Preparing for baby’s arrival
How to find a pediatrician
Expecting parents should select a pediatrician before the birth of a baby. If the baby is born within the health system, a pediatrician in the hospital will talk with you about when your newborn should be seen by their pediatrician, typically one to three days after being discharged from the hospital. They will assist with the scheduling of your baby’s first appointment.
To find and schedule any future appointments with a pediatrician, call 913-588-1227 or request an appointment online. As a reminder, if you are covered under the health system’s medical plan, selecting a health system pediatrician is the most affordable option of care for your family.
Hospital bag checklist
Start thinking about your packing list when you enter your third trimester and aim to have your bag packed about a month before your due date. Don’t forget to install the infant car seat a few weeks before baby’s anticipated arrival, too. If you need assistance, many local police and health departments offer services to install and inspect car seats. See a list of certified inspection locations on the National Highway and Transportation Safety (NHTSA) website.
For expecting partner
- Personal identification information, like a driver’s license
- Medical information
- Insurance information
- List of medications/allergies
- Birth plan
- Clothing items
- Personal hospital gown or pajamas
- Non-skid socks/slippers
- Shower shoes
- Change of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to wear home
- Undergarments
- Nursing/supportive bra
- Toiletries
- Personal shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair bands
- Lip balm
- Lotion
- Menstrual pads (the health system will provide this item)
- Breast pump/nursing supplies/nursing pillow
- Personal pillow and blanket
- Phone charger with a cord length of at least 10 feet
For baby
- Installed infant car seat
- Swaddle or receiving blanket
- Diapers and wipes (the health system will provide this item)
- Going home outfit
- Photo props
- Pacifier (we recommend you talk to your medical professional before introducing a pacifier)
For partner
- Insurance information and other important papers
- List of loved ones to notify
- Phone, charger, headphones, Bluetooth speaker
- Tablet with movies or shows downloaded
- Snacks for yourself
- Favorite snacks for after delivery
- Pillow and blanket
- Change of clothes
- All toiletries
- Shower shoes
- Consider a “push” present – a gift celebrating your partner and the hard work of labor
If you are delivering within the health system, newborn hospital photographers are available upon request to capture the first hours or days of your baby’s life. Pre-approved, patient-provided photographers are also welcome, in accordance with the health system’s visitors policy.
Health system location information and parking
If you are delivering at the 39th and Rainbow campus location, be prepared by knowing which entrance you will arrive at and where to park. Click here to view the available parking lots at The University of Kansas Health System.
If you deliver within the health system, many items that you need will be provided. If you deliver outside of the health system, please check with your hospital to see what they provide. In addition, if you are delivering at the Birth Center at Great Bend Campus, there are multiple surface lots surrounding the campus that are available for parking. If you have additional questions, please call 620-792-8833.
