Hospital Checklist When Having a Baby

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be overwhelming, with so many details to consider. A hospital checklist specifically designed for expecting parents can significantly reduce this stress. It ensures that you don’t forget any essentials for both the baby and yourself during your hospital stay. From necessary paperwork to comfort items, this checklist can cover everything, allowing you to focus more on the excitement of welcoming your new family member.

Download Your Hospital Checklist When Having a Baby Here

Hospital Bag Checklist

1. Birth Plan (if you have one):
   • Outline of your preferences for labor and delivery.
2. Photo ID, Insurance Info, Hospital Forms:
   • Necessary for hospital admission and identification.
3. Labor Gown or Comfortable Clothing:
   • Choose something loose and comfortable for labor.
4. Non-skid Socks or Slippers:
   • Keeps your feet warm and prevents slipping on hospital floors.
5. Robe or Cardigan:
   • Useful for walking around the ward and post-delivery.
6. Nursing Bras or Supportive Tank Tops:
   • For breastfeeding support and comfort.
7. Breast Pads:
   • Helps absorb any leaks if you’re breastfeeding.
8. Nipple Cream (for breastfeeding):
   • Soothes and protects sore nipples.
9. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, etc.):
   • Personal hygiene essentials for your comfort.
10. Lip Balm and Moisturizer:
    • Hospitals can be dry; keep your skin and lips hydrated.
11. Hair Ties or Headbands:
    • Keeps hair out of your face during labor.
12. Glasses/Contact Lenses and Supplies (if needed):
    • For clear vision during your hospital stay.
13. Maternity Underwear:
    • Comfortable and suitable for postpartum use.
14. Maternity Pads or Heavy Flow Sanitary Pads:
    • Essential for post-delivery bleeding.
15. Comfortable Going-home Outfit:
    • Loose and comfortable clothes for your journey home.
16. Snacks and Drinks:
    • Keep your energy up with light, easy-to-digest snacks.
17. Water Bottle:
    • Stay hydrated throughout labor and recovery.
18. Entertainment (books, magazines, tablet):
    • Helps pass time, especially during early labor.
19. Phone and Charger:
    • Stay connected and ensure your phone is charged.
20. Music Playlist and Portable Speaker:
    • Music can be soothing and comforting during labor.
21. Relaxation Tools (massage oil, stress ball):
    • Useful for managing labor pains and anxiety.
22. Pillow and Blanket (optional, for comfort):
    • Familiar items from home can make you more comfortable.
23. Baby’s Going-home Outfit:
    • An outfit for your newborn’s first journey home.
24. Newborn Diapers:
    • The hospital may provide some, but it’s good to have extra.
25. Baby Blanket:
    • For warmth and swaddling your baby.
26. Car Seat for Baby (installed in car):
    • Essential for safely transporting your baby home.

Baby Hospital Bag Checklist

A baby-specific hospital checklist is crucial in ensuring that all the immediate needs of your newborn are met. This list can include items like newborn diapers, a selection of clothes for different temperatures, a blanket, and special skincare products for babies. Having these items readily available means your baby will be comfortable and well-cared for from the very first moments.

Baby Essentials Checklist

1. Several Outfits for Baby:
   • Pack multiple outfits in newborn sizes, considering varying temperatures.
2. Newborn Diapers:
   • A supply of diapers specifically for newborns.
3. Baby Wipes:
   • Gentle wipes suitable for a newborn’s sensitive skin.
4. Baby Blankets:
   • Soft blankets for swaddling and warmth.
5. Hats and Socks:
   • To keep the baby’s head and feet warm.
6. Burp Cloths:
   • Useful for feeding times and spit-ups.
7. Baby Toiletries:
   • Gentle, baby-specific products like soap and lotion.
8. Bottles and Formula (if not breastfeeding):
   • If you plan to formula feed, bring sterilized bottles and formula.
9. Pacifiers:
   • A couple of pacifiers can be soothing for the baby.
10. Going-Home Outfit:
    • A special outfit for the baby’s first trip home.
11. Car Seat:
    • Properly installed car seat for the baby’s safe travel home.
12. Baby Nail Clippers or File:
    • Newborns can have sharp nails.
13. Baby’s Health Booklet:
    • For hospital staff to record birth details and initial check-ups.
14. Soft, Absorbent Towels:
    • For drying the baby after a wash.
15. Sleep Sack or Swaddle:
    • For safe and comfortable sleeping in the hospital.
16. Breastfeeding Pillow (if breastfeeding):
    • Helps position the baby comfortably during feedings.
17. Baby Monitor:

Birth Partner Checklist

As a key support during childbirth, you play a crucial role. This Checklist Planner has been carefully crafted to help you prepare effectively, ensuring you can offer the best support to the expecting mother.

