Checklists: Prepare for Delivery

You have a lot to prepare for in advance of your delivery date.

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.
• Have your preferences for labor and delivery (fill out Your Plan for Childbirth PDF).
• Know day and night phone numbers for your health care provider's office and the labor and delivery unit.
• Have transportation to the hospital.
• Know where to go when you get to the hospital (including the after-hours entrance).
• Have arrangements made if you plan to donate your cord blood.

Supplies You'll Need for Your Newborn

• Infant car seat as required by law
• Breastfeeding supplies, such as a nursing bra and pads
• Baby bottles and nipples, even if you are planning to breastfeed
• Formula if you won't be breastfeeding
• Diapers, diaper pins, and diaper pail
• Changing table, cotton balls, wash cloths, mild soap, diaper rash ointment, hair brush, and thermometer
• Infant sleepers, T-shirts, and receiving blankets
• Sweater and a cap for your baby
• Crib sheets and blankets; your baby does not need a pillow
• Waterproof pads for crib or lap
• Crib, cradle, or bassinet

What to Pack for the Hospital

• Medical coverage information
• Gift for sibling(s) from the baby
• Support or nursing bra and breast pads
• Socks and slippers
• Lip balm
• Snacks for labor partner
• Music CDs that you would like to listen to during labor
• Loose fitting clothes to wear home
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush or comb
• Telephone numbers of family and friends
• Infant sleeper with legs (sacs or kimonos won't fit in the car seat), or T-shirt and a diaper for baby to wear home
• Baby blanket
• Infant car seat
• Camera

From the "Birth Day News" series.