The days and months of my pregnancy are continuing to fly by. It’s hard to believe that today I’m starting my 36th week, just a little over one month left to go. So, now that we are in the homestretch, friends, family members, and even my doctor have suggested that I go ahead and start getting things together for the trip to the hospital. It’s hard to know where to start, especially with this being our first baby. But I have complied a list from materials I have read and input from other savvy moms with much more experience in this sort of thing. With lots of help, here’s what we’ve come up with: (Click here for PDF version that you can download for your own printable checklist)
For Baby
- Outfit to come home in
- Socks
- Hat
- Blanket
- Nail clippers and file (some hospitals don’t provide these for liability reasons)
- Properly installed car seat
- Nursing pillow (leave this in the car to save room until you are ready to use it)
- Minimal diapers and wipes (hospital will provide, but nice to have a few on hand for the trip home just in case)
For Mom
- Identification, insurance card, and any preregistration paperwork
- OB-GYN and pediatrician information
- Brush/comb
- Hair ties/headband
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Antacids
- Face wash and makeup
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Mints
- Cotton Swabs
- Socks
- Slippers or flip flops
- Robe
- Glasses
- Pillow
- Nursing tops, bras, pads, and cream
- Comfortable clothes for the trip home
- Undergarments and sanitary pads
- Bracelet to help remember side for nursing (or some other easy to move item to remind you which side you left off on last)
- Music and any items to help you relax
For Partner
- Snacks
- Camera/video recorder with chargers, extra batteries, and memory cards
- Cell phones with chargers
- Pillow
- Extra change of clothes
- Baby book for foot prints
- Contact list for friends and family
- Change for snack machine
- Laptop or tablet
What have we forgotten? Is there anything you’d add to the list, or anything you would suggest leaving at home for that matter? Thankfully, I still have some time to do final preparations; so feel free to please let me know what were the must-haves for your hospital bag.
What to Pack for the Hospital in Preparation for Labor and Delivery (Downloadable PDF)
Sources: BabyCenter.com and WhatToExpect.com
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