Don't wait until the first contractions hit to start gathering your stuff to go to the hospital. Have a packed bag ready and waiting to go by the door. You'll want to be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
Correct IDs
- Health insurance card
- Photo ID or driver's license
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair brush
- Hair band or clip
- Glasses case or contact lens necessities (the hospital may not allow you to wear contacts during labor)
- Skin lotion
- Lip balm
- Sanitary pads (in case you don't like the ones at the hospital)
Clothes
- 2 sets of comfortable, loose fitting clothes, like T-shirts and sweat pants to wear in the hospital
- Clothes to wear home -- loose and comfy
- Pajamas or a nightgown (choose ones that open down the front if you plan on nursing)
- Socks and slippers
- Robe
- 2-3 pairs of underwear
- At least 2 nursing bras
- 12 nursing pads
For Your New Baby
- 1 set of clothes 0-3 months for baby to wear home
- 1 hat, 1 pair of socks, and 1 pair of booties
- 1 or 2 receiving blankets
- Newborn diapers (the hospital may provide these)
- Car seat
Your Partner’s Bag
- 2-3 changes of clothes
- Pajamas if your partner is spending the night
- Socks
- Slippers
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Glasses case or contact lens necessities
Electronics
- Handheld massager or tennis ball to give you a back massage
- Camera and camcorder with chargers, extra batteries, memory cards, film
- Cell phone and charger
- iPod or CD player and CDs
Necessities & Niceties
- Snacks
- Money for meals
- Phone numbers of people to call
- Magazines, crossword puzzles, or a book
- Tablet or laptop computer