Hospital Bag Checklist
Category: Pregnancy
This check list is in the following categories:
Things you may want to pack in a hospital bag when having a baby in case you need to stay in the hospital.
This checklist of things to pack in your hospital bag is handy if you know you'll be staying at the hospital after having a baby or surgery. It is also a good idea to have an emergency hospital bag packed and ready in the case
of an unexpected stay at the hospital. You never know when something could happen. An emergency hospital bag will help your family make sure you have what you need.
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Robe
Usually the hospital will let you wear your own robe instead of skimpy, cotton ones they supply. Pack a robe in your hospital bag that will be easy to put on and take off.
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Socks and underwear
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Slippers
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Comfortable knit clothing
It is important that you choose clothing that will fit you even if you are retaining water or have tender wounds and bandages.
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(Women) sanitary protection pads
This is especially important if a woman is expecting to give birth. There is normally a considerable amount of blood flow for awhile after pregnancy.
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Music IPod or MP3 player
If you choose not to pack this item in your hospital bag right away, write a note and attach it to the bag giving instructions to pack the IPod or MP3 before going to the hospital.
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Hair brush
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Basic makeup and skin-care products
A hospital stay following pregnancy is a perfect time for a facial. Pack a special cosmetic bag of skin-care products, lotion, and massage oil in your hospital bag so you can clean up and feel pampered and refreshed after
delivery.
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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(Men) shaver
If your husband or partner will be spending time at the hospital, he may want to pack his own shaver in your hospital bag. You never know when it will be time to leave for the hospital or how long you will need to stay.
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Reading material
This will be appreciated by those who come to visit you in the hospital and wish to stay for awhile.
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Stuffed animal or a treat for the child who come to visit.
The hospital is a scary place for young children. You can make it more enjoyable if there is a soft, stuffed animal for the child to cuddle. It is also a nice idea to pack some individually packaged treats to share with
the young children who come to visit.
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Body lotion
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Heated pad or blanket
It is often cold in a hospital room. If you tend to need extra warmth, the nurses may let you use your own heated pad or blanket.
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Hand-held mirror
It may be difficult to walk to the bathroom to look in the mirror. A hand-held mirror may be appreciated if you want to see your face or a place you can't see easily because of surgery wounds.
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Digital & video cameras
When a new baby is born, you will want to capture every moment. Even if this is an unexpected hospital stay, you may want to remember the hospital guests through pictures.
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Guest book & pen
This doesn't need to be a formal guest book, but you may want to pack a journal, or book with blank pages, so you and others can write notes and well wishes.
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Small bulletin board or basket for cards
Instead of lying you greeting cards on a table where you can't see them, hang them up on a small bulletin board for you and your guests to enjoy.
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Names & phone numbers of people to call.
You may have phone numbers of family and friends stored in your computer, but they should be printed out and placed in your overnight bag to take to the hospital.