The Philadelphia Moms Delivery Bag Checklist

One of the moments you can never really “plan” is the arrival of your baby. Once your baby is ready to arrive, the first thought is grab your bag and head to the hospital. You can reach out to your Doctor and discuss what your hospitals provides for moms during your stay. There is no need to pack unnecessary items. As a Philadephia maternity and newborn photographer, moms and I share tips and ideas for the hospital bag.  I delivered both times at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. My nurses did an excellent job at mom care, but there were still those items from home that just add that extra touch. I suggest having your bag packed around 30 week marker. Some might say that is too late, some might say it’s too early. If you packed your bag ahead of time, you don’t blink about what is in the bag, you just grab it and go. Let’s look at the Philadelphia Moms Delivery Bag Checklist for your delivery from my moms, and myself that we found helpful for your newborn delivery hospital bag.

The Philadelphia Moms Delivery Bag Checklist

1. Camera!

Document, document document! I mean did you expect me – Your Philadelphia Maternity and Newborn photographer to have anything else as the top choice. Yes, you can use your phone, but if high quality images is your choice, grab your camera and don’t forget the battery charger and memory cards.

2. The Extension Cord

Unless you can find an extra long phone charger, just grab a small extension cord. Usually the hospitals has strange way of arranging the bed the furthest away from the outlets. Don’t forget to toss in your phone charger!!! I mean it is the main reason for needing the cord. You want the phone charged so you can snap away all the photos, and you will, of your beautiful new baby. I loved this cord because it has different adaptors for all chargers.  Now I keep in my car for all my charging needs.

3. What Mom will Wear

I was much more comfortable the second time around in a delivery gown as to compared to the hospital gown. I liked that they were more comfortable and more covering than the hospital gown. Bonus points… they are made for easy nursing as well. A nice pair of motherhood pyjamas are always a nice add or a nursing tank. If you are going to have visitors in and out of the room, a robe might be a good idea. Don’t make either of these something you would mind getting messy or even leaving at the hospital. Some mamas love having a good nursing bra with them. Something comfy, skip the underwire. You don’t need to spend a ton of money, I found some great maternity items at Gap.

Don’t forget some flip flops or slippers… nice cozy and non slip ones. Hospital floors are cold, and sometimes slippery.

4. Toiletries 

There is something comfy to me to have scents from home to add a touch of comfort to your stay. I know the nurses will bring you extra soaps or shampoos if needed, but having your own items that you use at home just add that touch. . I brought small travel size of my favorite shampoo and conditioner and body wash. Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes (always good to have) hairbrush, hair ties, and make up if you so wish. I did bring lip balm. I also suggest face cream, something about the hospital rooms and air… it always seems to dry me out. So pack that body lotion and face cream for that extra moisturiser. During labor this was a huge comfort to me. OH…. bring a big bath towel…. always more comfortable than the small hospital bath towels.

5. Snacks

I should mention water water water!!! It’s so important to drink water after childbirth. So pack those large bottles of water, the nurse will gladly bring you ice, and a cup to refill. But water is crucial! Don’t forget your favorite snacks. You can not eat before or during labor, some hospitals allow you to order out after delivering. It is a good idea to pack some snacks for Dad to have during labor. It might be a long day for him. Hospital snacks are not always the best for dads, and he might not want to wonder the hallways. I gave birth at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. My first immediate desire was to order Sushi after I gave birth both times. The hospital allowed me to order. But having extra snacks on hand while you wait, can helpful. Even to have snacks for down time.

6. Headed Home Outfits for Mom and Baby

Here’s one moms never think of; perhaps because we are thinking of the baby.  When adding items to your mom’s hospital bag checklist, don’t forget to add an outfit for you! Taking your little one home for the first car seat ride can be a little stressful for some. Keep in mind, that the straps must fit on baby snug. Do not dress your little one in something bulky, keep it simple and comfortable for them as well. If you give birth during the winter months, and it is cold, a blanket or a carrier cover is nice to have.

7. Breast Pump

If you are planning on breast feeding, reach out to your insurance company early. Many insurance companies offer a free breast pump as health care for moms. It is a good idea to bring it with you. Keep in mind, mom’s milk does not come in for up to 5 days after birth. But you can support your body by pumping colostrum. Did you know that you can rent those high powered pumps from CHOP?  You can!!

8. Glasses/contact lens

If you need these, I suggest you pack them in your bag. Just go ahead a plan ahead with a pair of extra contacts. That hospital room can be on the dryer side so add a travel size bottle of moisturizing eye drops.

9. Comfy Pillow

Some moms find bringing the nursing pillow helpful as they begin the journey of breast feeding. I remember struggling in the hospital with my first born. How do I hold the baby? What is most comfortable for baby? or me? With my second baby, I packed the nursing pillow and found so much more comfort with it. If you have an extra comfy sleeping pillow at home, I suggest packing that as well. Sometimes hospital pillows are thin, and not so comfy. If you need a nice fluffy pillow perhaps to hold during contractions or just to get some good sleep, just add it to the bag.

10. The Paper Work

Finally, don’t forget to bring your paperwork: ID card, insurance cards, along with any documents that are important to you. I like to stash these in a separate bag in side the bag, this way when they roll in the room with their little cart for your information you can grab it easily and it’s all together.

The Philadelphia Moms Delivery Bag Checklist

Now that have crossed off your mom hospital bag checklist for your delivery, leave it by the door for easy grab and go or you can leave it in the car. I hope you found The Philadelphia Moms Delivery Bag Checklist helpful as you start to pack your bag.  Don’t forget to leave me a note of something I missed that you just had to have.  I love sharing with moms all the helpful tips.

Your next item to cross off is to schedule your portrait session. Are you doing maternity portraits or just newborn portraits? Are you interested in Lifestyle or studio?  So many questions, as you Philadelphia Newborn photographer I am here to help you navigate through what you will cherish the most.   Want to learn more about maternity Photography, stop by for a quick read here: Philadelphia Maternity Photography.  Let’s connect and get you on my calendar for your newborn portraits.