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:

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

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:

  1. Medical discharge report
    • Delivery details
    • Mother and baby's health status
    • Postpartum recommendations
  2. Newborn documentation
    • Birth certificate
    • Report of tests performed on the baby
    • Civil registry documentation
  3. Social Security documentation
    • Maternity leave documentation
    • Birth benefit documentation
  4. Breastfeeding documentation
    • Information about the first feeding
    • Feeding recommendations

Additional tips

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!