Hospital Packing List

I know that as a type A kind of mom that having a bag packed and waiting to take with me to the hospital was of utmost importance.  I had it packed several weeks before my due date and I checked it weekly to make sure I wasn't missing anything.  Then I checked it again and threw in last minute items once I finally was in labor! So what DOES a type a mom pack to take to the hospital to have a baby?  Two bags full of stuff, one for mom and one for the new babe!  Read on to see what you should pack so you're ready for the hospital!

I started my lists several months before my due date, and kept them right on top of both bags in the nursery for easy reference.  

BABY  

First I packed the baby's bag, since I wouldn't need any of the items in the meantime!  You would think a newborn wouldn't need much, but it's so nice to be prepared!

First I packed all the little essentials, some nail clippers and some rash cream.  Then there are the clothes, including a going home outfit. For the going home outfit you have to decide if you want a gender neutral outfit or if you know the sex of the baby you may be choosing a boy or girl outfit.  I always packed at least two sizes of outfits, a true newborn/preemie sized outfit and a 0-3 month sized outfit. The 0-3 month size fit my 9.5 pound baby no problem, so you certainly shouldn't need any bigger sizes!

Next I packed a hat, socks, mittens, undershirts, one extra sleeper and some of my cloth diapers.  And of course you need to make sure you have a carseat ready to bring the baby home in.

Summary of Baby Items

• Nail clippers
• Rash cream
• Going home outfit(s)
• Extra sleeper/outfit
• Hat
• Undershirt or onesie
• Socks
• Mittens
• Diapers
• Infant car seat
• Blanket(s) 

MOM

To be honest I didn't pack a lot of items for use in labor, because my goal was to do my laboring at home as much as possible.  Still you may want to labor aides such as calming music, a tennis ball for massaging the lower back during contractions and some hard candies to suck on.  What I did pack for myself was a going home outfit (loose and comfy - your body isn't back to normal yet), pads, nursing bra, slippers and extra socks and a warm housecoat.  I did NOT bring my own nightgowns, as I prefer to use the hospital ones, post-labor is a messy time and I had no desire to get blood or other stuff on my own pj's! 

Also I made sure to have my own toiletries, change for snacks and my cellphone and charger. Some hospitals don't allow cellphone use, but mine didn't mind them in the maternity unit.

Summary of Mom Items

• Labor aides if needed
• Going home outfit
• Nursing bra
• Extra socks
• Slippers
• Housecoat Toiletries
• Pads
• Cell phone

MISCELLANEOUS There are a few other essential items to bring with you to the hospital.  For sure you will want a camera and maybe a camcorder.  You may want to bring a list of numbers for people you want to contact after the delivery, especially if your husband/partner is making the calls and doesn't know all the numbers.  You may be in no shape to help him out. 

Something I usually forgot to bring, but that is a great idea, are some snacks.  Within an hour of giving birth I was usually starving and who knows what you can get from the hospital, especially depending on the time.  My husband had to run to Tim Horton's and get some muffins and coffee for us, but having a few snacks packed is a wonderful idea.  In the same vein, I highly recommend you bring a big water bottle.  Often a woman is very thirsty after birth, as labour can drain you of fluids, and a big water bottle means you don't have to get out of bed so often to get a drink!

Summary of Miscellaneous Items

• Camera
• Camcorder
• List of phone numbers
• Snacks
• Water bottle

If you are a little obsessive, like me, you will feel somewhat reassured having your list ready and most of your necessities packed and ready to go at least one month before your due date.  Once you are in labor you likely will have time to add last-minute items, but remember - you can always have your partner or a friend retrieve forgotten items! Best of luck in your delivery and enjoy bringing your new baby home!

Laurie Mapp is a mom of 3 boys who works from home as a virtual assistant.  She loves blogging and Twittering when she has time!  You may want to check out these articles also by Laurie:

• Shorter Labor

• Babyproofing for Crawlers