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Having a baby can be stressful. The better prepared you are, the less stressed you will be when your beautiful bundle of joy arrives.
One thing you can do to prepare is a hospital bag in advance. I suggest making it around 36 weeks in case you go in unexpectedly early. I also suggest keeping the bag in the car, so that you will always have it wherever you go.
Here are 34 things you should pack in your hospital bag:
Birth Plan and Maternity Notes – These will help you communicate your wishes to the doctors and nurses.
Robe – You may want to wear a robe if you decide to walk around the hospital hallways.
Slippers – You may want something to slip into before you walk around the hospital.
Old Nightgown or T-Shirt – Giving birth is messy. You will want to wear something comfortable but that you mind getting stained or ruined.
Massage Oils or Lotions – You may want to get a massage during labor.
Birth Ball – These can really help during the labor process. If you choose to bring your own birthing ball, don’t forget to also bring a pump.
Lip Balm – Your lips can dry out quickly during labor.
Snacks and Drinks – Sports drinks and glucose tablets can keep you going during a long birth. Your partner will also want to eat and drink and if there are some available they won’t need to leave your side.
Pillows – The hospital may not have enough. A V-Shaped Pillow can also give you extra support when you are breastfeeding.
TENS Pain Relief Machine – These can give you pain relief without medication.
Music – Music can help you relax and make the whole birthing process more comfortable.
Water Spray Bottle or Hand-Held Fan – Giving birth will make you incredible hot.
Comfortable Shoes – Once you can wear shoes, you will want something comfortable as you walk around the halls or on your way home.
Change of Clothes – After giving birth, you will want to put something on clean and fresh.
Bendy Straws – These will help you drink while in labor.
Swimwear – If you are going to have a water birth, you may want a swimsuit.
Mobile Phone and Charger – A mobile phone can help you time your contractions.
Digital Camera or Camera Phone – You will want to take photos shortly after the birth and the first few moments of you two together.
Going Home Outfit – You will want comfortable and loose clothes to wear on the way home. It will also take some time for your stomach to go back to what it was before so you will still need to wear your maternity clothes once you get home.
Maternity Leave or Family Medical Leave Paperwork – You can complete and fax these papers at the hospital.
Nursing Bra – Bring a couple for the first few days.
Nursing Pads – You may want these the first days after giving birth.
Maternity Pads – You may want to bring a couple of packs.
Toiletries – Bring smaller bottles or travel size bottles to save space. You might sweat more after giving birth so don’t forget the deodorant. Also make sure you bring a towel, hair brush, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Old, Cheap or Disposable Underwear – Don’t bring your best ones as they will get messy. If you have a C-section you will want big cotton underwear so they won’t rub your wound.
Sleep Mask and Ear Plugs – Hospitals are hard places to sleep. An eye mask and earplugs may help you sleep in a brightly lit and noisy hospital ward.
Baby Outfits – You will want several outfits to keep your new baby warm the first few days.
Baby Blanket – You will want to swaddle your new infant in a baby blanket.
Diapers – Your newborn can use as many as 12 in a day.
Burp Cloths – You will need to clean up any baby spit up.
Socks – Hospitals can get a little chilly so you may want to put socks on your new baby.