You have done everything you can to prepare for the arrival of your new baby. You have prepared the nursery or the baby’s space. You have gotten clothes, diapers, blankets and other baby essentials. But what about you? Here is a list of the essential items to include in your hospital back, as well as some extras. The most valuable advice? Pack your bag a few weeks before your due date. You never know when you will go into labor, and you will most likely not be focused enough to gather a comprehensive bag. You can add things like your toothbrush at the last minute, if need be.
Essentials for Labor:
– Insurance cards and any other necessary forms. Better yet, pre-register at your hospital, if available.
– Nightgown and robe, if desired. A hospital-issued gown will be offered, but if you want to use your own, most doctors will not object, as long as they are not obstructive. A warning, though: anything you are wearing during childbirth may be stained. Do not wear your favorites, unless you don’t mind losing them.
– Socks/slippers. Socks are good for cold feet, and slippers can be worn if you are able to walk around during early labor. Slippers will also come in handy after the birth.
– Lotion, massage oil or balls, or any other comfort aid that you can think of.
– Toiletries. You may want your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, etc., although if your labor is as intense as mine, you will not be concerned about your breath!
– Snacks for Dad or other people present. You will not be able to eat, however, the rest of the crew will be hungry.
– Camera right after birth. Some people like to have a video camera, while others do not. This is a personal choice.
– Address book and change/cell phone. You will want to announce your new addition, of course. Cell phones are more common, but remember that they are generally not allowed inside the hospital walls.
Essentials for Hospital Stay:
I had a vaginal birth. If you had a c-section, you may have additional items that you may want to include in your bag.
– Robe and nightgowns to change into after your long-awaited shower.
– Remaining toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc.
– Snacks. You will be fed 3 times a day, but most hospital food is lacking of nutrients and taste (alright- it sucks!). You will get hungry, and although snacks are usually available upon request, it is nice to have your favorites on hand.
– Nursing bra if nursing.
– Nursing pads. Even if you are not breastfeeding, you will have some leakage.
– Underwear. Sounds like an obvious addition, but be sure to bring comfortable underwear that can withstand the massive sanitary pads they give you after birth.
– Socks. Enough said there.
– Outfit to wear home from hospital. You will want something comfortable and loose. You will still be in maternity clothes, I hate to tell you, so don’t bring along your pre-pregnancy favorite!
– Any other comfort items. Pillow from home, nursing pillow, magazines, books, iPod, etc.
Essentials for Baby:
You will not really need much for the baby while in the hospital, as the nursery will provide all the essentials. Therefore, I will focus on what you will need for the trip home.
– Going home outfit. You will want something weather-appropriate (dress baby a little warmer than you would yourself), and comfy. This outfit will also need to include a hat and socks.
– Blanket. You may want to cover your baby up. A receiving blanket can be used if the temperature is warm.
– Car seat. This is very essential, as the hospital will not allow you to take the baby home without one. In my hospital, the nurse had to watch us strap our baby into the car to make sure it was done properly.
I have compiled what I feel are the essentials for your hospital bag. Use this list, along with your own common sense, to prepare your bag ahead of time to avoid forgetting things. This is especially important if you live far away from the hospital. I lived only 5 minutes away, so trips back-and-forth for Dad were not out of the question. This is such an exciting and memorable time. The most important thing to remember is to try not to stress-out too much about these details. The thing that really matters is enjoying this time. There is nothing like it in the world.