From key items to pack to understanding the birth plan, we’ve got you covered for this extraordinary journey.

Support Partner’s Hospital Checklist

1. Important Documents:
   • Bring copies of any necessary paperwork, like the birth plan, insurance information, and ID.
2. Contact Information:
   • Have a list of essential contacts, including the doctor/midwife, close family members, and friends.
3. Hospital Bag Essentials:
   • Pack items for your own stay, such as comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks, water bottle, and any medications you might need.
4. Comfort Items for the Mother:
   • Include items that can comfort the mother, like massage oils, a favorite pillow, a playlist of soothing music, and a portable speaker.
5. Knowledge of the Birth Plan:
   • Be familiar with the birth plan to advocate for the mother’s wishes during labor and delivery.
6. Snacks and Hydration:
   • Pack nutritious snacks and drinks for both you and the mother, as labor can be lengthy.
7. Change for Vending Machines/Parking:
   • Have some cash on hand for vending machines or parking fees.
8. Camera or Smartphone:
   • For taking pictures or videos of the new baby, if desired.
9. Chargers for Electronic Devices:
   • Don’t forget chargers for phones, cameras, or other electronic devices.
10. Entertainment:
    • Books, magazines, or a tablet for downtime during early labor.
11. Relaxation Techniques:
    • Be prepared with relaxation techniques or exercises to help the mother, like breathing exercises or guided imagery.
12. Physical Support Items:
    • Consider bringing items like a birthing ball or back massager to assist during labor.
13. Notebook and Pen:
    • To jot down any instructions from the medical team or track labor progress.
14. A Change of Clothes:
    • Labor can be unpredictable, so having a fresh set of clothes is advisable.
15. Basic First Aid Supplies:
    • Just in case, include items like band-aids, pain relievers, and antacids.

Key Mother and Baby Care Checklists

Explore the Essential Hospital Preparation Checklist for Mother and Newborn for a comprehensive guide to hospital readiness.

Mother’s Post-Delivery Care Checklist: This checklist is dedicated to a mother’s recuperation and comfort following childbirth. It encompasses essentials for physical recovery, nutritional support, and overall comfort in the postpartum phase, focusing on the mother’s health as she transitions into her new maternal role.

Nursing Mother’s Essentials Checklist: Designed for mothers who choose to nurse, this checklist compiles crucial items for a more comfortable and effective breastfeeding experience. It includes necessities for expressing and storing breast milk, as well as products to alleviate the physical aspects of nursing, aimed at streamlining the breastfeeding journey.

Complete Diaper Bag Preparation Checklist: This checklist ensures you’re ready for your baby’s needs while traveling. It covers all the essentials for diaper changes, feedings, and overall care during outings, equipping parents to manage their baby’s needs in various environments.

Parent-Baby Relaxation and Bonding Checklist: Centered on enhancing the emotional bond between parent and child, this checklist highlights activities and items that encourage bonding and relaxation. It includes suggestions for creating a peaceful environment and engaging in activities that promote mutual comfort and interaction.

Newborn’s First Month Essentials: This checklist addresses the basic requirements of a newborn in their initial month. It covers critical items for feeding, sleeping, and everyday care, ensuring parents have everything needed to provide comfortable care for their newborn during the early stages.

Baby Health and Cleanliness Checklist: Focused on the baby’s well-being and hygiene, this list includes grooming tools, measures for preventing illness, and guidelines for regular health check-ups. It emphasizes maintaining the baby’s health and cleanliness through attentive care and ongoing health assessments.

Comprehensive Baby Feeding and Nutrition Checklist: This checklist is tailored to meet the baby’s dietary needs, whether through breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. It also includes essentials for introducing solid foods at the appropriate time, with a focus on ensuring balanced nutrition for the baby’s healthy growth and development.

Infant Safety and Security Checklist: Essential for creating a secure environment for the baby, this checklist includes items for childproofing the home, ensuring safe travel, and preparing for emergencies. Its aim is to safeguard the baby from common risks and equip parents for a range of safety situations.