesday 30th of March 2016

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