Having a Baby
by NeatTick · Used 0 times
The to-do timeline before baby arrives, the hospital bag, and the diaper bag for the first outings.
This is a community template. Start a checklist to check items off or edit them.
Before Baby Arrives
Second trimester
- Choose a pediatrician
- Tour the hospital or birth center
- Sign up for a childbirth class
- Research and buy an infant car seat
- Check parental leave with your employer
By 34-36 weeks
- Pre-register at the hospital
- Install the car seat and have a certified technician check it
- Pack the hospital bag
- Plan the route, parking, and a backup driver
- Arrange care for older kids and pets
- Save the labor and delivery phone number
- Wash baby clothes and bedding
- Set up a safe sleep space (firm, flat, empty crib or bassinet)
- Stock up on diapers and wipes in a couple of sizes
- Prepare freezer meals
After baby arrives
- Add the baby to your health insurance (usually within 30 days)
- Complete the birth certificate and Social Security paperwork
- Schedule the first pediatrician visit
- Update beneficiaries and your will
Hospital Bag (Labor & Delivery)
Documents
- Photo ID and insurance card
- Hospital pre-registration paperwork
- Birth plan (a few copies)
- Pediatrician's name and phone number
For the birthing parent
- Robe and non-slip slippers or socks
- Nursing bras
- Loose going-home outfit (maternity size)
- Postpartum underwear
- Extra postpartum pads (the hospital provides some)
- Nipple cream
- Toiletries and lip balm
- Hair ties
- Glasses or contact lens supplies
- Your own pillow (in a colored pillowcase)
- Phone charger with a long cable
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle
For the support person
- Change of clothes and toiletries
- Snacks and drinks
- Their own phone charger
- Pillow and a light blanket
- Cash or card for parking and vending machines
For the baby
- Going-home outfit (newborn and 0-3 month sizes)
- Swaddle or receiving blanket for the ride home
- Weather-appropriate hat and layer
Diaper Bag
- Diapers (one per hour out, plus extras)
- Wipes
- Portable changing pad
- Diaper rash cream
- Disposable bags for dirty diapers
- Two changes of clothes for baby
- Burp cloths
- Pacifier and a spare
- Bottles, formula, or breast milk (as needed)
- Water for mixing formula
- Snacks and a spoon (for older babies)
- Light blanket
- Sun hat or warm hat
- Hand sanitizer
- Small toy or teether
- Infant fever reducer and dosing syringe (per your pediatrician)
- Spare shirt for you