Things to Do Before Delivery
The following list includes things that should be done before delivery and before you bring your new baby home.
- Know when to go to the hospital
- Be pre-registered at the hospital where you plan to give birth - take a tour of the birth center!
- Know how long to fast before admission (including food and drink)
- Know day and night phone numbers for your health care provider's office and the labor and delivery unit
- Have transportation to the hospital planned ahead
- Know where to go when you get to the hospital (including the after-hours entrance)
- Have arrangements made if you plan to do cord blood collection or donation
Supplies You'll Need for Your Newborn
- Infant car seat as required by law
- Breastfeeding supplies, such as a nursing bra and pads - Most hospitals have a lactation consultant available to help develop a healthy feeding plan
- Baby bottles and nipples, even if you are planning to breastfeedBreast Pump (Insurance may help with cost - Breast milk can be refrigerated for 5-7 days and frozen for up to 3 months)
- Formula if you won't be breastfeeding
- Diapers
- Changing table, cotton balls, wash cloths, mild soap, diaper rash ointment, hair brush, and thermometerInfant sleepers, T-shirts, and receiving blankets
- Sweater and a hat for your baby
- Crib sheets and blankets
- Waterproof pads for crib or lap
- Crib, cradle, or bassinet
What to Pack for the Hospital
- Medical coverage information
- Support or nursing bra and breast pads
- Socks and slippers
- Lip balm
- Music/CDs that you would like to listen to during labor
- Loose fitting clothes to wear home
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush/hair-tie
- Telephone numbers of family and friends
- Infant sleeper with legs, or T-shirt and a diaper for baby to wear homeFavorite pillow, breast feeding pillow
- Baby blanket **Infant car seat**