Hey, all you seasoned moms out there! I have been scouring many baby websites in search of practical list of things to have in the "hospital bag." Below is a list I found at thenestbaby.com. Please leave feedback concerning whether or not everything is a "necessity." With baby coming sometime in the next 8 weeks, I would like to be prepared!
A tip for the thrifty: Ask your hospital what they provide for babies and mothers, and take those items off your list.
Must-Haves:
[ ] Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan
[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)
[ ] A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause
[ ] 2 maternity bras -- no underwire -- and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection)
[ ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)
[ ] Toiletries and personal items -- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)
[ ] Eyeglasses
[ ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips -- they’ll probably poke you)
[ ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)
[ ] Pen and paper
[ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)
[ ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones)
[ ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger
[ ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner
Take it or leave it:
[ ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)
[ ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)
[ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)
[ ] Hairdryer
[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)
[ ] A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)
[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)
[ ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one
[ ] Slippers that can get dirty
[ ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)
[ ] Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)
[ ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you'll use 'em…but feel free to prove us wrong!)
Leave Home:
[ ] Any clothes or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)
[ ] Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)
[ ] Adorable outfits for baby (the hospital provides the essentials, and infants are too tightly swaddled in blankets for a fashion show anyway)
What to Bring For Baby:
[ ] Approved car seat
[ ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)
[ ] Diapers (if the hospital doesn't provide)
Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie
4 years ago

1 comment:
What hospital are you going too? Most hospitals provide everything for the baby, diapers, little shirts (because the die on the umbilical cord gets on the clothes) wipes and things like that. You will need to take a going-home outfit and socks. I took my pillow, it was very comforting! Oh, and if you get hot, take a fan! Sometimes they don't have one or they are taken. Let me know when the grand life-changing event happens! And if you need anything or have a question let me know! I am no expert but I have asked a lot of questions and am very thankful for those mothers that have helped me!
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