It’s an exciting time in the pregnancy when you’ve reached the point that you need to know what to pack in your hospital bag. I always made a big deal out of packing my bag. It certainly pays to be well prepared for what will be one of the most exciting, memorable and important days of your entire life – the birth of your baby!
It’s important to pack the bag at least six weeks before your due date. Actually it would be okay to pack it even before then. With my third pregnancy, I had preterm labor that hit me at 30 weeks and when I went into the hospital I was not prepared. I didn’t have time to pack a bag, and didn’t know if my baby would be born then or not. Turns out I had a four night stay, with no bag, and thankfully my baby was born seven weeks later. Because I was on strict bed rest, I had to dictate to my husband what to pack in my bag. So, it pays to be prepared to pack the bag well in advance.
Here’s a list of what I like to bring, especially since I’ve been there four times now.
For Mommy:
- Slippers
- House coat or robe
- Hair care (shampoo, conditioner, blow dryer, hair spray, brush, etc.)
- Skin care (your favorite soap, powder, deodorant, etc.)
- Make-up
- Going home outfit – *It’s best to bring a maternity outfit or a very large loose regular outfit because you will still have a lot of the pregnancy weight and regular clothes probably will not fit just yet.
- Extra sanitary pads – *the hospital always provided me with enough, however I’ve heard of those that didn’t.
- Nursing bra if you plan on breastfeeding.
- Nursing pads – though you probably won’t need them yet.
- Camera
- Film
- Change for vending machines
- Music (CD’s, tapes, player, etc)
- List of phone numbers
- Calling card (cell phones aren’t usually allowed within the hospitals)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
For Baby:
- Going home outfit – (I always liked to bring a “Onesie” (a one-piece newborn outfit) in the summer and a footed sleeper in the winter because with newborns it’s hard to find actual outfits that fit correctly.)
- Receiving Blanket
- Diapers – (The hospital will provide some but you may need more.)
- Wipes – (Again the hospital will provide a few, but you may need more.)
- Burp Cloth for the trip home.
- Diaper rash medication (just in case)
- Bottle if you plan on bottle feeding
- Formula if you plan on bottle feeding (be sure to ask your baby’s doctor about which kind you should use.)
- Infant car seat like the Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base
For Daddy:
- A change of clothes (ie. If he stays with you)
- Money for meals and vending machines
- Camera
- Film
- Calling card
- Snacks for him to eat during labor
- Shaving kit
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
This list can be altered according to your desire and tastes. Be sure to tour your hospital and find out just what they offer you during labor and delivery as well as for the duration of your stay. You may find that you won’t need to pack certain items or you may prefer to add your own.