If you're in your last trimester, congratulations, it's time to start thinking about what to bring to the hospital! It's a good idea to finish your packing process about four weeks before your due date in case your baby delivers early. Consider packing two bags—one for you, and one for your baby.
Mom's Bag:
Hospital paperwork. Your medical insurance information and any other paperwork the hospital requires.
Birth plan with several copies.
Toiletries. Toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shampoo, hair brush, small mirror, your purse, your own soap, some lotion, hair bands or barrettes.
Robe and PJs. Robe, slippers, socks, nightgowns. Make sure they're not your favorites because they may get dirty. The hospital will provide you with a gown but you can use your own if you prefer—remember to bring one that opens in the front if you’re planning on breastfeeding.
Some clothes. Bra, nursing bra, roomy underwear, shoes or flip flops. The hospital may provide you with mesh underwear and pads, but it they don’t, consider bringing your own.
Contacts. Some women prefer to wear their contacts while in the hospital. If you think you will, bring your lens case and solution with you. But bring your glasses in case your sleep-deprived self doesn't want to fuss with contacts.
Money. Credit card for expenses (maybe to pay the hospital photographer or to rent a pump) and change for the vending machine. Delivering a baby may make you hungry—and Dad will want to visit the hospital cafeteria at some point, too.
Phone and contact numbers. Put everyone's contact information in your phone so you're ready to send out the good news, along with a few pictures! Bring your phone charger too.
Camera/videocamera. Along with a digital camera comes all the accessories: memory card, case, cord/plugs, and batteries or recharger. Try to keep your camera and videocamera charged in advance to avoid the dreaded, "the battery's dead!" conversation at the worst time.
Relaxation and reading materials. This includes your music/books/tablet. If you're being induced, or labor isn't progressing quickly, you may want to read a bit to pass the time. My suggestion is to do it now—you won't have much time for it after your baby's born!
Snacks. The hospital may not have 24-hour food service, so bring some crackers and snacks to chase away the munchies after the delivery.
Labor aids. Tennis balls, a sock filled with rice, or other items that will help with the discomfort of labor.
Breastfeeding pillow. Having your own pillow will make it easier to position your baby for breastfeeding, especially if you’ve just had a C-section.
Going-home clothes for you. Unfortunately, you'll need to bring maternity clothes to wear home—probably the clothes you wore during the fifth or sixth month. Your body won't be back in its pre-baby shape for a while.
Bag for dad’s stuff. If dad’s staying overnight, he’ll need his clothes and toiletry items.
Baby's Bag:
Baby clothes for the hospital photographer. Know if you’re having a boy or girl? Then pack an outfit for baby’s first pictures. Leaving it as a surprise? Bring an outfit that’s appropriate for either gender, or bring two outfits.
Going-home clothes for the baby. Your baby will need a onesie and sleeper, a blanket, and depending on the weather, appropriate outerwear like a snowsuit and hat.
Extra bag. Hospitals often give new moms a lot of free goodies to take home.
Car seat. Most hospitals will not let you leave with your baby unless you have a car seat properly installed in your vehicle. If possible, buy a car seat ahead of time and install it in your car several weeks before your due date. Installing a car seat can be tricky the first few times that you try it, and you don’t want to be struggling to put a seat in on the day you’re leaving the hospital.
