What to Pack for Labor

What should you pack for labor? Below are some suggestions for things you’ll need during your hospital stay.

A “Labor Bag” for Your Labor and Delivery

• Lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste
• Warm socks
• Hair band or ribbon
• Contact lenses and glasses
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Mildly scented or unscented massage oil or lotion
• Phone numbers, note pad and pen or pencil
• A limited amount of money for parking, meals and snacks
• A focal point to aid in concentration during labor (photo or artwork with special meaning)
• Two tennis balls in a tube sock to use as counter-pressure back support
• A baby book for your newborn’s footprints (some dads like the footprints on a T-shirt)
• Camera or video recorder with film and batteries
• A hand fan
• Music
• Light reading, a deck of cards or other forms of entertainment

A Suitcase for Your After-Delivery Stay

• Nursing bra
• Comb, brush and hair dryer
• Shampoo and deodorant
• Cosmetics
• Comfortable clothes and shoes to wear home
• A change of clothes for your partner

For Your Baby

• A T-shirt and outfit to wear home, with socks or booties
• Two light baby blankets
• A warm baby blanket if the temperature outside is cool
• An infant car seat (review your owner’s manuals for the car seat and your automobile to make sure the seat is properly installed)