What to Pack for the Hospital: Complete Guide for Parents
Preparing for the big day is essential for a calm and organized experience. In this guide we tell you everything you need to bring to the hospital for delivery, both for the mother, father and newborn, as well as the necessary documentation.
Required documentation
Before starting with the items, make sure to bring all required documentation:
- ID card or mother's identification document
- Health card
- Pregnancy documentation (pregnancy card)
- Relevant medical reports
- Health insurance documentation (if applicable)
- Father's/companion's ID
For the mother
Personal documents and items
- ID and medical documentation
- Comfortable clothes for admission and discharge
- Comfortable slippers
- 2 hospital pajamas or nightgown
- Nursing bra
- Robe in case it's cold
- Disposable or cotton underwear
- Maternity pads
- Towels and personal hygiene items
- Breast protector
- Breast pads
Comfort items
- Personal pillow
- Light blanket
- Hair tie
- Lip balm
- Headphones and relaxing music
- Book or magazine
- Healthy snacks
- Water bottle
- Phone charger extension
For the father/companion
- ID and required documentation
- Comfortable clothes and change
- Personal hygiene items
- Warm clothes (hospital can be cold)
- Cash for cafeteria or vending machines
- Camera or phone with good camera
- Pillow and blanket (if overnight stay is allowed)
- Install car seat for the return home
For the newborn
Clothes
- 3-4 cotton bodysuits (size 0-1 month)
- 3-4 pajamas or clothing sets
- Cotton hat
- Mittens
- Socks or booties
- Light blanket or swaddle
- Sleeping bag for baby
- Bottle
- 2-3 bibs
- Pacifier
Hygiene items
- Newborn diapers (size 0)
- Hypoallergenic wipes
- Diaper cream
- Sterile gauze
- Saline solution (optional)
- Soft hair brush (optional)
Documents you'll receive at the hospital
At discharge, the hospital will provide you with several important documents:
- Medical discharge report
- Delivery details
- Mother and baby's health status
- Postpartum recommendations
- Newborn documentation
- Birth certificate
- Report of tests performed on the baby
- Civil registry documentation
- Social Security documentation
- Maternity leave documentation
- Birth benefit documentation
- Breastfeeding documentation
- Information about the first feeding
- Feeding recommendations
Additional tips
- Pack the hospital bag at least 3 weeks in advance
- Review the list with your midwife or gynecologist
- Consider the weather conditions at the time of delivery
- Label all belongings
- Have important phone numbers handy
- Prepare the car with the baby car seat
Conclusion
Having everything you need at the hospital will help you experience delivery with more peace of mind and comfort. Remember that each hospital may have its own rules and recommendations, so it's important to check with your specific medical center.
Do you have any questions about what to bring to the hospital? Leave us a comment and we'll help you!